Everyone has a story. People with cystic fibrosis are no different. No two cases of CF are the same, which makes the disease even more complicated and confusing. My story is nothing special--just the tale of a girl living, breathing, and succeeding with CF.
I was officially diagnosed with CF when I was two weeks old, but I had maconium illius surgery the day I was born, which is often an indicator of CF. Obviously, CF is a pretty devastating diagnoses for any parent to hear, especially for new parents of twin baby girls (that's right, I'm a twin. My sister doesn't have CF). Yet I have been blessed with amazing parents who refuse to let my CF define who I am and who I'm growing up to be. They taught me to remain compliant with my treatments and therapies in order to stay as healthy as possible while encouraging me to never give up my dreams and to live a life that glorifies God with everything I do.
Because of my CF, I do three to four breathing treatments a day, take about 30 pills a day, receive IV antibiotics relatively frequently, and have many, many, many doctors. I have gone "under the knife" more times than I can count and navigate the medical system without batting an eyelash. Like many CF patients, I struggle to maintain my weight. I am supposed to eat double the amount of calories of a normal person, which isn't as fun as it might seem! I also have cystic fibrosis related diabetes, which is unlike type 1 or type 2 diabetes. CFRD is a guessing game, and I never know exactly how my blood sugars are going to react on a daily basis.
CF is a chronic, progressive illness. Therefore, my health has gotten worse over time. Hospitalizations, medications, and surgeries have become more frequent and intense. I know that my health has changed over the span of my life and will continue to do so. Yet I am doing everything I can to stay as healthy as possible and to have a great quality of life. I am going to live with purpose, drive, and determination. I have hope and confidence in my God and His plans for me. May I never get bored with life and never stop inspiring others to find joy and contentment in every situation.
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