Being sick just sucks, right? As someone living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)—commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease—even a seemingly minor cold can become a significant health challenge. For me, illnesses like colds or the flu often turn into a battle for my health, especially when they threaten my compromised respiratory system.
How Colds Escalate with Osteogenesis Imperfecta
OI not only affects my bones but also impacts my ribcage and lung development, leaving my lungs unable to expand fully. When I catch a cold, the resulting mucus buildup can quickly lead to serious complications like pneumonia. Over the years, I’ve had pneumonia several times, and while most cases were manageable at home, a few required hospitalization when my oxygen saturation plummeted dangerously low.
For those unfamiliar, pneumonia often requires relentless coughing to clear mucus from the lungs—a simple task for most but a painful ordeal for someone with OI. Hard coughing can break my ribs or collarbones, causing extreme bone pain and making breathing even more difficult. This vicious cycle of pain and illness is one of the unique challenges of living with a chronic disease like OI.
Preventing Illness and Managing Symptoms
Given the risks, prevention is my primary defense. Here’s how I manage to stay ahead of illnesses:
- Natural Remedies and Supplements: At the first sign of a cold, I turn to remedies like Zicam (zinc supplements) and herbal immune boosters. I also use oregano oil pearls for their anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
- Early Intervention: If symptoms persist, I don’t hesitate to start antibiotics, starting with milder options and escalating to stronger ones if necessary.
- Avoiding Triggers: Before venturing into crowded places, I prepare by boosting my immune system with supplements, ensuring I’m better equipped to fend off potential infections.
The Cost of Being Sick and Coughing
When illness does strike, managing symptoms is a delicate balance. Coughing, a crucial mechanism for clearing mucus, often results in broken ribs due to the fragility of my bones. The pain makes it difficult to continue coughing, which in turn worsens the pneumonia. To counter this, I rely on:
- Pain Management: While over-the-counter medications help, managing pain while coughing is one of the most challenging aspects of my care routine.
- In-Home Equipment: With experience, my family and I have equipped our home with tools to start early treatments, avoiding hospital visits when possible.
The Importance of Motivation When You’re Sick
Living with OI requires constant adaptability and resilience. Each illness reminds me of the importance of taking proactive steps and maintaining a positive outlook despite the physical and emotional toll. As a disabled artist, my art gives me purpose and motivation, helping me channel my energy into creativity even when my body feels fragile.
Moving Forward
Catching a cold or the flu is never just a minor inconvenience for those of us with chronic diseases like OI. It’s a reminder of the fragility of our bodies and the strength of our spirits. While I hope to avoid future illnesses, I’m grateful for the strategies and support systems that help me navigate these challenges.
Here’s to staying strong, staying proactive, and continuing to find motivation in art, even amidst life’s toughest battles.