My exercise routine has gone through quite an evolution from college to motherhood and life on the transplant list.
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I resisted being listed for a lung transplant; but now, almost six years later I’m thankful — especially to my donor — for my new life.
A sudden health setback turned my eventual lung transplant into an immediate one. Although the transplant didn’t go exactly to plan, my preparation helped the process go more smoothly.
I recently was diagnosed with a type of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which helps explain why I sometimes didn’t keep up with daily care. By taking ADHD into account, I’m managing my cystic fibrosis better.
In my experience, the best way to support a loved one with cystic fibrosis is to listen closely and remember the details of his or her most common treatments and complaints.
A life with cystic fibrosis taught me how to be sick. After a lung transplant, I had to learn how to be well.
My brother, Josh, who has cystic fibrosis has been through more struggles than anyone I know, but he has always kept a positive attitude -- even while awaiting a lung transplant. This outlook on life inspires me and helps me see the best case in any outcome.
My path to a total colectomy was long and challenging. Now I want to share what I learned about self-advocating for necessary medical care and coping with a surgically created opening on my abdomen called a stoma.
I have faced the continuous need to self-advocate to manage my life with cystic fibrosis, particularly when facing complications post-transplant.
My mom was always my biggest advocate and most selfless caretaker, but she went above and beyond when she also took my friend under her wing.