Brittle Bone Diagnosis
What is Brittle Bone? Brittle bone disease is a lifelong genetic disorder that causes bones to break easily, usually without any injury, as from a fall.
How did my life change? I was placed in strict and limited activities. I also learned to protect myself from bumps and bruises, especially falling hard, landing hard, or any activities requiring bone strength.
I started my childhood journey with barely any sickness. I usually only got the occasional cold, which I could count on my fingers. I was active in bowling, kickboxing, and jogging during those younger years.
I continued a whole life of activities until one of my doctors revealed I had chronic pain caused by a neck herniated disc, which also stirred the chronic pain. I downed many pain medications to relieve the pain, but none worked. That’s when I discovered how drugs and excessive use could push someone to addiction.
As I moved to this trail, I avoided relying on it. By the time I turned 29, I had had enough. I sought a specialist for my neck headaches, which I was sure weren’t migraines. My doctor discovered that my neck had a herniated disc pressing on a nerve. He recommended surgery, but I was hesitant because I had heard stories of life-changing outcomes of those surgeries.
I was sure to consult with four specialists in France, England, and elsewhere to make sure that there was no other option than to have the surgery. My case was not just brittle bones; it was a factor for herniated disc fusion that needed to be braced to function normally, which caused chronic pain.
I decided to go for it and had the surgery. My doctor promised me that I would be relieved of this mind-blowing headache. While I continue not being 100% cured and not pain-free, but a manageable pain, and he was right about that.
I won’t bore you with my recovery and hospital experience details. It is now a footnote in my life journey. The surgery was successful, and I was free from the daily pain. The recovery process was long and involved physical therapy and much rest. I was determined to stay active, with lots of limitations. I even changed my diet to a more healthier one.
I took 6 months off from work, having worked part-time for one year. I was grateful to my boss for understanding my situation and helping me recover without worrying about losing my job. And to my husband, who catered hand and foot until today. Now, I am more aware of my posture and try to sit, stand better, and keep my neck and spine in good condition.
The tale isn’t over yet; this is just the start of my path to my health journey.