As an infertile man with cystic fibrosis, I never thought my wife and I would be on the cusp of our first pregnancy. Fortunately, over the last 18 months, we've learned a thing or two about navigating the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) process.
Site Search
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh wanted to better understand the realities of parenting as a person with cystic fibrosis, so they collected firsthand accounts from members of the CF community.
I was determined to finish school and set a good example for my children. Along the way, I learned how important it is to have a strong support system to help manage the challenges that can come with cystic fibrosis while I pursue my dreams.
I have enjoyed pretty good health, so I have tried to keep my cystic fibrosis on the back burner while I pursue my passions. Sometimes, though, CF intrudes, reminding me that it’s still here.
My son, Keith, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after an initial focus on CF as the cause of his health issues. With people with CF living longer, we need more awareness of pancreatic cancer in CF individuals due to the potential increased risk.
The antibiotics used to treat nontuberculous mycobacteria made me choose between the risk of hearing loss versus the reward of better lung health.
My wife and I opted for a surrogate to carry our child following her double-lung transplant. After five years of struggling with a bad surrogacy agency, we finally switched providers and found a surrogate who is now carrying our child.
All my life, I thought I was clumsy. It turns out that I had a neurological condition, bilateral vestibular loss, that was in all likelihood caused by antibiotic use.
Accepting my son’s cystic fibrosis diagnosis has been a year-long journey for our family. I learned there is more to motherhood with a chronically ill child than meets the eye.