As a disabled artist living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), also known as Brittle Bone Disease, I’ve learned to adapt to the challenges that come with living in a body that feels every shift in the weather. Days like today in New Orleans—75 degrees, full sun, and a refreshing breeze—are bittersweet. While I enjoy the cooler air and the vibrant energy of fall, the season brings changes in barometric pressure that can wreak havoc on my body.
The Connection Between Weather and Chronic Pain
For those of us with chronic diseases like OI, changes in barometric pressure can feel like an invisible force pressing against us. If you live with arthritis, bone pain, or have metal hardware in your body, you might notice your discomfort spikes when the weather shifts. For me, these changes often lead to fractures—sometimes for no apparent reason.
Two weeks ago, I broke a lower rib in my sleep. While that sounds alarming, it’s not unusual for someone with OI. My body seems to know when a fracture is coming, almost as if it’s predicting the weather. There’s a unique sensation that precedes a break, tied to the shifting pressure in the atmosphere. It’s my personal barometer, though I’d gladly trade it for a standard weather app!
Navigating Life with Brittle Bone Disease
Living with OI means constantly balancing the challenges of bone pain and fractures with the joys of everyday life. During transitional seasons like fall and spring, I experience an uptick in fractures caused by seemingly harmless actions—like sneezing or coughing. While it’s frustrating, I’ve found ways to cope and even embrace the upsides of this time of year.
- Cooler weather allows me to work outdoors.
- The vibrant fall atmosphere inspires my art, motivating me to create pieces that reflect the beauty and change around me.
- Outdoor festivals and concerts (weather permitting!) provide a chance to connect with the community and recharge my spirit.
Motivation Through Challenges
Despite the pain and unpredictability of living with OI, I’ve learned to focus on the positives. Being a disabled artist has taught me resilience and the importance of finding beauty in every season, even when my body feels out of sync with the world around me.
If you’re living with chronic disease or managing persistent bone pain, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to acknowledge the difficulties while seeking out moments of joy and motivation. For me, those moments often come in the form of a cool breeze, the laughter of my dogs, or the satisfaction of finishing a new piece of artwork.
Embracing Art and Disability
Art has been my outlet, a way to process the challenges of Osteogenesis Imperfecta and turn them into something meaningful. Whether it’s painting a scene inspired by fall’s vibrant colors or crafting a piece that reflects the strength it takes to live with brittle bones, I find purpose in creating.
As the seasons shift, so does my perspective. While weather changes may bring pain, they also bring opportunities to adapt, grow, and find motivation in unexpected places.