Photo: Reggie Bird Instagram
Reggie Bird, two-timeBig BrotherAustraliawinner, is sharing an upsetting health update.
On Thursday, the 48-year-old revealed in an emotionalFacebook videothat in August she learned she has Usher’s syndrome.
Bird was previously diagnosed with RP in 2008 and declared legally blind, noting that doctors didn’t know the cause. She had genetic testing done 13 years ago but only this year did experts have the proper technology to analyze it and find her “genetic link” to the condition, ultimately learning that it was Usher’s syndrome.
“It’s awful, it’s not what I wanted to hear,” Bird said in the clip before breaking down in tears. “It’s the worst thing that you could have. I’m going to be deaf-blind.”
“There are no clinical trials here in Australia and they’re just starting some in America, so there’s nothing that can be done,” she added. “It’s a rare genetic condition to have.”
“I don’t know how long it’s going to take for me to lose all my hearing,” explained Bird, who recently revealed she has no peripheral vision, no night vision, and her overall field of vision is constricted to only 9 degrees.
The reality star also learned that the “silver lining” of the diagnosis is that the disease is autosomal recessive, meaning it’s less likely for her children to have it. TheBig Brotherstar, who won seasons 3 and 14 of the show, is mom to two children, daughter Mia, 15, and son Lucas, 12.
“It’s the worst outcome that could’ve come about from my genetic testing but, you know, life goes on and you’ve got to make the most of each day. I’m going to have some fun, I’m going to get fit again…That’s gonna be my motivation.”
“There’s a lot more to come of Reggie, so stay tuned,” she added. “I’ve got so much to tell.”
source: people.com
