Sanika Hussain endures 5 years treatment to make her taller

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Sanika Hussain was diagnosed with hypochondroplasia at the age of 19
The form of short-limbed dwarfism affects around 200 people worldwide
Cruel taunts from bullies drove her to painful leg-lengthening surgery
Both legs were broken, metals rods inserted and braces attached
Painful procedure means her height has increased from 4ft 5ins to 4ft 8ins

Published: 06:27 EST, 11 August 2015 | Updated: 07:00 EST, 11 August 2015

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Sanika Hussain, 25, has endured a series of painful operations over a five-year-period to add three-and-a-half inches to her height

For years she has endured cruel taunts from bullies.

Standing at just under 4ft 5ins Sanika Hussain was labelled a 'freak'.

But it wasn't until she reached 19 that doctors diagnosed her with a form of dwarfism - hypochondroplasia.

Desperate to be like her peers, the now 25-year-old put herself through five years of agonising medical procedures to add three-and-a-half inches to her height.

Both her legs were broken, metal rods inserted, and braces fixed to stretch her legs.

She was forced to lie on her back for three years, while her bones recovered.

But despite the pain she's endured, Miss Hussain said the extra inches mean the difference between hating herself and feeling confident.

Now measuring 4ft 8ins, Miss Hussain, said: 'I finally feel comfortable in my own skin.

'Although three-and-a-half inches may not sound like much, for me it was the difference between standing out and fitting in - between hating myself and feeling confident.

'Growing up, bullies used to shout "dwarf" and "freak" at me and over time I believed them.

'But now, with my longer legs, I don't see myself as a "freak" - I'm simply a petite woman.'

Miss Hussain, who is from Bradford, West Yorkshire, said growing up she knew she was 'different', though it wasn't until she was 19 that she was diagnosed with hypochondroplasia - a form of short limb dwarfism.

'I was clearly shorter than other children my age,' she said. 'I would dread going into school because other children would push me around.

'The other children would call me names all the time. Other girls in my class were growing taller, while I stuck out like a sore thumb at 4ft 5ins.

'Everyone would call me "mini-me".

'It tore away my self-esteem.

'All I wanted was to be developing into a young woman and to have friends and a boyfriend like other girls my age. Instead, I felt completely depressed.'

When discussing her options with the consultant at Leeds General Infirmary, Miss Hussain was told she could be eligible for £8,000 leg-lengthening surgery on the NHS, which could add inches to her height.

She said: 'He explained my legs would have to be broken and pieces of metal would be inserted into my shins to add the extra inches.

WHAT IS HYPOCHRONDROPLASIA?

Hypochrondroplasia is a form of short-limbed dwarfism.

The condition affects the conversion of cartilage into bone - a process called ossification, particularly in the arms and legs.

All sufferers have a short stature, the adult height for men ranges from 4ft 6ins to 5ft 5ins, and for adult women from 4ft 2ins to 4ft 11ins.

People with the condition have short arms and legs and broad, short hands and feet.

Other characteristic features include a large head, limited range of motion at the elbows and bowed legs.

Often these signs of the condition are not obvious until mid-childhood.

The condition is rare, with only around 200 people worldwide have been diagnosed with hypochrondroplasia.

'Apparently, similar surgery is normally used by people who have had their limbs damaged in an accident, like a car crash.

'He warned me it would be extremely painful, but told me it could add an extra three or four inches to my height - I knew I had to do it.'

It was another 12 months before the operation took place while Miss Hussain underwent blood tests in preparation.

In November 2010 the eight-hour surgery took place at Leeds General Infirmary, where metal rods were inserted into each leg to add the extra inches.

A metal brace was fitted to each leg, and attached with screws to ensure the pins in her legs did not snap.

She was also fitted with a cast and given a walking frame to help her balance.

But one year after the operation she suffered a crushing setback, when she bent down to let her cat out and her right leg snapped.

Miss Hussain said: 'It sent me right back to square one.

'After getting through a year of recovery, it was a real blow to be fitted with a new brace.

Miss Hussain was diagnosed with hypochondroplasia - a form of short limb dwarfism - when she was 19. As a child she endured cruel taunts from bullies who branded her a 'freak'

In 2010 she was given the go-ahead to have a leg lengthening procedure, which involved breaking both her legs, fixing metal rods and braces. The surgery, which has left her legs covered in scars, has means her height has increased from 4ft 5ins to 4ft 8ins

Miss Hussain said: 'I finally feel comfortable in my own skin. Although three-and-a-half inches may not sound like much, for me it was the difference between standing out and fitting in - between hating myself and feeling confident. Now, with my longer legs, I don't see myself as a "freak" - I'm simply a petite woman'

'The pain was horrendous, but I was also scared and alone. I was virtually bed bound and barely left my house for a year.

'While other women in their twenties were out dating and earning a living, I couldn't even walk without help.'

Although three-and-a-half inches may not sound like much, for me it was the difference between standing out and fitting in - between hating myself and feeling confident

Sanika Hussain

In spite of the blow, the 25-year-old refused to give up her dream, and the brace on her left leg was removed in April 2014.

Miss Hussain had the final support removed this May, but it took a further six weeks until she could walk unaided.

She said: 'It felt amazing to be free of the braces. Finally I looked like any other woman.

'Before the surgery I would never have dreamt of speaking to a man - I'd never felt attractive or confident enough to put myself out there. Now, I'm ready to try online dating.

'This is the best thing that has ever happened to me, even if I do still have to be quite careful.

'But I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

'The last few years have been torture - but it was worth it. One day, I may even be able to wear high heels.'