Is it normal that i hide my disease from people?

76% Normal
7 Comments

I am 19 years old and I have a rare disease called the fibrous dysplasia in my right femur bone. In short, in this disease my hard thigh bone tissues are replaced by soft bone tissues so there are lots of chances to get my leg fractured. Last year in december I had an operation coz I got a tiny bone fracture. My doctor supported my bone with a few plates and nails and so within a few weeks I was able to walk with a walker then later on with a stick andnnow finally with my legs (but not too much). Now the real problem is that I dont actually tell anyone what is actually wrong with me. I started my university and told my new friends that i got the fracture by falling from a bicycle.All my life I have limped a little becoz the fibrous dysplasia bone is an inch short. But if I cat walk the limping isnt noticible but it makes me really fatigued. So sometimes when I get really tired I start to limp. People ask me wats wrong and why am I limping and I just make an excuse that I got a muscle pull or something from yesterdays exercise..,
Where I live people are really narrow minded. They dont get the fact that it is a genetic disease.
ill shift into the university hostel soon and I have to tell my friends about it coz we have to share rooms and i cant cat walk all the time(lol)... but i dont want them to know....I know that if I tell strangers about my disease they will look at me like im a defected person. I dont want people to talk to me like im different. I dont want them to judge me for my disease... I dont want them to feel pity... I dont want them to look at me like im an alien from outer space.... thanks for reading the entire entry... :) xoxo

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76% Normal
Based on 34 votes (26 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • disthing
    9 years ago

    I've heard of that condition, but had no idea it could be localised to just one bone.

    Anyway, I say you should just be up front about it. Mention it in casual conversation where it seems appropriate, "Ah I can't. I've got this dumb condition with my leg, means it's prone to breaking. Usually it's no problem but sometimes it gets in the way of me doing stuff."

    The people worth bonding with won't mind, or will take an interest without treating you like a circus freak. That way, friends you make will be able to sympathise and understand your situation better, and offer support if needed. Isn't it better that their curiosity is satisfied, rather than everybody talking about your mysterious limp and constant injuries and excuses behind your back?

    Be open and up front :)

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  • Karmasbitch
    9 years ago

    It is very common for those suffering from a disability , to try to hide the disability from the people around them. It can cause unwanted attention/pitty when it is out in the open at times. I understand it completely. good luck!

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  • Parky_Parker
    9 years ago

    Be open about it with your friends. Doesn't make you less of a person whether your legs work perfectly or you're wheelchair bound. A person is a person. A friend is a friend.

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  • handsignals
    9 years ago

    I don't think it's the sort of disease were people would look at you any different. I think you should tell people though, that way they will understand why you can't fully participate in certain activities.

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  • TheArBuilder
    9 years ago

    Normal
    But you shouldn't hide it

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  • Avi
    9 years ago

    Yes,it's normal to hide it,but not healty.I've heard of this condition.Glass-bones (that was the name I knew)

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  • Avant-Garde
    9 years ago

    I've heard of your condition, but I always thought that it effected the whole body, not one area. You are very lucky in that regard. Are there any student disability/health services that can help you and give you support. Do they have special housing for people with health conditions?

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