If you show symptoms of cystic fibrosis or your baby has a positive newborn screen for CF, a sweat test at a CF Foundation-accredited care center can help provide a CF diagnosis by measuring the concentration of salt in your or your baby's sweat. The test is painless and is the most reliable way to diagnose CF.
Your doctor may classify your baby as having CRMS/CFSPID if he or she has a positive newborn screen and subsequent sweat chloride test results that fall into an uncertain or borderline range described as "intermediate."
It took an agonizing five months to learn whether my second son had cystic fibrosis. After two inconclusive sweat tests, a DNA test finally gave us the answer.
There are many ways you can support a family with a child or children with cystic fibrosis. Educating yourself about the disease and its treatments and offering to help without being asked are some of the best ways you can show you care.
When my daughter was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, our nurse looked at me and said, “Welcome to the family!” Although I wanted to punch her otoscope lights out at the time, I think I'm finally starting to understand what she meant 13 years later.
After years of health problems and a move to the U.S., I finally was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 27. Once I knew about this disease, it was important to me that my family and friends -- and even my old doctor -- in the Azores know about it too.
When I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 40, I was in denial at first. Then, I compartmentalized my CF, relegating it to a small part of my life. Now I have embraced my diagnosis, and I have become a CF advocate, fundraiser, and blogger.
The recent birth of my son brought me news that I never expected -- a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
It's been a whirlwind year since my son was born and diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Despite the surgeries, hospital stays, and challenges of living with the disease every day, I'm thankful for the people who helped pave the way.
I can't say I was happy to get this diagnosis, but I was definitely relieved to have answers. At least I knew who I was in the ring with.
