S
SarahProcter
Guest
My daughter was diagnosed based on newborn screening, without any symptoms - healthy weight, no lung issues, etc. Her CF clinic doctors have told us that she has 'atypical' CF based on her particular genetic mutations, the fact that she is pancreatic sufficient (doesn't need to take enzymes), and her sweat tests are, while borderline, very low for CF, almost normal (41, 40, and 37). She is almost 17 months old now and honestly, without the newborn screening she never would have been diagnosed, she shows no symptoms and is developing beautifully.
It's still a very horrible experience, receiving the diagnosis. I am still recovering emotionally from the first phone call about it, and that was over a year ago. What I can tell you for certain is that your child is still wonderful and still healthy, she didn't suddenly become deathly ill overnight with the screening results. CF is a progressive illness though so the most important thing is to work with a CF center and keep a really watchful eye on your baby, and how she grows and develops, and how her test results change over time. If they recommend treatment, even though she isn't "sick", it's because there are treatments that are shown to do the most good if you start them before you're showing symptoms. The name of the game with CF is prevention and prompt response to any infections that may crop up - you want to keep her as healthy as possible!
Like the prior poster said, start learning, but don't let this rob you of the joy of your daughter's infancy. She's still wonderful. Love her and enjoy her!
It's still a very horrible experience, receiving the diagnosis. I am still recovering emotionally from the first phone call about it, and that was over a year ago. What I can tell you for certain is that your child is still wonderful and still healthy, she didn't suddenly become deathly ill overnight with the screening results. CF is a progressive illness though so the most important thing is to work with a CF center and keep a really watchful eye on your baby, and how she grows and develops, and how her test results change over time. If they recommend treatment, even though she isn't "sick", it's because there are treatments that are shown to do the most good if you start them before you're showing symptoms. The name of the game with CF is prevention and prompt response to any infections that may crop up - you want to keep her as healthy as possible!
Like the prior poster said, start learning, but don't let this rob you of the joy of your daughter's infancy. She's still wonderful. Love her and enjoy her!