It's difficult for anyone, even a doctor to be able to tell you exactly what to expenct with CF because it is SO different for everyone. Some have digestive probablems which result in a hard time gaining weight, sometimes needing supplements/assistance via a G tube. Many do have lung issues, some both digestive and lung, some just lung. These lung issues cause infections which require antibiotics, most commonly through a device called a nebulizer, but many with CF also take pill antibiotics and there comes a point when some will need IV antibiotics.
Just to give you an example of how different CF is for everyone, there are a number of people over 20 on this board who have been on IV antibiotics at least once. And there are also probably an equal number over 20 who have never been on IV antibiotics. Although most everyone, even the children have been on the nebulized and pill antibiotics.
In addition to lung and digestive problems, many men with CF also have reproductive problems My husband is one of them. This is not the case for every man with CF, but for a good percentage of them it is. Biological fatherhood is now possible with all the new medical advances. We are pregnant (his bio. children) and expecting triplets in October.
As many others have mentioned, Cf is not the death sentence it use to be. My husband was told not to expect to live past about 15-18. Actually, many on this site were told that as that was the life expectancy and course of CF back in the 80's when they were born. Now my husband's CF docs are telling him he sould expect to live another few decades (he's 25) at least. Many others on this site have a similar experience as this one with life expectancy.
Please ask all the questions on your mind and we will all do our best to answer them for you.
Many prayers and thoughts be with your family at this time!
