Hi,

This being my first main post on here I thought I would start by explaining what Cystic Fibrosis is and how it effects my body.

In a nutshell, CF is a chronic genetic condition which impacts upon the lungs and digestive system. A defective gene causes secretions to plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas. The life expectancy of someone with CF is 40.

I was diagnosed when I was six years old and ever since I have been on a strict medical regime to maintain my health. I personally suffer from pancreatitis and osteoporosis as well as CF, with these new diagnosis’ getting worse as I have gotten older. This means that often I have to miss university and rest in bed as I am unable to to do things for myself. I rely on those around me daily as my body often struggles to complete simple tasks.

Daily treatment includes- physiotherapy, nebulisers, inhalers, oral medications in the form of antibiotics, enzymes and painkillers, and exercises.

Often there are periods where people with CF need hospital treatment in the from of intravenous antibiotics for weeks at a time, and I also go in when I suffer with extreme pain from my pancreatitis where I have morphine and a saline drip as I can’t eat.

The whole regime takes up a lot of time but is essential, this can be very stressful and hard to manage alongside school, university or work. I aim to write posts on how I have personally managed to get through school and share my experiences with university as I go through them.

I hope this gives some insight into the illness as well as how I am effected, look out for more posts coming soon.

Isabelle

(photo from-link)