Jay Manuel and Pamela Chavez from TLC’s new show, Jay & Pamela, have opened up about their life with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. The married couple was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition when they were babies. While none of their parents carry the disorder, they became the first in their respective families to have it.
The show documented Pamela and Jay’s daily lives after they started living together away from Jay’s parents’ house. Each episode included how they ran errands and managed with their dog Cheddar. Due to their condition, they stay alert all the time. More so, they become extra cautious of their activities. However, they try to do everything like any normal person, like visiting their friends’ houses and more.
Jay & Pamela Yearn For Independence & Privacy To Stay Happy!
Jay and Pamela crossed paths online due to their mutual genetic condition. They bonded over their shared struggles and expectations from life. They fell in love and eventually wished for a sweet home. With Jay’s supportive parents, Rene and Raphael, they dreamed of their own place. They shifted from a basement apartment since Pamela became restless and wanted a city life instead of living in the suburbs.
However, finding a suitable place for Jay and Pamela was initially challenging because they use electric motor wheelchairs. Jay’s mom, Rene, has a tough love for her son and daughter-in-law, who became a second mother to her in navigating life’s challenges. Pamela missed her mom, dad, and siblings, who reside 700 miles away. But she was hopeful that they would join her on her wedding day.
Jay & Pamela Explain The Type III Of Osteogenesis Imperfecta!
In the first episode of Jay & Pamela, Jay Manuel and Pamela Chavez revealed that they have type 3 Osteogenesis Imperfecta. There are nineteen types of OI, but they have the most common one is also, sadly, the severe kind. All OI types are genetic mutations that make bones weak due to a lack of collagen production.
Pamela and Jay are prone to cause bone fractures anytime with the slightest motion. Since they have almost no collagen, they frequently experience bone hollowing. They are very careful to avoid collisions or falling from anywhere. If it is just a minor incident, it could create a problem for them.
Once, Pamela fractured one of her legs after she fell from her wheelchair as she tried too hard to pick something. While OI is mostly genetic, they got it before their birth due to a random mutation. OI impacted the whole body of the reality stars, who have to refrain from mobility and are in danger of blood clots.
OI hampered Jay and Pamela’s body growth. Type III of OI can lead to scoliosis, which gives a curved back. Pamela has already started to show symptoms of it, causing her to look shorter than her husband. Pamela and Jay are 3’3″ and 3’4″ respectively. They also suffer from a small chest cavity, which can become fatal. For the latest reality TV updates, keep coming back to TV Season & Spoilers.