After managing various chronic symptoms my whole life, I was finally diagnosed with CF as an adult. As I struggled to cope with the news, my community rallied around me and taught me what true support looks like.
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Google has made it easy for everybody to research cystic fibrosis, but CF is only part of my story and how I tell it is up to me.
Having cystic fibrosis, I learned about social distancing long ago. Here is my advice on remaining socially connected.
When my wife's health declined and we didn't know if she'd be able to undergo a lung transplant, I decided to reject blind optimism and pessimism and chose a third path.
As an adult with cystic fibrosis, I know I am blessed to be healthy right now. I find joy in spreading awareness of CF and encouraging others to follow their dreams no matter what.
With COVID-19, a year indoors -- and online -- has brought up a familiar feeling that screen time has the potential to bring us hope and laughter. On the other hand, the internet can also convince us that the sky is falling.
There are a lot of misconceptions about illnesses. For one, you're supposed to look sick -- or like other people's perception of a sick person. Once I started to doubt myself and the gravity of my illness, I began internalizing a whole lot of guilt.
As soon as my husband and I got married, people immediately began asking us about if and when we would have kids. But three dogs, no children, countless travels and 10 years of marriage later, we feel like our family is complete just the way we are.
As a social worker who specializes in helping adults with cystic fibrosis, I realized several years ago that there's a connection between intimacy and sexuality, and the successful management of a daily CF treatment plan. By "partnering with your partner," you can work together to enhance your relationship and minimize the barriers to your care.
I try to think of age as just another number. But as a spouse to someone living with cystic fibrosis, these numbers are frightening to me.