Finding a Balance Between CF and High School
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Growing up, I never had any doubts that I would one day go off to college and pursue a career, despite having cystic fibrosis. But when the time came to prepare to attend Marquette University and live on my own in Milwaukee, I knew I would need a plan in order to make my transition to college life as smooth as possible.
Looking back on my time spent in the hospital for labor, delivery, and recovery, I now understand the importance of planning and asking questions in preparation for giving birth. Here are some of the questions I wished I had asked before going into labor.
As a teacher with cystic fibrosis, I find it no surprise that heading back to school can be a shock to my system. But over the years, I've learned that if I can remember three main things, I can stay healthy through the transition back to school.
During my five months in Denmark for a study abroad program, I not only learned more about myself and others, but I became more confident in my ability to take care of myself. Don't let CF stand in the way of experiencing that, or any other dreams.
Sometimes during weak moments, when my lung function has dropped despite doing everything in my power to hold off the destruction, I think, “What's the point?” Then I remind myself of the larger goal …
As a high school nurse responsible for 1,200 students — three of whom have cystic fibrosis — I'm finding this upcoming school year to be particularly challenging. Here is how I implemented a plan of action to keep each student safe while balancing their specific needs.
After being told at the age of 14 that I was probably infertile, the day finally came when this news mattered to me. But with IVF and the support of our church, my wife and I are now the proud parents of three biological children.
Life -- especially when you have cystic fibrosis -- is what you make it. Here is how my CF inspired me to attend law school and helped me get to where I am today.
I've known for a while that pregnancy isn't an option for me due to complications related to my cystic fibrosis. Now that my husband and I are planning for children, here are some of the thoughts and considerations that impacted our family planning decisions.