DS was diagnosed right after birth because of a bowel obstruction due to meconium illeus. One of his doctors explained that CFers are born with normal lungs; however, with time, the genetic mutation, infections, sticky mucus -- the lungs will become affected. We didn't have a clue that DH or I were carriers and both sides of the family have very extensive geneology information and there's no sign of CF.
Should other relatives be tested? If there are any who are planning to start families, it would be a very good idea. A couple of DH's cousins are going thru testing prior to starting families. Should other relatives be tested to see if they themselves have CF? There are a couple of DH's cousins who seem to have respiratory issues (asthma), but were told they don't have it because they passed "the test" -- sweat test. My response is that DS passed his with a normal 32.
A friend of mine's granddaughter was diagnosed with cf at 18 months and she and over 40 relatives (children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, siblings) were all tested shortly before a family reunion, so they could spread the word, bring awareness to other members of the family that this could be a possibility. Several found out they were carriers and one person -- the child's grandfather said "oh, yeah, I had two cousins with CF". My friend said it would've been nice if they'd been aware of the possibility when they were trying to get her diagnosed.
Basically CF is a progressive disease. There are a number of factors that come into play as far as how it progresses -- some people mainly have digestive issues, some have sinus issues. Some on this site did well for years, only to get knocked for a loop by a particularly nasty bug called cepacia...
Should other relatives be tested? If there are any who are planning to start families, it would be a very good idea. A couple of DH's cousins are going thru testing prior to starting families. Should other relatives be tested to see if they themselves have CF? There are a couple of DH's cousins who seem to have respiratory issues (asthma), but were told they don't have it because they passed "the test" -- sweat test. My response is that DS passed his with a normal 32.
A friend of mine's granddaughter was diagnosed with cf at 18 months and she and over 40 relatives (children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, siblings) were all tested shortly before a family reunion, so they could spread the word, bring awareness to other members of the family that this could be a possibility. Several found out they were carriers and one person -- the child's grandfather said "oh, yeah, I had two cousins with CF". My friend said it would've been nice if they'd been aware of the possibility when they were trying to get her diagnosed.
Basically CF is a progressive disease. There are a number of factors that come into play as far as how it progresses -- some people mainly have digestive issues, some have sinus issues. Some on this site did well for years, only to get knocked for a loop by a particularly nasty bug called cepacia...