Accepting my son’s cystic fibrosis diagnosis has been a year-long journey for our family. I learned there is more to motherhood with a chronically ill child than meets the eye.
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At first, it was easy to get my son to do his cystic fibrosis treatments. But as he got older, he started to hide his medications, rather than take them. I finally learned how to get him to see the importance of taking his medications.
In the summer months, some things require special attention for people with cystic fibrosis.
When I was pregnant in the early 2000s, there was little information available about cystic fibrosis and pregnancy, and I didn't even know what concerns to address with my providers. I am glad more women with CF have shared their family building experience.
Because of the shortened life expectancy projected for those with cystic fibrosis, I was always cautious about the idea of having children. Those fears melted away after I started Trikafta® and received the greatest surprise of my life.
Because of the medications I must take as a result of my lung transplant, I thought it might be too difficult to conceive a baby through in vitro fertilization. I was wrong. I'm expecting a son in November.
After a double-lung transplant, I realized I needed to take care of myself to be a good mother to my son.
Adjusting to life after my newly adopted son’s cystic fibrosis diagnosis has been challenging at times, but I will do all I can to support and advocate for him.
My son who has cystic fibrosis required extensive treatment as a toddler, which I believe had a traumatic effect on his mental health. With the help of therapy, I have helped him learn how to self-advocate and use coping strategies for his anxiety, starting when he was just 4 years old.
As an adult with cystic fibrosis, becoming a foster parent seemed like a great option for me and my husband to build our family. Although fostering three kids for our first placement certainly came with its fair share of challenges, we wouldn't change it for the world.