Mind over matter...how do you deal

[dramamama]

Just was wondering....what is your outlook on your illness. Do you have a positive, realistic view, are you "in denial", do you think attitude affects health? Do you focus on your future or do you not really care about longevity....just the quality<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

As you age and your health changes, has your attitude toward your illness changed?

I don't want to psycho-analyze anyone....Just thought it might be interesting to know where we all stand....maybe it would help us understand each other a little more.

Here goes:
Mandy, 34, cf, cfrd
I am hopeful most of the time. I would love to live a long full life and i have hopes that God has a plan for my life. I am not in denial....I know I have a serious illness, I just don't focus on the day and the time....I believe that health can be affected by attitude therefore I try to stay positive about my health and live day to day. When I am feeling very poorly with an exceptionally nasty exacerbation, I do get down just because I feel like crap.....and death is more in my mind. But, I find when I think about it, I just get down and my health takes a turn.

I never should have lived this long according to all the literature....I am still here and I believe that I am still here because I don't take no for an answer. I can't do it is not in my vocab....

I tend to gravitate toward nuturing people....people who share my love for life and hope in healing. I am a Christian and I believe my faith has taught me to stay hopeful and not ever give up the fight. My prayers are answered in ways I never could have imagined and I am not about to start limiting God now.....not after 34 years.

OK, me in a nutshell. Please I want to hear about all of you. Maybe I can pick up attitude tips<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[dramamama]

Just was wondering....what is your outlook on your illness. Do you have a positive, realistic view, are you "in denial", do you think attitude affects health? Do you focus on your future or do you not really care about longevity....just the quality<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

As you age and your health changes, has your attitude toward your illness changed?

I don't want to psycho-analyze anyone....Just thought it might be interesting to know where we all stand....maybe it would help us understand each other a little more.

Here goes:
Mandy, 34, cf, cfrd
I am hopeful most of the time. I would love to live a long full life and i have hopes that God has a plan for my life. I am not in denial....I know I have a serious illness, I just don't focus on the day and the time....I believe that health can be affected by attitude therefore I try to stay positive about my health and live day to day. When I am feeling very poorly with an exceptionally nasty exacerbation, I do get down just because I feel like crap.....and death is more in my mind. But, I find when I think about it, I just get down and my health takes a turn.

I never should have lived this long according to all the literature....I am still here and I believe that I am still here because I don't take no for an answer. I can't do it is not in my vocab....

I tend to gravitate toward nuturing people....people who share my love for life and hope in healing. I am a Christian and I believe my faith has taught me to stay hopeful and not ever give up the fight. My prayers are answered in ways I never could have imagined and I am not about to start limiting God now.....not after 34 years.

OK, me in a nutshell. Please I want to hear about all of you. Maybe I can pick up attitude tips<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[dramamama]

Just was wondering....what is your outlook on your illness. Do you have a positive, realistic view, are you "in denial", do you think attitude affects health? Do you focus on your future or do you not really care about longevity....just the quality<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

As you age and your health changes, has your attitude toward your illness changed?

I don't want to psycho-analyze anyone....Just thought it might be interesting to know where we all stand....maybe it would help us understand each other a little more.

Here goes:
Mandy, 34, cf, cfrd
I am hopeful most of the time. I would love to live a long full life and i have hopes that God has a plan for my life. I am not in denial....I know I have a serious illness, I just don't focus on the day and the time....I believe that health can be affected by attitude therefore I try to stay positive about my health and live day to day. When I am feeling very poorly with an exceptionally nasty exacerbation, I do get down just because I feel like crap.....and death is more in my mind. But, I find when I think about it, I just get down and my health takes a turn.

I never should have lived this long according to all the literature....I am still here and I believe that I am still here because I don't take no for an answer. I can't do it is not in my vocab....

I tend to gravitate toward nuturing people....people who share my love for life and hope in healing. I am a Christian and I believe my faith has taught me to stay hopeful and not ever give up the fight. My prayers are answered in ways I never could have imagined and I am not about to start limiting God now.....not after 34 years.

OK, me in a nutshell. Please I want to hear about all of you. Maybe I can pick up attitude tips<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[sue35]

I live with a realistic viewpoint I think. I would love to live a long life and am doing as much as I can to but I know that unless new things come out I will not live to be 70 or really even 60. I try to see both the side of positive thinking, do medicines, and being realistic. I do not put all my hope into medicine because no matter how much I do I will still get sick. That is the cruelity of this disease. Two people can both do as many things as they can to stay alive and one will live well into "old" years and another will die at 20.

Right now, I am sick so my realistic side is moving into the negative side. Most of the time I do not think of when I will die, except if I am sick and feeling sorry for myself<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I do admantly believe that attitude can help a disease but not be the only thing.

Does this even really make sense? Being sick makes me in a fog<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[sue35]

I live with a realistic viewpoint I think. I would love to live a long life and am doing as much as I can to but I know that unless new things come out I will not live to be 70 or really even 60. I try to see both the side of positive thinking, do medicines, and being realistic. I do not put all my hope into medicine because no matter how much I do I will still get sick. That is the cruelity of this disease. Two people can both do as many things as they can to stay alive and one will live well into "old" years and another will die at 20.

Right now, I am sick so my realistic side is moving into the negative side. Most of the time I do not think of when I will die, except if I am sick and feeling sorry for myself<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I do admantly believe that attitude can help a disease but not be the only thing.

Does this even really make sense? Being sick makes me in a fog<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[sue35]

I live with a realistic viewpoint I think. I would love to live a long life and am doing as much as I can to but I know that unless new things come out I will not live to be 70 or really even 60. I try to see both the side of positive thinking, do medicines, and being realistic. I do not put all my hope into medicine because no matter how much I do I will still get sick. That is the cruelity of this disease. Two people can both do as many things as they can to stay alive and one will live well into "old" years and another will die at 20.

Right now, I am sick so my realistic side is moving into the negative side. Most of the time I do not think of when I will die, except if I am sick and feeling sorry for myself<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I do admantly believe that attitude can help a disease but not be the only thing.

Does this even really make sense? Being sick makes me in a fog<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[lightNlife]

Hi Mandy!

You and I share a similar outlook it seems <img src=""> Having faith that strengthens and restores, not to mention a wonderful support system does indeed make a difference.

As far as what you said about the literature and your current age...here's some exciting and encouraging information that I heard from my clinic. If you've made it this far without losing significant lung function, then the averages and predictions no longer apply!

So live it up, I know I am! My life is a full one and a fulfilled one. God does have a plan for your life, and guess what, his plan isn't just a distant future point; his plan is taking place in your life right now!

If you'd like to learn more about me and read about some of the things God has done in my life, I invite you check out my blogs, <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://livingwellwithCF.blogspot.com">Breathing Deeply: My Life with CF</a> and <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://educatedguesser.blogspot.com">Pools of Grace</a>.

Please, feel free to PM me any time. It's good to find others who share a foundation of faith.

Warmly,
lightNlife

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.helium.com/tm/114413">How to Suppress Bad Thoughts</a>

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.helium.com/tm/112385">Thoughts and Ideas that Have Influenced my Life</a>

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.helium.com/tm/131045">Living it Up</a>

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.helium.com/tm/110523">How to Cope with Stress</a>

 

[lightNlife]

Hi Mandy!

You and I share a similar outlook it seems <img src=""> Having faith that strengthens and restores, not to mention a wonderful support system does indeed make a difference.

As far as what you said about the literature and your current age...here's some exciting and encouraging information that I heard from my clinic. If you've made it this far without losing significant lung function, then the averages and predictions no longer apply!

So live it up, I know I am! My life is a full one and a fulfilled one. God does have a plan for your life, and guess what, his plan isn't just a distant future point; his plan is taking place in your life right now!

If you'd like to learn more about me and read about some of the things God has done in my life, I invite you check out my blogs, <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://livingwellwithCF.blogspot.com">Breathing Deeply: My Life with CF</a> and <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://educatedguesser.blogspot.com">Pools of Grace</a>.

Please, feel free to PM me any time. It's good to find others who share a foundation of faith.

Warmly,
lightNlife

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.helium.com/tm/114413">How to Suppress Bad Thoughts</a>

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.helium.com/tm/112385">Thoughts and Ideas that Have Influenced my Life</a>

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.helium.com/tm/131045">Living it Up</a>

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.helium.com/tm/110523">How to Cope with Stress</a>

 

[lightNlife]

Hi Mandy!

You and I share a similar outlook it seems <img src=""> Having faith that strengthens and restores, not to mention a wonderful support system does indeed make a difference.

As far as what you said about the literature and your current age...here's some exciting and encouraging information that I heard from my clinic. If you've made it this far without losing significant lung function, then the averages and predictions no longer apply!

So live it up, I know I am! My life is a full one and a fulfilled one. God does have a plan for your life, and guess what, his plan isn't just a distant future point; his plan is taking place in your life right now!

If you'd like to learn more about me and read about some of the things God has done in my life, I invite you check out my blogs, <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://livingwellwithCF.blogspot.com">Breathing Deeply: My Life with CF</a> and <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://educatedguesser.blogspot.com">Pools of Grace</a>.

Please, feel free to PM me any time. It's good to find others who share a foundation of faith.

Warmly,
lightNlife

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.helium.com/tm/114413">How to Suppress Bad Thoughts</a>

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.helium.com/tm/112385">Thoughts and Ideas that Have Influenced my Life</a>

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.helium.com/tm/131045">Living it Up</a>

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.helium.com/tm/110523">How to Cope with Stress</a>

 

[Landy]

Good topic. I'm sure you will get responses from all angles & as you know, there's no right or wrong outlook, much to some folks dismay.

I try to have a good outlook and also believe in God's plan. It really takes a lot of the pressure off of me. I just do all that I can to take care of myself & leave the rest to God. My attitude, (which is also biblical--loosely paraphrased) is to let tomorrow worry about itself, after all, will my worrying today change anything tomorrow? To which the answer is "No".
As others have mentioned, when health is declining or when it's one health issue after another, it's not so easy to not worry about tomorrow, but then again, my worrying isn't going to change anything.
I think we all can have down periods. When new things come my way and I acknowledge that it's another step of CF progressing, I get bummed for a day or so, then pick myslef back up and keep on keepin' on, what else can I do?

I've given a lot of thought to this very subject lately because of a common misperception I think others have, which is....I think almost all of us realize that we will die earlier than our non-CF counter-parts due to the nature of our disease, but somehow when we don't think of it everyday & ponder it daily, then we are accused of being in denial. OR, if, God forbid, we get brave & think that things may just improve a little bit with our health, then we're waaay in denial.

Then I've thought of the angle of when it comes down to the last breaths of life, are people that think of it & ponder on it all of their lives going to be any better off than people that knew that it would happen, but chose to deal with it when it's time to deal with it??
And, at that point, does it really matter?

A lot to ponder....

 

[Landy]

Good topic. I'm sure you will get responses from all angles & as you know, there's no right or wrong outlook, much to some folks dismay.

I try to have a good outlook and also believe in God's plan. It really takes a lot of the pressure off of me. I just do all that I can to take care of myself & leave the rest to God. My attitude, (which is also biblical--loosely paraphrased) is to let tomorrow worry about itself, after all, will my worrying today change anything tomorrow? To which the answer is "No".
As others have mentioned, when health is declining or when it's one health issue after another, it's not so easy to not worry about tomorrow, but then again, my worrying isn't going to change anything.
I think we all can have down periods. When new things come my way and I acknowledge that it's another step of CF progressing, I get bummed for a day or so, then pick myslef back up and keep on keepin' on, what else can I do?

I've given a lot of thought to this very subject lately because of a common misperception I think others have, which is....I think almost all of us realize that we will die earlier than our non-CF counter-parts due to the nature of our disease, but somehow when we don't think of it everyday & ponder it daily, then we are accused of being in denial. OR, if, God forbid, we get brave & think that things may just improve a little bit with our health, then we're waaay in denial.

Then I've thought of the angle of when it comes down to the last breaths of life, are people that think of it & ponder on it all of their lives going to be any better off than people that knew that it would happen, but chose to deal with it when it's time to deal with it??
And, at that point, does it really matter?

A lot to ponder....

 

[Landy]

Good topic. I'm sure you will get responses from all angles & as you know, there's no right or wrong outlook, much to some folks dismay.

I try to have a good outlook and also believe in God's plan. It really takes a lot of the pressure off of me. I just do all that I can to take care of myself & leave the rest to God. My attitude, (which is also biblical--loosely paraphrased) is to let tomorrow worry about itself, after all, will my worrying today change anything tomorrow? To which the answer is "No".
As others have mentioned, when health is declining or when it's one health issue after another, it's not so easy to not worry about tomorrow, but then again, my worrying isn't going to change anything.
I think we all can have down periods. When new things come my way and I acknowledge that it's another step of CF progressing, I get bummed for a day or so, then pick myslef back up and keep on keepin' on, what else can I do?

I've given a lot of thought to this very subject lately because of a common misperception I think others have, which is....I think almost all of us realize that we will die earlier than our non-CF counter-parts due to the nature of our disease, but somehow when we don't think of it everyday & ponder it daily, then we are accused of being in denial. OR, if, God forbid, we get brave & think that things may just improve a little bit with our health, then we're waaay in denial.

Then I've thought of the angle of when it comes down to the last breaths of life, are people that think of it & ponder on it all of their lives going to be any better off than people that knew that it would happen, but chose to deal with it when it's time to deal with it??
And, at that point, does it really matter?

A lot to ponder....

 

[Emily65Roses]

As many of you know, reality for me. I care more about quality than quantity, though I do think about how long I'll live (or not) now and again. It's always in a "well, that kind of sucks" sort of tone. I have a day every once and a while (I don't know, twice a year maybe?) where I think about how Mike's going to be widowed, my possible kids are going to be motherless etc etc. But I don't do it often, about twice a year, as I said. No god for me. I think I have CF because my mom had DeltaF508 and my dad had 1898+1G>A and they didn't know it, and there was no testing for the CF gene back then, they got pregnant, and hit the 25%. Science, mutations, but no god.

I think there'll be cool meds that come along while I'm still here. I expect to get a tx one day (though I know I may get cepacia, or die waiting for lungs, etc), and that should let me kick around for a while longer. I know a CFer who had a double lung tx about... 10 years ago (that's a guess), and the only major problem he's had is about 2 years ago, he had to have a kidney tx too. He's doing well overall, he's married. He's 40. I don't know when I'll be nearing a tx, but I figure mid to late 30s. That's again, assuming I don't get any big surprises, like cepacia.

My attitude towards the CF hasn't really changed any. Every time something fairly new hits me (like when I got stuck with 3 nebs a day, from my original 1), I have a little *RAWR* moment, but I get over it fairly quickly. That'll continue. When I have to up my chest PT, or when I have to go on o2, I'll have another *rawr* moment, but it'll pass. Overall, though, my general outlook has been the same since before I can remember. CF sucks, but I'm going to have a life with it the best I can. It's going to kill me, but I'll hang on as long as I can and as long as it's reasonable (i.e. if there's a point where they say there's really nothing they can do for me, I'll go home and die with my family).

As for how I deal, my main "deal" device is Mike. I have a bad day CF-wise, I talk to Mike about it. I have a bad coughing fit, he sits quietly with his hand on my back and gets me some juice. I have an annoying appointment, he sits with me. I have to go on IVs, he helps me access it and then gets me whatever my stomach will allow me to eat, and spends lots of time being lazy and watching movies with me. Sounds fairly lame, but that's the kind of crap that keeps me going. Mike = the best. <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0"> <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Emily65Roses]

As many of you know, reality for me. I care more about quality than quantity, though I do think about how long I'll live (or not) now and again. It's always in a "well, that kind of sucks" sort of tone. I have a day every once and a while (I don't know, twice a year maybe?) where I think about how Mike's going to be widowed, my possible kids are going to be motherless etc etc. But I don't do it often, about twice a year, as I said. No god for me. I think I have CF because my mom had DeltaF508 and my dad had 1898+1G>A and they didn't know it, and there was no testing for the CF gene back then, they got pregnant, and hit the 25%. Science, mutations, but no god.

I think there'll be cool meds that come along while I'm still here. I expect to get a tx one day (though I know I may get cepacia, or die waiting for lungs, etc), and that should let me kick around for a while longer. I know a CFer who had a double lung tx about... 10 years ago (that's a guess), and the only major problem he's had is about 2 years ago, he had to have a kidney tx too. He's doing well overall, he's married. He's 40. I don't know when I'll be nearing a tx, but I figure mid to late 30s. That's again, assuming I don't get any big surprises, like cepacia.

My attitude towards the CF hasn't really changed any. Every time something fairly new hits me (like when I got stuck with 3 nebs a day, from my original 1), I have a little *RAWR* moment, but I get over it fairly quickly. That'll continue. When I have to up my chest PT, or when I have to go on o2, I'll have another *rawr* moment, but it'll pass. Overall, though, my general outlook has been the same since before I can remember. CF sucks, but I'm going to have a life with it the best I can. It's going to kill me, but I'll hang on as long as I can and as long as it's reasonable (i.e. if there's a point where they say there's really nothing they can do for me, I'll go home and die with my family).

As for how I deal, my main "deal" device is Mike. I have a bad day CF-wise, I talk to Mike about it. I have a bad coughing fit, he sits quietly with his hand on my back and gets me some juice. I have an annoying appointment, he sits with me. I have to go on IVs, he helps me access it and then gets me whatever my stomach will allow me to eat, and spends lots of time being lazy and watching movies with me. Sounds fairly lame, but that's the kind of crap that keeps me going. Mike = the best. <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0"> <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Emily65Roses]

As many of you know, reality for me. I care more about quality than quantity, though I do think about how long I'll live (or not) now and again. It's always in a "well, that kind of sucks" sort of tone. I have a day every once and a while (I don't know, twice a year maybe?) where I think about how Mike's going to be widowed, my possible kids are going to be motherless etc etc. But I don't do it often, about twice a year, as I said. No god for me. I think I have CF because my mom had DeltaF508 and my dad had 1898+1G>A and they didn't know it, and there was no testing for the CF gene back then, they got pregnant, and hit the 25%. Science, mutations, but no god.

I think there'll be cool meds that come along while I'm still here. I expect to get a tx one day (though I know I may get cepacia, or die waiting for lungs, etc), and that should let me kick around for a while longer. I know a CFer who had a double lung tx about... 10 years ago (that's a guess), and the only major problem he's had is about 2 years ago, he had to have a kidney tx too. He's doing well overall, he's married. He's 40. I don't know when I'll be nearing a tx, but I figure mid to late 30s. That's again, assuming I don't get any big surprises, like cepacia.

My attitude towards the CF hasn't really changed any. Every time something fairly new hits me (like when I got stuck with 3 nebs a day, from my original 1), I have a little *RAWR* moment, but I get over it fairly quickly. That'll continue. When I have to up my chest PT, or when I have to go on o2, I'll have another *rawr* moment, but it'll pass. Overall, though, my general outlook has been the same since before I can remember. CF sucks, but I'm going to have a life with it the best I can. It's going to kill me, but I'll hang on as long as I can and as long as it's reasonable (i.e. if there's a point where they say there's really nothing they can do for me, I'll go home and die with my family).

As for how I deal, my main "deal" device is Mike. I have a bad day CF-wise, I talk to Mike about it. I have a bad coughing fit, he sits quietly with his hand on my back and gets me some juice. I have an annoying appointment, he sits with me. I have to go on IVs, he helps me access it and then gets me whatever my stomach will allow me to eat, and spends lots of time being lazy and watching movies with me. Sounds fairly lame, but that's the kind of crap that keeps me going. Mike = the best. <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0"> <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[chrissyd]

I think I am much the same way as you described yourself. I am 29 with CF; 2 "novel" mitochondrial mutations, a leaky valve in my heart, and a blood clotting problem. I was diagnosed at 21 because of my gene combo (delta f508 and r347p), my case is mild. I've had symptoms all of my life; but no one ever knew why...lol...NIH in Bethesda MD tested me!
Anyway; as I have grown older I feel that I have gained perspective. Some days my attitude is worse than others...but I'm sure everyone has those! My faith has given me strength and hope; with out those two things I'm not sure where I would be!

 

[chrissyd]

I think I am much the same way as you described yourself. I am 29 with CF; 2 "novel" mitochondrial mutations, a leaky valve in my heart, and a blood clotting problem. I was diagnosed at 21 because of my gene combo (delta f508 and r347p), my case is mild. I've had symptoms all of my life; but no one ever knew why...lol...NIH in Bethesda MD tested me!
Anyway; as I have grown older I feel that I have gained perspective. Some days my attitude is worse than others...but I'm sure everyone has those! My faith has given me strength and hope; with out those two things I'm not sure where I would be!

 

[chrissyd]

I think I am much the same way as you described yourself. I am 29 with CF; 2 "novel" mitochondrial mutations, a leaky valve in my heart, and a blood clotting problem. I was diagnosed at 21 because of my gene combo (delta f508 and r347p), my case is mild. I've had symptoms all of my life; but no one ever knew why...lol...NIH in Bethesda MD tested me!
Anyway; as I have grown older I feel that I have gained perspective. Some days my attitude is worse than others...but I'm sure everyone has those! My faith has given me strength and hope; with out those two things I'm not sure where I would be!

 

[coltsfan715]

I like this post my friends and I were talking about this just the other day. Not just in the aspects of CF but life in general.

I just deal with things. I have never really thought about it being a problem for any prolonged period of time. Like everyone says I have my days and my moments but they are normally short lived. I have known I have CF for quite a while and I have known what CF is for a long time as well. I know the life expectancy and I have ideas of what I can expect to happen to me as time passes. I choose not to think of and dwell on these things. I find my life is more depressing when I focus on all the negatives that CF can bring. I live my life day to day, I do my meds, go to appointments and live. I have moments everyday where I forget that I have CF even though I take nebs and do CPT for about 1.5 hours in the AM AND PM, take 5 enzymes per meal, antibiotics, vitamins, minerals, asthma meds, allergy meds, reflux meds and so on and use O2 full time. I am still able to forget about CF. I live and enjoy things and I do not let it get me down most of the time.

I try to remind myself that obsessing over something will not change it - I may not like being on O2 and it may be a hard adjustment but if I dwell on it ... will it change ... No it won't so stop dwelling. I hate that I have CF and have to deal with everything that comes with it, if I dwell on it will it change ... No it won't so move on stop dwelling. That is the basic attitude I try to keep.

I believe in God and I think that has kept me sane over the years. To know that this has not been given to me for no reason at all and no real plan that it was not complete chance and randomness and that when all is said and done that I will not disappear into nothingness knowing nothing but life with this disease. The fact that I do not believe that and that I do believe that God will take care of me ultimately, what should be done will be done and I will be alright in the end. Though I sometimes forget and have to remind myself of that - I do believe it and it helps put me at ease.

Overall I try to smile and laugh a few times a day. I try to make someone else smile at least once too. It does alot for the soul to make others happy as well as yourself.

Take Care,
Lindsey

 

[coltsfan715]

I like this post my friends and I were talking about this just the other day. Not just in the aspects of CF but life in general.

I just deal with things. I have never really thought about it being a problem for any prolonged period of time. Like everyone says I have my days and my moments but they are normally short lived. I have known I have CF for quite a while and I have known what CF is for a long time as well. I know the life expectancy and I have ideas of what I can expect to happen to me as time passes. I choose not to think of and dwell on these things. I find my life is more depressing when I focus on all the negatives that CF can bring. I live my life day to day, I do my meds, go to appointments and live. I have moments everyday where I forget that I have CF even though I take nebs and do CPT for about 1.5 hours in the AM AND PM, take 5 enzymes per meal, antibiotics, vitamins, minerals, asthma meds, allergy meds, reflux meds and so on and use O2 full time. I am still able to forget about CF. I live and enjoy things and I do not let it get me down most of the time.

I try to remind myself that obsessing over something will not change it - I may not like being on O2 and it may be a hard adjustment but if I dwell on it ... will it change ... No it won't so stop dwelling. I hate that I have CF and have to deal with everything that comes with it, if I dwell on it will it change ... No it won't so move on stop dwelling. That is the basic attitude I try to keep.

I believe in God and I think that has kept me sane over the years. To know that this has not been given to me for no reason at all and no real plan that it was not complete chance and randomness and that when all is said and done that I will not disappear into nothingness knowing nothing but life with this disease. The fact that I do not believe that and that I do believe that God will take care of me ultimately, what should be done will be done and I will be alright in the end. Though I sometimes forget and have to remind myself of that - I do believe it and it helps put me at ease.

Overall I try to smile and laugh a few times a day. I try to make someone else smile at least once too. It does alot for the soul to make others happy as well as yourself.

Take Care,
Lindsey