Manage Your Time

Let’s face it: cystic fibrosis (CF) care takes up a lot of time, especially the inhaled medications. But they work. The key is finding the best ways to make the time for your CF care. We’ve got some ideas.

• Plan ahead. If an upcoming event or outing is likely to conflict with your medication schedule, make time to do your treatments before or after the event. Get a converter so you can do your nebulizer in the car.
  
  
• Stay organized. Put a daily reminder in your phone or on your calendar so you don’t forget when to take your meds.
  
  
• Multitask. Use the time when you are doing your treatments to catch up on email or the news, check in with friends on Facebook, browse a magazine or make a grocery list.
  
  
• Make it a habit. Clean and disinfect your nebulizer at the same time every day so it becomes a part of your routine.

At School or Work 

At times, you might feel you are bothering those around you — maybe when you’re coughing, using an inhaler or doing a form of airway clearance. But you should never feel uneasy about doing what you need to do to take care of yourself.

Let your teachers or supervisors know you have special health needs, and then set up a plan to make sure that you have the time and space to do what you need to do.

Keep in mind: You are protected legally against any school or workplace discrimination due to CF.

Additional Resources

• Learn about CF and school.
• Read about CF and the work place
• Watch "Patient Advocacy: Issues and Answers for CF for School and Employment."  

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Updated 07/16/12