30,000 Americans have a genetic illness called Cystic Fibrosis. This illness can be fatal. It attacks the respitory and digestive systems. Many years ago, children born with Cystic Fibrosis did not make it to attend elementary school. Now, with the advanced technology, the average life expectancy for a person with Cystic Fibrosis is to the age of 37 years old.
Dealing with Cystic Fibrosis takes a toll on everyone involved in the situation. Usually, it not only takes an emotional and physical toll but also a financial one. The most important thing to remember is to always take care of yourself if you are the one living with CF, and if you are a loved one, you will be the main source of support for your loved one.
I am 25 years old, my husband who is 28 is living with Cystic Fibrosis. We have four children, (mine from a previous marriage). At times my husband gets disgusted and slacks on his medications and just stops taking care of himself the way he should. When this happens, that is when I step in and let him know how much I love him, and how badly we want to keep our family together forever.
He says that he just wants to be normal. A good response I have found to this is to just tell him, that as long as he continues his medication and takes care of himself, he will be normal, when he stops taking care of himself, is when he becomes unhealthy and not so normal anymore.
As with my husband, most CF patients have fertility issues. This is one of the things that burdens my husband more than anything. We cannot afford IVF or other infertility treatments. This can take a huge emotional toll on a person,( especially one like my husband whom adores children) I have researched these issues greatly. Most of the time the male infertility caused by CF is caused by 1 of 2 things. First there can be a blockage that will not allow the sperm to pass into the semen. Secondly the tube that carries the sperm to the semen may be missing all together.
A great way to help your loved one cope with this illness is to GET INVOLVED!!! The Cystic Fibrosis foundation have many many fundraisers in which you could volunteer, the most popular is the Great Strides walk. I have actually began putting together a walk site in our area.( Our area has never had a great strides walk before) All you need to do is contact your local chapter and they will give you all of the information you will need to get started. This will help find a cure. Wouldn't that be great!! My husband and the other 30,000 people living with CF could be cured. All they need is our help.
By getting involved, it will give your loved one ( like my husband) a sense of hope, a reason to not give up. They will also want to be involved which will help them with their self esteem. Below you will find some helpful links to the Cystic Fibrosis foundation, and also some fertility related links. I hope this information has helped you greatly. Best luck to you all!!!
