When I went off to college it was up to me to manage my cystic fibrosis for the first time without help from my family. I felt fine after skipping my medications and decided to stop using my noisy vest because it embarrassed me, and I wanted to make friends at my new school. As a result, I stayed in the hospital for a few weeks and left with a new perspective on life.
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The cystic fibrosis care model is evolving to support people living longer with CF and their increasingly diverse health needs. Catalyzed by the approval of Trikafta® and the COVID-19 pandemic, this adaptive and personalized care model encompasses novel ways to connect clinicians and patients.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation hosted a Congressional briefing on February 11 to discuss the benefits of the Foundation's model of specialized, coordinated care and its innovative strategies for drug development, and how they can serve as an example for other rare, chronic diseases.
As a military spouse who makes frequent moves, I have had to transition to new cystic fibrosis care centers 11 times in 21 years. Here are three things I have learned to make each changeover work.
Even though it was scary, I made attending medical appointments during the pandemic a priority.
Since starting the transplant journey, I have learned many things, run into many roadblocks, and been left shocked by other issues.
After several months of telehealth visits with my care team, I returned to the clinic for an in-person visit. Because of COVID-19, some aspects of the visit were different than before.
COVID-19 has introduced telehealth appointments to my cystic fibrosis care. I've learned that advocating for myself is even more important when my care team and I can't be in the same room.
When it comes to my cystic fibrosis care, some might say that my situation is a bit unique. Although having not one -- but two -- CF care teams can be challenging, I strongly believe that has made me a better, smarter, and more engaged patient.