Mother Shares What It's Like Taking Care Of 7-Year-Old Son With Brittle Bones
The mother said a sudden jerk or startle is enough to inflict a fracture on her son's brittle bones.
By Deborah Chan — 07 Feb 2023, 02:36 PM
Diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, Muhammad Raihan Jamaluddin has broken over 50 bones in his life even though he is only seven years old
Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, is a genetic bone disorder that results in soft bones that are prone to fractures and other abnormalities.
According to New Straits Times, Raihan lives in Kuala Terengganu and has suffered from this condition since birth. His mother, Norhayati Tiimat, said that a fracture would occur every few months, affecting either his arm, hip, or shoulder bones.
"He had his first broken bone when he was 40 days old. At the time, I panicked as he was so young," the single parent told the English daily.
"The last time he broke a bone was in January. Each time, I would bring him to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ) for treatment."
Widowed at 36 years old, Norhayati became the sole breadwinner, working as a cobbler to keep the family of two afloat
According to Harian Metro, Norhayati said that her son is too fragile to attend school like other kids. Therefore, he spends his days within her reach at her workshop, where she sews shoes to make a living.
"I'm fortunate that I'm able to work as a cobbler. At least he is in front of me all the time," she said.
She added that her son can communicate normally, and yells in pain whenever a fracture occurs.
"However, I was told there is no cure for his. I have to treat him like a baby. He cannot eat or drink on his own, and is unable to walk," she told Harian Metro.
She said his bones are so brittle, they can break if he were to bump into something, mentioning that she has tried seeking traditional treatment to help her son, but to no avail.
The mother is currently in a dilemma regarding her son's education after a visit from the Social Welfare Department (JKM)
She said the department recently visited them to check on their condition, and advised her to send her son to school like any normal child.
However, she is worried that her son may end up with more injuries if he is not under her supervision at all times.
