I struggled emotionally after learning that after negative carrier and newborn screens, my son had cystic fibrosis. I’m now advocating for people with rare mutations.
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It took an agonizing five months to learn whether my second son had cystic fibrosis. After two inconclusive sweat tests, a DNA test finally gave us the answer.
There are many ways you can support a family with a child or children with cystic fibrosis. Educating yourself about the disease and its treatments and offering to help without being asked are some of the best ways you can show you care.
I felt like I was living with a secret disease because I could never find answers to what was causing the lump of mucus in my throat or the frequent cough that would often embarrass me at school or with friends. Then, finally, I uncovered the secret when I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 20.
Although she has two CF mutations, my daughter does not have cystic fibrosis. She has CFTR-related metabolic syndrome. She’s healthy now, but what about the future?
At 26, I was in and out of the hospital with bouts of pain and coughing up blood, with doctors telling me I had pancreatitis. It took a trip to a new hospital — and advocating for my health — before I finally got my correct cystic fibrosis diagnosis.
I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis late; and the anger I felt was contagious for my son, who was dealing with his own diagnosis. But, I found support and am now focusing on the things in my life that I can control.
Addressing variability in newborn screening can prevent missed diagnoses and delays in early care intervention.
I had no idea what cystic fibrosis was — or that I had it — until six months of pancreatitis led to a diagnosis.