When I was younger, I thought my cystic fibrosis affected me and only me. I have begun to realize the emotional toll that CF also takes on my family and loved ones.
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Cystic fibrosis may impact your health and productivity, but life doesn't stop just because you're feeling ill. Although CF can sometimes make it difficult to maintain your responsibilities, I've learned a few tricks over the past 30-odd years to stay productively motivated and take it one step at a time.
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are a standard component of quarterly cystic fibrosis clinic visits, but they can often cause a great deal of stress for people with CF. Here are a few strategies that I've found helpful for reducing my own PFT anxiety.
Because so much rides on them, the pulmonary function tests (PFT) -- that are a part of every cystic fibrosis care center visit -- fill me with anxiety.
Cystic fibrosis can be isolating, but people with CF know what others go through every day. It makes the moments of connection all the more meaningful.
When I was young, I didn't think much about having cystic fibrosis. Over time, I realized how big of an influence it has on my life.
Shortly after my fiancée, Ashley, told me about her cystic fibrosis, we were engaged. Months later, she passed away, leaving me to figure out what I could have done differently and how to cope.
Although it took me a while to gravitate toward yoga, I have found that it really helps me manage my mental and physical health. In honor of International Yoga Day on June 21, I share the benefits of practicing yoga and demonstrate my favorite upper body stretches.
Burkholderia cepacia took a toll on me physically, but overcoming the emotional blow was even more difficult.
I never imagined that I would see cystic fibrosis as something to be grateful for. But now, in my 23rd year of life, I am thankful that CF has allowed me to open up about my struggles through spoken word poetry and find freedom in shared humanity.