- Fibrous Dysplasia
- Interviews
Hisham Bahrin's interview
How did all start?
Multiple femur fractures before puberty.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Diagnosed as FD when I was 16, 7 years after I first had it. I have polyostotic FD and also the McCune Albright Syndrome. Both legs are affected and a bit of my face/head.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Orthopedic.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
My wheelchair, which I started using for the past 18 months. I am no longer on painkillers.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Mobility, which impedes my movement. Lack of accessibility in most places in my country.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
This is a difficult issue for me. Family used to treat me as if I was an outcast. Unwanted. But things have slowly started to change. My wife is my rock. My office is amazing - everyone has been very helpful.
What things have you stopped doing?
Taking large dose of painkillers.
What do you think about the future?
I am very positive about the future. Things are looking more positive.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The past few years of my life. I have been able to excel as a corporate lawyer, became a corporate law speaker and travel a lot overseas.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would most probably indulge myself in sports - I want to run and feel the air on my face. I have almost no memory left about me running and I am quite sad that even this memory is fading.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I have a difficult life, but I am thankful because these difficulties made me realize how strong I really am.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Don't ever give up. It is OK to be down and sad but hang in there. Life is not so bad after all. Learn to be positive and see the reaction from everyone all around you. It always starts with you first.
