Having a baby spend a long time in the NICU is difficult. Here are some things I learned about how to deal with it.
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The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's successful business model was at the center of a congressional briefing in Washington, D.C., today, which focused on strategies for jump-starting drug development for rare diseases.
Corbus Pharmaceuticals reported promising results Thursday from an early stage clinical study of a potential anti-inflammatory drug for people with cystic fibrosis.
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?
Despite my knowledge of cystic fibrosis, I was scared when my son was diagnosed with the disease. I already had a toddler and worried how I would balance her needs with his medical care. Now that he is a year old, I realize my fears were worse than reality.
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.