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Tips

I'm making it! Just a few more days and I'll be back home and starting IV antibiotics. It's probably a little sad that I'm counting down the days until I start a course of antibiotics. I mean, really? That's not normal. But hey, that's one of the costs of CF life.  

Many of you don't know what it's like to think that a routine schedule of IV antibiotics is normal. Heck, most of you have probably never been in the hospital yourself. I know that you must feel at a loss as to what to do when your friends or family members are in the hospital or are receiving IVs. Lucky for you, I have some experience. Obviously, these tips aren't useful in all cases. They are just ideas I've come up with over the years when dealing with people who want to help me but don't know how.

1. Never ever ever say you know what they're going through. Everyone's situations are different. If I hear one more person say, "I know how you feel", I might scream. The truth of the matter is, you don't know what I'm going through unless you have CF and have gone through a very similar situation. The majority of people who sympathize with me by saying they know how I feel actually have no idea of  the horrors and pains my body is going through. PLEASE don't ever say that unless you can back yourself up a whole lot with real-life experience.

2. Don't forgot about your friend. Your friend is probably really struggling emotionally and obviously physically. Make sure to make yourself available to your friend--text encouraging messages, send handwritten letters, give lots of hugs, make a conscience effort to let your friend know you care. Trust me, it'll mean more to him or her than you know if you take the time to love your friend the best way you know how. 

3. Your friend most likely isn't going to ask for help. I absolutely detest asking people for anything. When people take initiative to do something for me without me having to ask,especially when I'm not feeling well, I feel so loved. Pay attention to your friend's needs, and serve out of the abundance of your heart. Your actions will speak loud and clear.

4. If your friend is in the hospital, bring food!! Hospital food is obviously not the most tasteful thing in the world. You wouldn't want to eat gross hospital food all the time, one would you? I didn't think so. Show a little generosity, and bring your friend's favorite food to the hospital.

5. Know your friend probably isn't going to be acting like herself. Don't run away or hold it against her. Care for her lovingly. Your friend may not always resond to your texts or calls. Text and call her anyway. Your friend probably will need to sleep a lot. Make time to see her when she feels up to it, but don't overstay your welcome. Your friend may be feeling sick and nauseous. Support her always. Simply put, be a good friend!
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