Managing cystic fibrosis can feel overwhelming at times — but we’re here to help. Learn how to navigate life with CF.
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Due to the thick, sticky mucus associated with cystic fibrosis, adults with CF need to take additional steps for a successful colonoscopy. Learn more about why it's important to properly prepare for a colonoscopy and the steps you can take during your preparation.
A few years ago, it took one small staircase for me to realize that my health was on the decline. I look back now on that moment fondly, though, because it helped me learn to listen to my body.
While you are grinding through a seemingly never-ending cycle of cystic fibrosis treatments, it also can be helpful to engage in self-care activities that bring you happiness. This nurturing routine can help you keep perspective and remind you of why you are undergoing all these treatments in the first place.
It can be a lot to manage two children with cystic fibrosis who have other health issues. I made it work by making my children responsible for their own treatments and not sweating the small stuff when we can't be perfect.
Because my daughter's bowel perforated when she was a newborn, she needed to have surgery to temporarily reroute her stool so that it was collected through her abdomen into an ostomy bag. Those grueling days of ostomy care -- sometimes as often as every hour day and night -- were some of the darkest days of our cystic fibrosis journey.
In the summer months, some things require special attention for people with cystic fibrosis.
I struggled when I learned that in addition to cystic fibrosis, my daughter also had adrenal insufficiency. I felt anger, sadness, and anxiety. But thankfully, with the support of my husband, family, friends, and care team, we learned how to manage her condition and deal with emergencies.
For a time, I did not always do my daily cystic fibrosis treatments. Over time, I've come to see them as a necessary part of my daily routine.
Although I resisted it at first -- and wrestled with what it said about my worth as a person -- going on disability has helped me become healthier, happier, and more fulfilled than I was when I was working.