Having Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or Brittle Bone Disease, certainly poses some unique problems for those of us with short limbs and limited mobility. Here are ten gadgets/adaptive technological advances that help actual people with OI as well as other disabilities. 1. Wheelchairs: This one is pretty obvious, but most of us with the more severe forms of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Types 3/4) use electric wheelchairs for mobility. Most of us use one of Permobil's models because they are technologically the most advanced and e[...]
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osteogenesis imperfecta
Because I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or Brittle Bone Disease, it's extremely important that I use a wheelchair that is not only stable but supports my crooked body in all the right places so that I don't break a bone if I hit a bump. My body is not standard. I have bends in all the wrong places, so my seating system has to be completely custom to be comfortable and effective. I have to be physically able to reach the controls and push all the buttons. It's important that every detail of my chair is tailored to my need[...]
Meet Lexie, my 7-ish year old sheltie/border collie mix and trained service dog. We rescued Lexie about five years ago from the Gulf Coast Sheltie Rescue in Pensacola. She had been found five months prior running on the interstate with a child's leash attached to her, had heartworms, and knew absolutely NO manners or obedience. Though we did not want a puppy, we basically got one in adult form. She barely even knew her name. Originally, I wanted to get Lexie into competitive dog agility. It turned out that Lexie was p[...]
What is the first place you think of when you think of taking a summer vacation? I bet more than half of you instantly thought, THE BEACH of course! There's something about that beautiful blue water, the ocean waves, white sand, and sun that just lures people in. Kids love to run in the surf, build sandcastles and maybe throw a ball around while their parents love the relaxing sound of the ocean, a shady canopy, and maybe an adult beverage or two. Even the dog loves to play in the sand and the surf. There is something for ev[...]
Do you suddenly find yourself depending on others for basic necessities? It's hard, isn't it? When people meet me, they often say things like, "Wow, you break that easily? You're in pain all the time? That must be so hard. I can't even imagine that." The truth is, yes, there are days where it can be difficult just to breathe and the pain factor really sucks, but most of the time I have an underlying pain that I've adapted to over the years. Sometimes physical pain makes it hard to be me, but doesn't everyone have somet[...]
Today on Looking Up, I'd like to introduce you to a TRUE entrepreneur, Jane Hash, who just so happens to have Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type III like me. An activist, business owner, volunteer, podcaster, nutritionist, and blogger herself, Jane has truly done it all. Let's get started! Hey Jane! First, I want to start off with what exactly you DO...or maybe what you DON'T DO would be the shorter list! When someone asks you what you "do," how do you answer them? Thank you for asking that question because it’s someth[...]
Katherine, your real gift is in art and painting. Why don't you do that full-time? You would make a fortune! First, no I wouldn't, trust me. Ever heard the expression "starving artist?" Well, there's a reason for that! Very few artists make a real living from their art. Most of them have a "day job" or have some other source of income to supplement. In most cases, except for maybe the lucky few like George Rodrigue, if an artist's work is going to become truly valuable, it's not until after they've died. I mean, what is the[...]
When I was little (in the younger sense as I am still little in the physical sense), I drove my parents absolutely bonkers. Because I didn't have to learn to crawl or walk, I learned to talk very quickly, and was speaking in full sentences at ten months old. Ordering people around came as a natural skill, and I was bored all the time. That got a bit better when my mother insisted that my doctor help us get my first motorized wheelchair when I was two, but when I didn't have something to keep me occupied, I got cranky. Eve[...]
Here's your laugh for the day. About a year ago, I caught a really nasty cold. When I get sick, I tend to break ribs and collarbones from coughing hard or sneezing repeatedly. Right as I was getting sick, my friend and I went to a Florida Georgia Line concert here in New Orleans. Now, yes, maybe I shouldn't have gone since I was already starting to not feel well, but if you've ever been to one of their shows, you understand why it was worth it! Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett and Frankie Ballard put on one heck of a show[...]
"Mommy, it talks!" (six year old after I politely told her hi when I caught her staring at me) "How did you get that way?" (Uhh... Depends on what you believe?) "Does it hurt to break a bone?" (What do you think? How about I run over your toes with this 400 lb wheelchair and we'll see how you feel.) "It's eating chicken wings all by itself!" (Exclaimed by an old lady to an entire food court in a mall.) "What a cute baby!" (Dude, I'm pretty sure I could teach you curse words you never knew existed. Can your[...]