A little help?

[AnnaH]

<b>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?

If so, how do you feel about those decisions? Regretful? Happy? Disappointed? Optimistic? </b>
To a point. I'm aware that i will probably have a shorter life than most. It's not a constant thought, but i'm certainly aware of it. I am rushing though school, partially because i want time to work and travel before my lungs get too bad. I dont party/drink like a normal college student, and a big part of that is that my body does not like it. That's definitly something that's held me back. It's not like i want to go to a keg party every night, but the choice was taken away from me, and that pisses me off.
CF definitly affected my life in terms of having kids. I don't want to pass the gene on(my kids would be carriers), so that means no biological children for me. I'm also not so sure that it's fair to the kids to have a terminally ill parent.
<b>2. How central a role does CF play in your identity now? </b>
Quite alot. The whole college transtion was hard for me- i wasn't sure if i wanted to spend ten odd years in school and possibly not get to use the degrees. I also had to choose a job i could do with lower lung function.
I desperatly want to be a horse trainer, but it's not a good career choice from a health/money/stablitly standpoint, and that really sucks.
It's mostly jus being "different". CF is a part of who i am, good or bad. I would be another person if i didn't have it.

 

[AnnaH]

<b>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?

If so, how do you feel about those decisions? Regretful? Happy? Disappointed? Optimistic? </b>
To a point. I'm aware that i will probably have a shorter life than most. It's not a constant thought, but i'm certainly aware of it. I am rushing though school, partially because i want time to work and travel before my lungs get too bad. I dont party/drink like a normal college student, and a big part of that is that my body does not like it. That's definitly something that's held me back. It's not like i want to go to a keg party every night, but the choice was taken away from me, and that pisses me off.
CF definitly affected my life in terms of having kids. I don't want to pass the gene on(my kids would be carriers), so that means no biological children for me. I'm also not so sure that it's fair to the kids to have a terminally ill parent.
<b>2. How central a role does CF play in your identity now? </b>
Quite alot. The whole college transtion was hard for me- i wasn't sure if i wanted to spend ten odd years in school and possibly not get to use the degrees. I also had to choose a job i could do with lower lung function.
I desperatly want to be a horse trainer, but it's not a good career choice from a health/money/stablitly standpoint, and that really sucks.
It's mostly jus being "different". CF is a part of who i am, good or bad. I would be another person if i didn't have it.

 

[AnnaH]

<b>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?

If so, how do you feel about those decisions? Regretful? Happy? Disappointed? Optimistic? </b>
To a point. I'm aware that i will probably have a shorter life than most. It's not a constant thought, but i'm certainly aware of it. I am rushing though school, partially because i want time to work and travel before my lungs get too bad. I dont party/drink like a normal college student, and a big part of that is that my body does not like it. That's definitly something that's held me back. It's not like i want to go to a keg party every night, but the choice was taken away from me, and that pisses me off.
CF definitly affected my life in terms of having kids. I don't want to pass the gene on(my kids would be carriers), so that means no biological children for me. I'm also not so sure that it's fair to the kids to have a terminally ill parent.
<b>2. How central a role does CF play in your identity now? </b>
Quite alot. The whole college transtion was hard for me- i wasn't sure if i wanted to spend ten odd years in school and possibly not get to use the degrees. I also had to choose a job i could do with lower lung function.
I desperatly want to be a horse trainer, but it's not a good career choice from a health/money/stablitly standpoint, and that really sucks.
It's mostly jus being "different". CF is a part of who i am, good or bad. I would be another person if i didn't have it.

 

[AnnaH]

<b>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?

If so, how do you feel about those decisions? Regretful? Happy? Disappointed? Optimistic? </b>
To a point. I'm aware that i will probably have a shorter life than most. It's not a constant thought, but i'm certainly aware of it. I am rushing though school, partially because i want time to work and travel before my lungs get too bad. I dont party/drink like a normal college student, and a big part of that is that my body does not like it. That's definitly something that's held me back. It's not like i want to go to a keg party every night, but the choice was taken away from me, and that pisses me off.
CF definitly affected my life in terms of having kids. I don't want to pass the gene on(my kids would be carriers), so that means no biological children for me. I'm also not so sure that it's fair to the kids to have a terminally ill parent.
<b>2. How central a role does CF play in your identity now? </b>
Quite alot. The whole college transtion was hard for me- i wasn't sure if i wanted to spend ten odd years in school and possibly not get to use the degrees. I also had to choose a job i could do with lower lung function.
I desperatly want to be a horse trainer, but it's not a good career choice from a health/money/stablitly standpoint, and that really sucks.
It's mostly jus being "different". CF is a part of who i am, good or bad. I would be another person if i didn't have it.

 

[AnnaH]

<b>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?

If so, how do you feel about those decisions? Regretful? Happy? Disappointed? Optimistic? </b>
To a point. I'm aware that i will probably have a shorter life than most. It's not a constant thought, but i'm certainly aware of it. I am rushing though school, partially because i want time to work and travel before my lungs get too bad. I dont party/drink like a normal college student, and a big part of that is that my body does not like it. That's definitly something that's held me back. It's not like i want to go to a keg party every night, but the choice was taken away from me, and that pisses me off.
CF definitly affected my life in terms of having kids. I don't want to pass the gene on(my kids would be carriers), so that means no biological children for me. I'm also not so sure that it's fair to the kids to have a terminally ill parent.
<b>2. How central a role does CF play in your identity now? </b>
Quite alot. The whole college transtion was hard for me- i wasn't sure if i wanted to spend ten odd years in school and possibly not get to use the degrees. I also had to choose a job i could do with lower lung function.
I desperatly want to be a horse trainer, but it's not a good career choice from a health/money/stablitly standpoint, and that really sucks.
It's mostly jus being "different". CF is a part of who i am, good or bad. I would be another person if i didn't have it.

 

[mamerth]

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?

I have made some decisions based on my illness. More of my current decisions are based on my illness because I have a son to think about. I want to be health to be around for him for a very long time. My biggest decision is to take good care of self above all. I am not a risk taker by nature so I do live life fairly carefully.


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

It is a part of me but not me as a whole. My identity is based my my relationships with God. My identity is my role as mom, wife, sister and daughter. CF is just a piece of who I am (sometimes is is a larger piece and sometimes it is a smaller piece).

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

I would say, yes, it has changed over time. As a teenager and "young adult" it was not the "dark, unspoken" part of my identity. My CF didn't affect me for the most part so I could act like it didn't exist. Now that I am an adult and I HAVE to daily manage my illness it is more of who I am. My CF used tojust affect just me and my parents but now it affects my son, my husband and my inlaws. The CF picture gets more complicated and widespread with time.

 

[mamerth]

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?

I have made some decisions based on my illness. More of my current decisions are based on my illness because I have a son to think about. I want to be health to be around for him for a very long time. My biggest decision is to take good care of self above all. I am not a risk taker by nature so I do live life fairly carefully.


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

It is a part of me but not me as a whole. My identity is based my my relationships with God. My identity is my role as mom, wife, sister and daughter. CF is just a piece of who I am (sometimes is is a larger piece and sometimes it is a smaller piece).

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

I would say, yes, it has changed over time. As a teenager and "young adult" it was not the "dark, unspoken" part of my identity. My CF didn't affect me for the most part so I could act like it didn't exist. Now that I am an adult and I HAVE to daily manage my illness it is more of who I am. My CF used tojust affect just me and my parents but now it affects my son, my husband and my inlaws. The CF picture gets more complicated and widespread with time.

 

[mamerth]

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?

I have made some decisions based on my illness. More of my current decisions are based on my illness because I have a son to think about. I want to be health to be around for him for a very long time. My biggest decision is to take good care of self above all. I am not a risk taker by nature so I do live life fairly carefully.


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

It is a part of me but not me as a whole. My identity is based my my relationships with God. My identity is my role as mom, wife, sister and daughter. CF is just a piece of who I am (sometimes is is a larger piece and sometimes it is a smaller piece).

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

I would say, yes, it has changed over time. As a teenager and "young adult" it was not the "dark, unspoken" part of my identity. My CF didn't affect me for the most part so I could act like it didn't exist. Now that I am an adult and I HAVE to daily manage my illness it is more of who I am. My CF used tojust affect just me and my parents but now it affects my son, my husband and my inlaws. The CF picture gets more complicated and widespread with time.

 

[mamerth]

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?

I have made some decisions based on my illness. More of my current decisions are based on my illness because I have a son to think about. I want to be health to be around for him for a very long time. My biggest decision is to take good care of self above all. I am not a risk taker by nature so I do live life fairly carefully.


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

It is a part of me but not me as a whole. My identity is based my my relationships with God. My identity is my role as mom, wife, sister and daughter. CF is just a piece of who I am (sometimes is is a larger piece and sometimes it is a smaller piece).

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

I would say, yes, it has changed over time. As a teenager and "young adult" it was not the "dark, unspoken" part of my identity. My CF didn't affect me for the most part so I could act like it didn't exist. Now that I am an adult and I HAVE to daily manage my illness it is more of who I am. My CF used tojust affect just me and my parents but now it affects my son, my husband and my inlaws. The CF picture gets more complicated and widespread with time.

 

[mamerth]

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?

I have made some decisions based on my illness. More of my current decisions are based on my illness because I have a son to think about. I want to be health to be around for him for a very long time. My biggest decision is to take good care of self above all. I am not a risk taker by nature so I do live life fairly carefully.


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

It is a part of me but not me as a whole. My identity is based my my relationships with God. My identity is my role as mom, wife, sister and daughter. CF is just a piece of who I am (sometimes is is a larger piece and sometimes it is a smaller piece).

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

I would say, yes, it has changed over time. As a teenager and "young adult" it was not the "dark, unspoken" part of my identity. My CF didn't affect me for the most part so I could act like it didn't exist. Now that I am an adult and I HAVE to daily manage my illness it is more of who I am. My CF used tojust affect just me and my parents but now it affects my son, my husband and my inlaws. The CF picture gets more complicated and widespread with time.

 

[Martha]

I just wanted to thank everyone that took the time to respond to my questions. Everything you told me will be SO helpful and I really appreciate it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

However, there's still time and I welcome any other responses.

Thanks again!
Martha

 

[Martha]

I just wanted to thank everyone that took the time to respond to my questions. Everything you told me will be SO helpful and I really appreciate it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

However, there's still time and I welcome any other responses.

Thanks again!
Martha

 

[Martha]

I just wanted to thank everyone that took the time to respond to my questions. Everything you told me will be SO helpful and I really appreciate it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

However, there's still time and I welcome any other responses.

Thanks again!
Martha

 

[Martha]

I just wanted to thank everyone that took the time to respond to my questions. Everything you told me will be SO helpful and I really appreciate it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

However, there's still time and I welcome any other responses.

Thanks again!
Martha

 

[Martha]

I just wanted to thank everyone that took the time to respond to my questions. Everything you told me will be SO helpful and I really appreciate it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

However, there's still time and I welcome any other responses.

Thanks again!
Martha

 

[Wheezie]

I used to have responses like most of what has been said already: it's only a part of who I am, it doesn't really limit me, I just have to take it into consideration, etc., etc.

I suppose the outlook changes over time, as one poster already mentioned. As I get older, my naivety has worn off a bit and I am able to be more realistic and honest with myself about how much CF actually does control my life. There is virtually no decision that comes up that doesn't somehow involve me having to consider how CF factors into it. The truth is, CF is a <i>huge</i> part of my identity, I <i>am</i> limited in almost everything I want to do, and I <i>certainly</i> have to do more than just consider it when making decisions.

The biggest battle is maintaining a positive, healthy mental state in the face of CF's reality. Nobody <i>wants</i> to be depressed; I suppose this is why many of us try to live in denial and put on a happy-go lucky, anything is possible face. I am not judging - I do it too. But if you want to be real in your thesis, please don't neglect the honesty in this perspective.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Wheezie]

I used to have responses like most of what has been said already: it's only a part of who I am, it doesn't really limit me, I just have to take it into consideration, etc., etc.

I suppose the outlook changes over time, as one poster already mentioned. As I get older, my naivety has worn off a bit and I am able to be more realistic and honest with myself about how much CF actually does control my life. There is virtually no decision that comes up that doesn't somehow involve me having to consider how CF factors into it. The truth is, CF is a <i>huge</i> part of my identity, I <i>am</i> limited in almost everything I want to do, and I <i>certainly</i> have to do more than just consider it when making decisions.

The biggest battle is maintaining a positive, healthy mental state in the face of CF's reality. Nobody <i>wants</i> to be depressed; I suppose this is why many of us try to live in denial and put on a happy-go lucky, anything is possible face. I am not judging - I do it too. But if you want to be real in your thesis, please don't neglect the honesty in this perspective.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Wheezie]

I used to have responses like most of what has been said already: it's only a part of who I am, it doesn't really limit me, I just have to take it into consideration, etc., etc.

I suppose the outlook changes over time, as one poster already mentioned. As I get older, my naivety has worn off a bit and I am able to be more realistic and honest with myself about how much CF actually does control my life. There is virtually no decision that comes up that doesn't somehow involve me having to consider how CF factors into it. The truth is, CF is a <i>huge</i> part of my identity, I <i>am</i> limited in almost everything I want to do, and I <i>certainly</i> have to do more than just consider it when making decisions.

The biggest battle is maintaining a positive, healthy mental state in the face of CF's reality. Nobody <i>wants</i> to be depressed; I suppose this is why many of us try to live in denial and put on a happy-go lucky, anything is possible face. I am not judging - I do it too. But if you want to be real in your thesis, please don't neglect the honesty in this perspective.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Wheezie]

I used to have responses like most of what has been said already: it's only a part of who I am, it doesn't really limit me, I just have to take it into consideration, etc., etc.

I suppose the outlook changes over time, as one poster already mentioned. As I get older, my naivety has worn off a bit and I am able to be more realistic and honest with myself about how much CF actually does control my life. There is virtually no decision that comes up that doesn't somehow involve me having to consider how CF factors into it. The truth is, CF is a <i>huge</i> part of my identity, I <i>am</i> limited in almost everything I want to do, and I <i>certainly</i> have to do more than just consider it when making decisions.

The biggest battle is maintaining a positive, healthy mental state in the face of CF's reality. Nobody <i>wants</i> to be depressed; I suppose this is why many of us try to live in denial and put on a happy-go lucky, anything is possible face. I am not judging - I do it too. But if you want to be real in your thesis, please don't neglect the honesty in this perspective.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Wheezie]

I used to have responses like most of what has been said already: it's only a part of who I am, it doesn't really limit me, I just have to take it into consideration, etc., etc.

I suppose the outlook changes over time, as one poster already mentioned. As I get older, my naivety has worn off a bit and I am able to be more realistic and honest with myself about how much CF actually does control my life. There is virtually no decision that comes up that doesn't somehow involve me having to consider how CF factors into it. The truth is, CF is a <i>huge</i> part of my identity, I <i>am</i> limited in almost everything I want to do, and I <i>certainly</i> have to do more than just consider it when making decisions.

The biggest battle is maintaining a positive, healthy mental state in the face of CF's reality. Nobody <i>wants</i> to be depressed; I suppose this is why many of us try to live in denial and put on a happy-go lucky, anything is possible face. I am not judging - I do it too. But if you want to be real in your thesis, please don't neglect the honesty in this perspective.

Best of luck to you.