A little help?

Martha · Oct 10, 2007

I apologize for not telling you more about myself.

I am a 21 year old college senior from Massachusetts. I have no idea what I am going to do after I graduate, hopefully get my masters in public health eventually. I like to kayak, play tennis (not well), LOVE the ocean, watch tv (the office and lost are my favorites), and I think the perfect way to end the day is to take a dog for a walk. I know these are random things I'm telling you but I hope it gives you more of a sense of who I am.

In asking the questions that I have, I am trying to gain a better understanding of how people's lives have been impacted by CF and it seems to me the best way of doing this is hearing personal stories. Logistically, my thesis will include a review of literature about CF, a discussion of what everyone says about their CF experiences, and suggestions for further research.

What I think you should know is that though I'm asking these questions so I can write a paper and graduate (hopefully), I am genuinely interested in learning more about CF. Until two years ago when I started working at a hospital, I didn't know what CF was. I've know much more than I did before, but as you can tell, I still have a lot of unanswered questions.

I hope this answers some of your questions. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know that I haven't mentioned.

Martha

Martha · Oct 10, 2007

I apologize for not telling you more about myself.

I am a 21 year old college senior from Massachusetts. I have no idea what I am going to do after I graduate, hopefully get my masters in public health eventually. I like to kayak, play tennis (not well), LOVE the ocean, watch tv (the office and lost are my favorites), and I think the perfect way to end the day is to take a dog for a walk. I know these are random things I'm telling you but I hope it gives you more of a sense of who I am.

In asking the questions that I have, I am trying to gain a better understanding of how people's lives have been impacted by CF and it seems to me the best way of doing this is hearing personal stories. Logistically, my thesis will include a review of literature about CF, a discussion of what everyone says about their CF experiences, and suggestions for further research.

What I think you should know is that though I'm asking these questions so I can write a paper and graduate (hopefully), I am genuinely interested in learning more about CF. Until two years ago when I started working at a hospital, I didn't know what CF was. I've know much more than I did before, but as you can tell, I still have a lot of unanswered questions.

I hope this answers some of your questions. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know that I haven't mentioned.

Martha

Martha · Oct 10, 2007

I apologize for not telling you more about myself.

I am a 21 year old college senior from Massachusetts. I have no idea what I am going to do after I graduate, hopefully get my masters in public health eventually. I like to kayak, play tennis (not well), LOVE the ocean, watch tv (the office and lost are my favorites), and I think the perfect way to end the day is to take a dog for a walk. I know these are random things I'm telling you but I hope it gives you more of a sense of who I am.

In asking the questions that I have, I am trying to gain a better understanding of how people's lives have been impacted by CF and it seems to me the best way of doing this is hearing personal stories. Logistically, my thesis will include a review of literature about CF, a discussion of what everyone says about their CF experiences, and suggestions for further research.

What I think you should know is that though I'm asking these questions so I can write a paper and graduate (hopefully), I am genuinely interested in learning more about CF. Until two years ago when I started working at a hospital, I didn't know what CF was. I've know much more than I did before, but as you can tell, I still have a lot of unanswered questions.

I hope this answers some of your questions. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know that I haven't mentioned.

Martha

Martha · Oct 10, 2007

I apologize for not telling you more about myself.

I am a 21 year old college senior from Massachusetts. I have no idea what I am going to do after I graduate, hopefully get my masters in public health eventually. I like to kayak, play tennis (not well), LOVE the ocean, watch tv (the office and lost are my favorites), and I think the perfect way to end the day is to take a dog for a walk. I know these are random things I'm telling you but I hope it gives you more of a sense of who I am.

In asking the questions that I have, I am trying to gain a better understanding of how people's lives have been impacted by CF and it seems to me the best way of doing this is hearing personal stories. Logistically, my thesis will include a review of literature about CF, a discussion of what everyone says about their CF experiences, and suggestions for further research.

What I think you should know is that though I'm asking these questions so I can write a paper and graduate (hopefully), I am genuinely interested in learning more about CF. Until two years ago when I started working at a hospital, I didn't know what CF was. I've know much more than I did before, but as you can tell, I still have a lot of unanswered questions.

I hope this answers some of your questions. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know that I haven't mentioned.

Martha

Martha · Oct 10, 2007

I apologize for not telling you more about myself.

I am a 21 year old college senior from Massachusetts. I have no idea what I am going to do after I graduate, hopefully get my masters in public health eventually. I like to kayak, play tennis (not well), LOVE the ocean, watch tv (the office and lost are my favorites), and I think the perfect way to end the day is to take a dog for a walk. I know these are random things I'm telling you but I hope it gives you more of a sense of who I am.

In asking the questions that I have, I am trying to gain a better understanding of how people's lives have been impacted by CF and it seems to me the best way of doing this is hearing personal stories. Logistically, my thesis will include a review of literature about CF, a discussion of what everyone says about their CF experiences, and suggestions for further research.

What I think you should know is that though I'm asking these questions so I can write a paper and graduate (hopefully), I am genuinely interested in learning more about CF. Until two years ago when I started working at a hospital, I didn't know what CF was. I've know much more than I did before, but as you can tell, I still have a lot of unanswered questions.

I hope this answers some of your questions. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know that I haven't mentioned.

Martha

Mockingbird · Oct 10, 2007

1. I have noticed talk about adults with CF as being an exception, or that some people are living longer than they are "supposed to" with CF. Have you made life decisions based on the assumption of a shorter life expectancy? 

Yes. When I was in high school, I had great ACT and SAT scores and I was getting offers from colleges all around the country. Because I didn't think I was going to live very long, however, I really didn't plan to go to college or take my grades or scholarship applications seriously. At the time, I felt like I was wasting my life by working hard at school and it would be even more of a waste to work hard at college, only to die shortly afterward.

If so, how do you feel about those decisions? Regretful? Happy? Disappointed? Optimistic?

I do regret that I did not take my future more seriously. I think I would be much better off with a college degree. On the other hand, I do find satisfaction in the life I have now.

To be honest, when I find myself wishing I had planned better for my future, it is mostly because I am desiring worldly things; money, a better job, feelings of success, etc. As it is, I am a cook in a nursing home, I have no car, I live in a tiny, broken-down apartment, and I already have a bald spot at the age of twenty-five (of course, I would have the bald spot no matter what; it runs in the family). I think by today's societal standards I could rightly be defined a loser, especially given the potential I had shown earlier in life.

However, as it says, "Did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to those who love Him?" James 2:5. I find my level of faith to be far greater than any of those who would consider themselves successful. For to be successful, one must give attention to work and to school, and so they are not able to give all their attention to God. It is like the story of Mary and Martha; When Jesus came to visit them, Martha was busy with preparations while Mary simply sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to Him. Now, both were in the service of God, "But only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42.

I got a little off track I guess, but what I am trying to say is the regret I get sometimes is only external. Ultimately, the material, temporary things I missed out on cannot compare to the eternal things I have gained.

2. How central a role does CF play in your identity now?

I am affected by CF every day, and I make most of my decisions based on how the outcome will affect my health. For example, I am showing signs of glucose intolerance, so I have cut back on sugar; my bones have become thin from lack of vitamin D, so I try to avoid situations where I could break a bone (skiing, walking in icy areas, etc.). ocassionaly, I use cystic fibrosis as a misnistry tool, but beyond that few people even know I have CF. I would say CF plays a large roll in my personal identity, but a rather small role in my social identity. Although, I am trying to be more open and honest with my friends and family about my health and how I am feeling, so I guess CF is growing a little in my social identity.

How has the role of CF as part of your identity changed over the course of your life?

When I was a child, CF played almost no role. As I grow older and my health declines, the role of CF plays in my personal identity tends to grow bigger. In the past, I have tried to hide CF from my social identity, but this has become increasingly difficult, especailly when I am in pain or I am having to cough a lot. Additionally, I am finding my relationships with friends and family tend to suffer when I am not honest with them about how I am feeling, which is why I am trying to give CF a larger role in my social identity.

Mockingbird · Oct 10, 2007

1. I have noticed talk about adults with CF as being an exception, or that some people are living longer than they are "supposed to" with CF. Have you made life decisions based on the assumption of a shorter life expectancy? 

Yes. When I was in high school, I had great ACT and SAT scores and I was getting offers from colleges all around the country. Because I didn't think I was going to live very long, however, I really didn't plan to go to college or take my grades or scholarship applications seriously. At the time, I felt like I was wasting my life by working hard at school and it would be even more of a waste to work hard at college, only to die shortly afterward.

If so, how do you feel about those decisions? Regretful? Happy? Disappointed? Optimistic?

I do regret that I did not take my future more seriously. I think I would be much better off with a college degree. On the other hand, I do find satisfaction in the life I have now.

To be honest, when I find myself wishing I had planned better for my future, it is mostly because I am desiring worldly things; money, a better job, feelings of success, etc. As it is, I am a cook in a nursing home, I have no car, I live in a tiny, broken-down apartment, and I already have a bald spot at the age of twenty-five (of course, I would have the bald spot no matter what; it runs in the family). I think by today's societal standards I could rightly be defined a loser, especially given the potential I had shown earlier in life.

However, as it says, "Did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to those who love Him?" James 2:5. I find my level of faith to be far greater than any of those who would consider themselves successful. For to be successful, one must give attention to work and to school, and so they are not able to give all their attention to God. It is like the story of Mary and Martha; When Jesus came to visit them, Martha was busy with preparations while Mary simply sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to Him. Now, both were in the service of God, "But only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42.

I got a little off track I guess, but what I am trying to say is the regret I get sometimes is only external. Ultimately, the material, temporary things I missed out on cannot compare to the eternal things I have gained.

2. How central a role does CF play in your identity now?

I am affected by CF every day, and I make most of my decisions based on how the outcome will affect my health. For example, I am showing signs of glucose intolerance, so I have cut back on sugar; my bones have become thin from lack of vitamin D, so I try to avoid situations where I could break a bone (skiing, walking in icy areas, etc.). ocassionaly, I use cystic fibrosis as a misnistry tool, but beyond that few people even know I have CF. I would say CF plays a large roll in my personal identity, but a rather small role in my social identity. Although, I am trying to be more open and honest with my friends and family about my health and how I am feeling, so I guess CF is growing a little in my social identity.

How has the role of CF as part of your identity changed over the course of your life?

When I was a child, CF played almost no role. As I grow older and my health declines, the role of CF plays in my personal identity tends to grow bigger. In the past, I have tried to hide CF from my social identity, but this has become increasingly difficult, especailly when I am in pain or I am having to cough a lot. Additionally, I am finding my relationships with friends and family tend to suffer when I am not honest with them about how I am feeling, which is why I am trying to give CF a larger role in my social identity.

Mockingbird · Oct 10, 2007

1. I have noticed talk about adults with CF as being an exception, or that some people are living longer than they are "supposed to" with CF. Have you made life decisions based on the assumption of a shorter life expectancy? 

Yes. When I was in high school, I had great ACT and SAT scores and I was getting offers from colleges all around the country. Because I didn't think I was going to live very long, however, I really didn't plan to go to college or take my grades or scholarship applications seriously. At the time, I felt like I was wasting my life by working hard at school and it would be even more of a waste to work hard at college, only to die shortly afterward.

If so, how do you feel about those decisions? Regretful? Happy? Disappointed? Optimistic?

I do regret that I did not take my future more seriously. I think I would be much better off with a college degree. On the other hand, I do find satisfaction in the life I have now.

To be honest, when I find myself wishing I had planned better for my future, it is mostly because I am desiring worldly things; money, a better job, feelings of success, etc. As it is, I am a cook in a nursing home, I have no car, I live in a tiny, broken-down apartment, and I already have a bald spot at the age of twenty-five (of course, I would have the bald spot no matter what; it runs in the family). I think by today's societal standards I could rightly be defined a loser, especially given the potential I had shown earlier in life.

However, as it says, "Did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to those who love Him?" James 2:5. I find my level of faith to be far greater than any of those who would consider themselves successful. For to be successful, one must give attention to work and to school, and so they are not able to give all their attention to God. It is like the story of Mary and Martha; When Jesus came to visit them, Martha was busy with preparations while Mary simply sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to Him. Now, both were in the service of God, "But only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42.

I got a little off track I guess, but what I am trying to say is the regret I get sometimes is only external. Ultimately, the material, temporary things I missed out on cannot compare to the eternal things I have gained.

2. How central a role does CF play in your identity now?

I am affected by CF every day, and I make most of my decisions based on how the outcome will affect my health. For example, I am showing signs of glucose intolerance, so I have cut back on sugar; my bones have become thin from lack of vitamin D, so I try to avoid situations where I could break a bone (skiing, walking in icy areas, etc.). ocassionaly, I use cystic fibrosis as a misnistry tool, but beyond that few people even know I have CF. I would say CF plays a large roll in my personal identity, but a rather small role in my social identity. Although, I am trying to be more open and honest with my friends and family about my health and how I am feeling, so I guess CF is growing a little in my social identity.

How has the role of CF as part of your identity changed over the course of your life?

When I was a child, CF played almost no role. As I grow older and my health declines, the role of CF plays in my personal identity tends to grow bigger. In the past, I have tried to hide CF from my social identity, but this has become increasingly difficult, especailly when I am in pain or I am having to cough a lot. Additionally, I am finding my relationships with friends and family tend to suffer when I am not honest with them about how I am feeling, which is why I am trying to give CF a larger role in my social identity.

Mockingbird · Oct 10, 2007

1. I have noticed talk about adults with CF as being an exception, or that some people are living longer than they are "supposed to" with CF. Have you made life decisions based on the assumption of a shorter life expectancy? 

Yes. When I was in high school, I had great ACT and SAT scores and I was getting offers from colleges all around the country. Because I didn't think I was going to live very long, however, I really didn't plan to go to college or take my grades or scholarship applications seriously. At the time, I felt like I was wasting my life by working hard at school and it would be even more of a waste to work hard at college, only to die shortly afterward.

If so, how do you feel about those decisions? Regretful? Happy? Disappointed? Optimistic?

I do regret that I did not take my future more seriously. I think I would be much better off with a college degree. On the other hand, I do find satisfaction in the life I have now.

To be honest, when I find myself wishing I had planned better for my future, it is mostly because I am desiring worldly things; money, a better job, feelings of success, etc. As it is, I am a cook in a nursing home, I have no car, I live in a tiny, broken-down apartment, and I already have a bald spot at the age of twenty-five (of course, I would have the bald spot no matter what; it runs in the family). I think by today's societal standards I could rightly be defined a loser, especially given the potential I had shown earlier in life.

However, as it says, "Did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to those who love Him?" James 2:5. I find my level of faith to be far greater than any of those who would consider themselves successful. For to be successful, one must give attention to work and to school, and so they are not able to give all their attention to God. It is like the story of Mary and Martha; When Jesus came to visit them, Martha was busy with preparations while Mary simply sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to Him. Now, both were in the service of God, "But only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42.

I got a little off track I guess, but what I am trying to say is the regret I get sometimes is only external. Ultimately, the material, temporary things I missed out on cannot compare to the eternal things I have gained.

2. How central a role does CF play in your identity now?

I am affected by CF every day, and I make most of my decisions based on how the outcome will affect my health. For example, I am showing signs of glucose intolerance, so I have cut back on sugar; my bones have become thin from lack of vitamin D, so I try to avoid situations where I could break a bone (skiing, walking in icy areas, etc.). ocassionaly, I use cystic fibrosis as a misnistry tool, but beyond that few people even know I have CF. I would say CF plays a large roll in my personal identity, but a rather small role in my social identity. Although, I am trying to be more open and honest with my friends and family about my health and how I am feeling, so I guess CF is growing a little in my social identity.

How has the role of CF as part of your identity changed over the course of your life?

When I was a child, CF played almost no role. As I grow older and my health declines, the role of CF plays in my personal identity tends to grow bigger. In the past, I have tried to hide CF from my social identity, but this has become increasingly difficult, especailly when I am in pain or I am having to cough a lot. Additionally, I am finding my relationships with friends and family tend to suffer when I am not honest with them about how I am feeling, which is why I am trying to give CF a larger role in my social identity.

Mockingbird · Oct 10, 2007

1. I have noticed talk about adults with CF as being an exception, or that some people are living longer than they are "supposed to" with CF. Have you made life decisions based on the assumption of a shorter life expectancy? 

Yes. When I was in high school, I had great ACT and SAT scores and I was getting offers from colleges all around the country. Because I didn't think I was going to live very long, however, I really didn't plan to go to college or take my grades or scholarship applications seriously. At the time, I felt like I was wasting my life by working hard at school and it would be even more of a waste to work hard at college, only to die shortly afterward.

If so, how do you feel about those decisions? Regretful? Happy? Disappointed? Optimistic?

I do regret that I did not take my future more seriously. I think I would be much better off with a college degree. On the other hand, I do find satisfaction in the life I have now.

To be honest, when I find myself wishing I had planned better for my future, it is mostly because I am desiring worldly things; money, a better job, feelings of success, etc. As it is, I am a cook in a nursing home, I have no car, I live in a tiny, broken-down apartment, and I already have a bald spot at the age of twenty-five (of course, I would have the bald spot no matter what; it runs in the family). I think by today's societal standards I could rightly be defined a loser, especially given the potential I had shown earlier in life.

However, as it says, "Did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to those who love Him?" James 2:5. I find my level of faith to be far greater than any of those who would consider themselves successful. For to be successful, one must give attention to work and to school, and so they are not able to give all their attention to God. It is like the story of Mary and Martha; When Jesus came to visit them, Martha was busy with preparations while Mary simply sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to Him. Now, both were in the service of God, "But only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42.

I got a little off track I guess, but what I am trying to say is the regret I get sometimes is only external. Ultimately, the material, temporary things I missed out on cannot compare to the eternal things I have gained.

2. How central a role does CF play in your identity now?

I am affected by CF every day, and I make most of my decisions based on how the outcome will affect my health. For example, I am showing signs of glucose intolerance, so I have cut back on sugar; my bones have become thin from lack of vitamin D, so I try to avoid situations where I could break a bone (skiing, walking in icy areas, etc.). ocassionaly, I use cystic fibrosis as a misnistry tool, but beyond that few people even know I have CF. I would say CF plays a large roll in my personal identity, but a rather small role in my social identity. Although, I am trying to be more open and honest with my friends and family about my health and how I am feeling, so I guess CF is growing a little in my social identity.

How has the role of CF as part of your identity changed over the course of your life?

When I was a child, CF played almost no role. As I grow older and my health declines, the role of CF plays in my personal identity tends to grow bigger. In the past, I have tried to hide CF from my social identity, but this has become increasingly difficult, especailly when I am in pain or I am having to cough a lot. Additionally, I am finding my relationships with friends and family tend to suffer when I am not honest with them about how I am feeling, which is why I am trying to give CF a larger role in my social identity.

kswitch · Oct 10, 2007