I used to hate diet drinks too but I went on a strict diet a few years ago and started to drink them. After awhile I got used to them and I now prefer them. I also love low fat or skim milk unlike Amy.
Originally posted by sugak8s: I also have Spina Bifida, I'm under 5', not exactly how tall though. I think people have such a bad misconception of people with disabilities, & I've seen a lot of bad stuff written just recently about people with spina bifida. I have the most severe form of it & use a wheelchair full-time. However, I did not have hydrocephalus, so I'm lucky in that regard. I had the surgery to close my back when I was 8 hours old. It's really not as big of a deal as people think. I live 100% independently, drive a car, have 2 college degrees, a professional career, & live a very active life. Being able to walk isn't & shouldn't be the benchmark of having a productive, successful life. That's not to say that I never have struggles that come from my disabilty, of course. Dating is a huge issue. There's no reason I can't have a relationship, get married, & even have kids. However, people are so stuck in their own assumptions that they don't realize that & don't give me a chance. That to me is a much bigger issue than anything physical I have dealt with.
In the case of my daughter that died at one day. she was a twin. this was my first pregnancy and I kept saying that the one baby did not move much-all I ever felt was just slight movement-then when she was born-they found her legs were completely paralized and her spinal cord actually exposed-now she was at one hospital and I at another because before she was an hour old she was wisked off the Medical University of South Carolina the best hopital in the area-as I said this was over 20 years ago-but my husband was told basicially that the Drs. could go to "heroic efforts" but there was little or no chance she would live- but if she survived one week-they would attempt it. So he agreed with them as they said "to keep her comfortable" which they did.
so you may feel you have the worst kind possible-but was it that bad? are your legs paralized? We were told if she survived long enough for the surgery to be attempted-she would always be paralized from the waist down.
I am glad you are here with us-and I wish my daughter was here-even if she was in a wheelchair-she could still feel love and she would have had a full life-but the circumstances of her conditionI do believe are worst then yours. Unless the doctors lied to us-and why would they do that?
I am sure though today it would not be as risky. If she had b een born a few years later-the story would have been very differant.
I hope and pray this will not happen to her twin, my other daughter-that she have a child born with this-but at least-if it does-her child will have a much better chance of survival then her aunt had.
Yup, depending upon the case, it's quite possible to lead a "normal" life (whatever that is! lol). I certainly never was a gymnist though! Didn't stop me from doing the horse thing though, or pretty much anything else I wanted to. I remember the day I officially got rid of the brace...if the sucker would have burned, I'd have done it!
I was out of the brace by the time I went to college. Didn't start wearing it till 8th grade -- years ago, it was not as easily detected as it is now. These days, they often know before birth. I have to watch as I get older the things I do...I have a weak spine and am not flexible. Horseback riding actually helps. I have the mildest form "occulta" and it doesn't give major problems. It is one reason why I'm rather short. Not super short, just shorter than I should have been.
I don't talk about it much, because it doesn't have much impact on my life anymore.
That is good that it doesn't effect you as much anymore. It probably makes life easier. Were kids cruel to you like they are to little people or anyone who isn't "normal?" I hate people like that
I had, and have, a great life that I'm very grateful for. The farm here, and my experiences w/ such, along w/ my life w/ a great hubby and my career, gave and give me a wonderful life.
No, I don't remember too much grief over it. I was very active in school, w/ music, drama, FFA, etc. I even was a (very bad) cheerleader for a season. NOT because of my limitations (which really didn't "limit" me), but because I'm a Klutz in natural life! lol... I just couldn't learn the dance routines!
Anyway...enough of this. I had a family and friends that just didn't "allow" me to wallow in such.
And that was a good thing for me.
Btw, it's not "had" Jeanne, it's have. But I'm fine, tyvm. Like I said, I have the mildest form and often times it goes undetected.
I am glad to hear that Estalon. I know how kids can be cruel over the silliest things. I never had a knack for learning routines either, so cheerleading went out the door for me, but there are so many other activities to get involved as well.
I am sorry Estalon that I spoke in the wrong tense. I realize it is an on going disability.
What is your degree in?Estalon
Speaking of cheerleading I have a friend who has a disabled daughter and she is a cheerleader for and with mentally challenged people. I think it is one of the neatest things I have heard of lately.
Originally posted by estalon: I was out of the brace by the time I went to college. Didn't start wearing it till 8th grade -- years ago, it was not as easily detected as it is now. These days, they often know before birth. I have to watch as I get older the things I do...I have a weak spine and am not flexible. Horseback riding actually helps. I have the mildest form "occulta" and it doesn't give major problems. It is one reason why I'm rather short. Not super short, just shorter than I should have been.
I don't talk about it much, because it doesn't have much impact on my life anymore.
after that happened to me- my younger sister was tested for it in her pregnancies. It was a routeine test. i have no idea if it was not around yet- if there was a high percentage of a certain hormone then they knew the child had spinabifida and tested further fro how severe but since I had twins-that hormone would have been higher anyway-so I wonder if there was it could have been detected for my baby. My sister was pregnant 3 years after me.
I had a friend that it happened to her ister several years after that-my daughter was in leementary school by then-and they operated on the baby while the baby was still in the womb. I just wish my baby could have been saved.
Originally posted by jeanne230_: I am sorry Estalon that I spoke in the wrong tense. I realize it is an on going disability.
What is your degree in?Estalon
Speaking of cheerleading I have a friend who has a disabled daughter and she is a cheerleader for and with mentally challenged people. I think it is one of the neatest things I have heard of lately.
That's really cool for your friend's daughter. I am fortunate to work in a place that has a small, close knit community, and our student body/staff have the priviledge and opportunity to get to know and work with some very special kids too.
I have several higher degrees, all dealing w/ the education field.
Originally posted by momofmeg: after that happened to me- my younger sister was tested for it in her pregnancies. It was a routeine test. i have no idea if it was not around yet- if there was a high percentage of a certain hormone then they knew the child had spinabifida and tested further fro how severe but since I had twins-that hormone would have been higher anyway-so I wonder if there was it could have been detected for my baby. My sister was pregnant 3 years after me.
I had a friend that it happened to her ister several years after that-my daughter was in leementary school by then-and they operated on the baby while the baby was still in the womb. I just wish my baby could have been saved.
I'm sorry this had to happen to you. I know the pain of losing children too. It's the hardest thing. <hugs>
thanks estalon-it has been almost 23 years but I still miss her and I guess I always will.
Looking back at my post-I sure made a lot of typeos- I should have proofread it I guess-but when I typed that I was not up to emotionially rereading all that.
In case it was not clear-my sister took a hormone test in her pregnancy to detect that. Her daughter is 3 years younger then my daughter or born 3 years after my twins.
I was never told about that test-I may have even had it for all I know- my sister said she understood the hormone is also higher with multiple births-so that maybe I had it but no "red flags" were raised since I was carrying twins.
My friend's sister had the surgery for her baby at least 10 years after that I guess. Medicial Science is coming up with more and more wonderful things.
Am not a LP nor I consider myself disabled. In fact, I really hate that word. I consider myself physically challenged. I was born with Cerebral Palsy. it affects everything but my right arm and hand. I also have Epilepsy which is controlled by 2 meds.
I got married 5 1/2 years ago to a really great guy. Someone I had known for for about 7 1/2 years at that time. No kids.
I graduated from HS and College. I have an Associates in Business plus 2 certificates. I went back to school after several years to update my skills. I took 3 classes and got 4 certificates that way.
Originally posted by estalon: I had, and have, a great life that I'm very grateful for. The farm here, and my experiences w/ such, along w/ my life w/ a great hubby and my career, gave and give me a wonderful life.
No, I don't remember too much grief over it. I was very active in school, w/ music, drama, FFA, etc. I even was a (very bad) cheerleader for a season. NOT because of my limitations (which really didn't "limit" me), but because I'm a Klutz in natural life! lol... I just couldn't learn the dance routines!
Anyway...enough of this. I had a family and friends that just didn't "allow" me to wallow in such.
And that was a good thing for me.
Btw, it's not "had" Jeanne, it's have. But I'm fine, tyvm. Like I said, I have the mildest form and often times it goes undetected.
I have a friend that I have known for about twenty years that had spina bifida at birth. I met her not long after my daughter died. Her's was considered a mild form; but now that she is in her late sixties she has to walk with a cane.
I hate it wen anybody calls a little person a midget it makes me so mad. I have a little person friend and he means the world to me. When ppl call him a midget im like no not midget little person. He doesnt say anything to them tho, I guess he just doesnt want to make a big deal out of it.idk.
"I praise The Roloffs they were sent from God to tell the world about Little People" With ever chance I will tell the world about our Angel. My sister is 40yrs. old and a little person at 4ft.with a disabilty to her Spine.She is shaped like a S called scoliois.They didn't think she would live to be 1yr.old but she proved them all wrong.She reminds me of "Chance"whom I saw last night for the first time.The people that adopted him will never regret it.These children are so special,and to have them in our lives is a Gods blessing.The doctors wanted my mother to put my sister in a special home, because they thought she would never have a life,but with Gods help and guidance my mother rasied her to be very independant, and have a normal life,well she did it!!, to see her now you would be amazed.I wished I could tell the world her adventure through life, of how she got to were she is now ,but it would take a while.So I will highlight it,she cleans the house, washes clothes & irons them,rakes the lawn and makes sure everything is in order& with having arthritis if she just sit around she would not be able to move. Her and my mom have only the two of them,so mom allows her to do what ever her limitaion will let her.If we had allowed her to live in a special home we would of missed out on the greatest adventure of our lives.Parents that have little people or one that is disabiled God choose them for a reason,cause every one can't do it so I praise them. On a closing note she loves to shop. I take her every Thusday to Wal-Mart which she loves and even though she has to ride in her wheel chair she handles it like a pro.My mother only has limit funds,so I make sure that she has that day sit aside for her.The people there love her,but they are a few that stop and stare,but that has no effect on her at all.She has a wish to go to wal-mart for one day and shops until she drops hopefully I will be able to give that to her.If anyone has someone in their life with this diability I would love to hear from them Thank You!!!! SR Proud Sister!!! srose1@ec.rr.com
My husband and I really enjoy your program as we watch it all the time. You are truly blessed people and very much cared and loved about by many millions throughout the USA. My husband and I are disabled folks. I was born with Cerebral Palsy, and am in a powerchair most of the time, however, I can still walk some with canes. I drive a handed controlled vehicle, and I am almost 65 years old, and we live in Western North Carolina in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountain area - Franklin. I work part time from the internet for a lady in Maryland, and also do work for a medical equipment place that sells powerchairs, and other medical things for handicapped, and the elderly. I now also go to college on line majoring in Medical Billing and Coding in which I can do here at home on the computer. So life is full. My husband - 72 has mental dementia - a form of alzheimer's disease. He also now has come into physical complications with his lungs and heart, and has possible emphasema. So I also take care of him too. You and your family are a great encouragement to me, and though I never had been a mother Amy, I admire how you manage everything with the four children. By the way they are adorable, and I feel you already know it. Please feel free to right to me. I would also like to join a group of people who also have my type of disability - actually I feel that it is more of a inconvienence than a handicap. My e-mail is janet_hair@yahoo.com. Blessings!!
I dearly love this show. I am 5', overweight(unfortunately), and have scoliosis and degenerative arthritis in my hips. I wore a brace through half of junior high and half of high school. I was always teased all through school, being called "Midge", "Pee Wee" or "crip." It always hurt my feelings, but I didn't resort to hate. My mother always taught me that if people put you down, it's just because they're jealous, or suffering from their own insecurities. I ended up marrying one of the most popular guys in high school, and we have had three children. We will be married twenty-six years this summer. And what's funny is the fact that he is 6'. Yeah, we got and still do get all of the "Mutt and Jeff" jokes, but that's okay. He is the most wonderful husband and father that anyone could ever ask for. That's why I love this show so much. You see so much on television about families that have broken apart, and not that many about families that stay together. Years ago, it was exactly the opposite, and unfortunately, that simply reflects life as it is today. But there are families who hang in, hang on, and get through life's problems(and joys!)as a unit. The Roloffs do just that, and I salute them for it. And it can't be easy with a camera on you alot of the time. Don't get my wrong, I know that I am very lucky to have the family that I have. I know that sometimes families can't stay together, for whatever reason. I just think it's nice to see one that does, especially with the obstacles that they often face. Oh, and I have had the grocery store problems, too. Most of the time I have to use one of the electric carts, because I cannot walk very far with my hip pain. Most people do try to ignore you, but fortunately, there ARE some people who are very kind, and will ask you if they can reach anything for you on a high shelf. I truly appreciate them. I would surely do the same for them if the situation was reversed. I think the Roloffs rock!
I have a shunt and surrivd brain stem cancer. I have some brain damage from it and labeled disabled. I have some limitations but can so some things. I don't like it when people try to put extra limitations on me
I am 12 and 4'6. Yeah I'm really short. My doctor said that I'm probley going to be about 4'11 - 5'1. I am not the shortest in my class though. There are 3 people shorter then me and the rest either aren't much taller then me or alot taller then me. I don't mind being short though. I deal with it pretty well. Plus, I am starting to have a growth spurt. Thanks 4 the post!
Hello Everyone. I'm 5'1" and 20 years old. I'm shorter than my parents, and most likely will the the shortest in my family. I'm not a little person by far, but I've always had a facination with them. It is fun getting to know them. I've had a little person in one of my college courses, and have made friends with her.
I was diagnosed with Autism when I was 11 years old. I've had my share of people teasing me and treating me differently. I've also had tons of trouble finding new friends. I have this inside fear of being judged, so it makes it a lot harder to talk to new people face to face. I hope I can be able to meet some new people on here and make new friends.
Hello I am Stephanie and I am 25 years old. I only stand about 4'4". Most people still treat me like I am some little kid and dont even bother to get to know me. On the other hand I make most little kids very comfortable to be around me, because I can look them square in the eye.
Hi, I'm Lori, 33 yrs. old and I was born with Thrombocytopenia and Absent Radius Syndrome (TAR Syndrome). It basically means I have very short arms because I am missing the radius bone in them and I have a low blood platelet count so I bruise easy and I have had platelet transfusions during surgeries or when my platelets were too low. I was also born with my hips & knees dislocated. I had surgeries but they didn't really help. I walked with braces until I was 10 yrs. old. I started using a power wheelchair at that time and I've been in one ever since. I feelliving with a disability has made me be more accepting of others and has made me appreciate the like I have.
just like the roloffs said that when you are a little person you feel like you are living in a world that wasnt made for you, I feel the same way Im 5' tall and even though Im only 16 Im not supposed to grow any more. At the same time I hate going out because of my giant birthmark, people stare and make fun of me all the time. Ive even been harassed and have been threatened to leave the school or else just because Im different
Hi guys!!! Iam petite, only barely stands 4'11". Like most of you guys, when you dare to be different, are very meaning people in the world, who likes to do jokes about u. Iam 35 years old but as short iam i look younger, i don't bother anymore, what people could think of me, being short and married to a normal size guy 6'. You should need ,to go on and accept fact how long you love yourself, everyone going to learn to love you as well. God bless you. I hope it helps.
When I was a child my parents had me tested for dwarfism so called. And I was normal because my body parts were portioned to each other. When I was 21 I moved to Fla and they offered me a handicapped sticker for my car. I was offended. Because i was 4'9" that made me disabled. I never realized until this show came on that I was more then short and as some said cute. Well I still don't have a handicapped sticker due to fact of my ability. I am completly proportioned and capable unlike Mr. Roloff and Zach. I have a disabled father who has been fighting the VA for disability with no avail but yet my height gives me things automatically. I hope I have this right. I never knew that I was dwarf and to this day don't think of it being such. I am little but so what. It is what it is. I have made sacrafice. Paid a fortune for a new kitchen to lower cabinets. Fought the GOV to disable my airbag. However, I am not disabled. I am nothing but little. I love it and thanks to this show I love it more and am proud to say although proportioned still a dwarf. would love to attend a conference
I'm 5' 4" and not considered short. I wish was taller. My little sister is my height (our parents are between 5' 4" and 5' 7 1/2"). My other sister is between 5' 8" and 5' 9". Our little brother is 5' 10".
Three of the four kids in my family are adopted. Me, my sister just younger than me and my little brother. I consider my family unique. Three are adopted, one has a physical challenge and one is from a different country-my little brother is from South Korea. My nephews and niece are unique experience in family dynamics.
I can really relate to the teasing. I was teased from 2nd grade to 9th grade. I was called retard, tard, etc. I still fill the sting when I think about it. I walk with a cane.
As being a daughter to 2 blind people. it's sometimes not fun but its awesome we et to go to cool places such as Louisville and Dallas. My father can see some he is a football coach and its awesome as being the watergirl!
I think it's unbelievable that such humans like destroy&^%$#@! live on our planet!!! The Roloff's are an amazing family. I wish Zack could be put on a soccer field with destry&^%$#@!, because he would destroy this low life person!! I hope this person is banned from putting comments on this site. Canada loves the Roloff's big time. They rank up as high as our Armed Forces military members!
quote:
Originally posted by destroymidgets: You freaks arent real people quit while your ahead. The only reason God put you here on this planet is to amuse and entertain us normal people. You dont have real problems or real feelings, your too small. Get that into your strangely oversized heads. Get off your computers and stop trying, go buy a beer and give to a normal 5' 10'' male. Then give him some oversized brain. Get off our planet.
to midgicfarmer- I agree 100% (I bet Zach would beat the tar out of him or her at soccer). The weirdo who calls himself or herself "destroyer" should already be banned. It's those kind of people who tick me off.
Hi, I'm Al (yes I am a girl). I'm 17 going on 18 next spring and I have been 4'9" since 8th grade (currently 10th grade and soon to be a junior in the fall). I have a hard time getting over the fact that I am shorter than other people, but I wouldn't have it any other way (truthfully, I'm afraid of heights lol. I get that timid and/or cautious feeling at the second floor or just walking up tall stairs). I do not think I have dwarfism, though I don't exactly consider myself being tall.
I have been made fun of since 2nd grade and as well complimented (I have even made a few wise cracks about myself); there have been some girls who are tall or "average height" who say that they wish that they were my height though I sometimes don't see the significance of it other than I'll look younger when I'm older.
The only advantage that I can currently use with my height is when I'm taking my martial arts class and I have to go against someone that's taller than me (only time is during warm-ups, during sparring we go by height; sometimes I have to go against someone younger than me but that's okay) and I just have to duck low and use the momentum going up to nail them. I think I just might use that in my upcoming martial arts tournament that's in a week or so.
Be happy with what you have and keep stepping forward, don't let other's bring you down.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: ironicwriter,
Hi My name I Danielle I am around 4'9-4'10 and I have been this tall since I was 10 years old and I am now 21. I used to never be able to get over the fact that I was going to be short my whole life I used to hate my life and wish that i could somehow make myself taller. I then met a guy who was only 4'8 and he told me that no matter how tall or how short people are we all can do the same thing just in different ways. I then started watching your show and matt you inspired me alot you and your family showed me how short people are just like everyone else. Without my friend Jeff who is 4'8 and with out you Matt and the whole family I don't know if I would of ever realized that being short is the best thing that ever happened to me. I might not like that my whole family is taller than me or I know that I hate the fact that when I have a job everybody puts me down for my height, but god made me this way for a reason and it is a terrific gift I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have had some problems in life I always wanted to be a horse back rider but everybody I tried to get lessons from always told me that I would never be able to ride a horse because I'm short. My family doesn't like the fact that I'm short they put me down everyday and they always tell me that if my son ends up being as short as I am that they will just have to laugh and make jokes also. So the point I'm trying to get at is I really appreciate you guys inspiring me and showing me that just have faith in yourself and you can do everything anybody else can do. Thanks alot Matt and Family
Thanks for sharing all your stories. I am 39 and about 4'11". I've been made fun of and pointed at. I hate when things are on the top shelf of a grocery store or clothes are hanging high (in the petite section...!). I am the shortest in my immediate family. My grandmother is shorter than me. As she's gotten older she's gotten even shorter. Recently, she was in the hospital and the nurse called her a midget. I wanted to cry.
Hi. I am 14 and I am not a LP. I was born without hands and legs. My arms stop above the elbow. My legs stop above the ankle. For 6 years, I have had 8 revision surgeries on my arms and legs. I have to have revision surgeries because my bone grows faster and my skin can't keep up. I can understand what LP go through.
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Amy is my favorite charater on that show 
