joetrivium
New member
...I saw an ENT for the purpose of exploring sinus and throat issues that I have had since I was a kid. For the first time, ever, a doctor suggested that I have a sweat test to rule out CF. "I don't think you have it, but I want to rule it out before we proceed," he said. I began my research, then had the sweat test which came back with intermediate results. Two weeks ago, I had my genetic testing done which today (1 week before my 52nd birthday) indicated conclusively that I have this disease.
Like most Americans (I suspect), I knew that CF was basically a childhood disease...that no one would want to have. However, the diagnosis has put a crucial piece into the puzzle of my medical history which has been (as I believe now) conspicuously missing. Despite a history of upper respiratory, sinus, and fertility issues, no one ever put the pieces of the puzzle together. I feel in relatively good health, and have been retired from a 20-Navy career for 10 years this month. In this past month, I found out that two of my siblings have known they were CF carriers for years.
As a professional educator, I have been puzzled and hindered by a productive/spontaneous cough that makes talking sometimes a difficulty. While I have a robust sense of humor, I have subdued my cough for decades--knowing that I could get myself all f'klempted if I laughed without restraint. I have always joked with my doctors that if I could just get myself straightened out between my eyebrows and collar bone, then my health would be perfect. I am grateful not for the disease, but for the diagnosis and...finally...the missing piece of the puzzle. I look forward to finding new modalities of treatment and a future of breath, song, and laughter. I hope I can inspire and encourage others who fight this disease and suffer so much worse than I do. I have not learned all of the CF vernacular. Nor do I want my life to be all about CF. I do hope to advocate on behalf of others who face a life with CF. I look forward to more fantastic learning and living.
Like most Americans (I suspect), I knew that CF was basically a childhood disease...that no one would want to have. However, the diagnosis has put a crucial piece into the puzzle of my medical history which has been (as I believe now) conspicuously missing. Despite a history of upper respiratory, sinus, and fertility issues, no one ever put the pieces of the puzzle together. I feel in relatively good health, and have been retired from a 20-Navy career for 10 years this month. In this past month, I found out that two of my siblings have known they were CF carriers for years.
As a professional educator, I have been puzzled and hindered by a productive/spontaneous cough that makes talking sometimes a difficulty. While I have a robust sense of humor, I have subdued my cough for decades--knowing that I could get myself all f'klempted if I laughed without restraint. I have always joked with my doctors that if I could just get myself straightened out between my eyebrows and collar bone, then my health would be perfect. I am grateful not for the disease, but for the diagnosis and...finally...the missing piece of the puzzle. I look forward to finding new modalities of treatment and a future of breath, song, and laughter. I hope I can inspire and encourage others who fight this disease and suffer so much worse than I do. I have not learned all of the CF vernacular. Nor do I want my life to be all about CF. I do hope to advocate on behalf of others who face a life with CF. I look forward to more fantastic learning and living.
