After gaining weight on IV steroids to treat my cystic fibrosis, my self-image became distorted, and I developed anorexia. I realize that I am not my illnesses, but they are a part of my life that I can’t hide anymore.
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I’ve learned that paying too much attention to the idealized lives of people on social media can give me a skewed vision of my own.
At age 5, my daughter started to feel the traumatic emotional effects of cystic fibrosis. Fortunately, the care center’s social worker helped her find a healthy path through it.
Although I had been told that my coughing would stop, I wish I had known more about the transformative change that Trikafta® would have on my life. It has almost made me wistful for the time when I was sick, back when I was more in tune with what my body was experiencing.
I wish people knew that even if I don’t look sick, I still struggle with the mental and physical aspects of cystic fibrosis. Even my family and friends don’t truly understand what this disease does to your mental health.
Even though Trikafta saved my life, I am still dealing with the emotional trauma of being so close to death and missing the person I was before I got so sick.
As a mother with cystic fibrosis, I have learned to prioritize my mental and physical health in order to stay healthy for my two young daughters. I have invited them to come alongside me on my journey as we cherish the little moments in our lives.
Art has been my therapy throughout my life, but it took on new meaning when I had a daughter with cystic fibrosis. Now creating artwork helps carry me through the stress of CF life.
As I continue to realize the benefits of Trikafta® and my daughter grows up and needs me less, I feel as though I’m losing key parts of my identity — being a person with cystic fibrosis and a mother. However, I’m also finding I have room to let myself grow and explore different sides of myself.
Learning that my daughter has cystic fibrosis has been a struggle for me and my family, especially as I deal with postpartum depression.