OsteogenesisImperfecta_Maino

Osteogenesis Imperfecta __What it is:__ Disorder in which bones break easily Nicknamed "brittle boned disease" __Inheritance:__ Inherited on dominant allele __Symptoms:__ Vary from patient to patient Bones fracture easier Hearing loss Tendency to bruise body easily __Treatments:__ Not yet a cure for OI Care for fractures, surgical and dental processes are recommended Use of wheelchairs, braces, and other mobility aids Encouraged to exercise to strengthen bones and muscles __Notable people:__ Julie Fernandez: told that she was only going to live to age two Actor Atticus Shaffer British actor/author Nabil Shaban __Bibliography:__ [] [] []

From the Journal of Nelson Van Dooren: The recovered files from the fire March 6th, 2004: My name is Nelson Van Dooren, and I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta. My mother gave me a journal for my 14th birthday, so I decided to start using it. I live with my parents and my little brother, Ben. I am the only person in my house who has this terrible disorder, causing many bad things to happen to me. I've had many injuries since I was born since OI is genetic, and my parents were even told that I was only going to live to be four! Luckily, they were wrong and I am already 14 years old! For instance, when I was only three-years-old, I tripped going down the stairs to the kitchen, and when I was taken to the hospital, the doctor said that I needed to be in a full body cast for three months due to my condition!

April 24th, 2004: I fell off of our couch and now have a contusion in my foot. Luckily, I can still write these diaries, but it hurts to move. Sooner or later, they are going to have to put me in another full body cast. I sure don't hope so! Last time, I couldn't move at all or go to the bathroom. That was a very agonizing three months. I heard that there are many ways to prevent bones from breaking, but every time that I try, I injure myself again! It sure is hard being a kid with Oseteogenesis Imperfecta!

May 10th, 2004: I injured myself again, breaking my dominant arm. I asked mother to start writing my journals, since I am unable to write. I am asking if he can prescribe me a type of medicine to help my bones. So far, all that I was told was that there was not yet a cure found, but he will help me in any way that he can. I know that my grandfather also has OI, and used to exercise every day to strengthen his bones. I may try that sooner or later, after I get my cast off.

May 27th, 2004: I am supposed to get my cast off in a couple of weeks, I cannot wait! My doctor also told me that he knows a pharmacist who has created a medicine that builds strong bones, and that he is willing to prescribe me it to see if it helps. I sure hope that it does EXACTLY what he says it does! It is very irritating for me to keep getting a cast on right after I get one off. I've also heard of people with my same exact disorder using metal rods to help balance the bones so that it is not as easy to fall down. I may try that, too, but I don't know yet. There are many ways that I learned to prevent OI, but as of right now, I'm too overwhelmed by all of the different ways!

June 8th: I finally got my cast off and I am able-bodied again! Now I can write in my journal without any sharp pains, AT ALL! I feel like I can do anything now, without a care in the world about it going wrong.The pharmacist decided to give me the medicine that is supposed to help my bones become stronger, and so far it is working! I am also exercising everyday, and wearing the metal rods to help support my legs. I feel like a regular person now, and I can do all of the same things as Ben! We even had a competition to test my new strength, and I won without breaking or bruising anything! I started to use the metal rods to help with my legs and arms, but after a while, I figured out that I didn't need them. Even though I feel a lot better now, I fall asleep every night worrying that