Hi Emily, I'm not a fellow teen, sorry if I'm out of place. I am a mom of two teen girls w/CF though. My oldest is 17, a senior in HS, my youngest is 14, a freshman in HS. My two girls are competely different in the amount of physical activity they can endure. My youngest is on the freshman cheerleading squad and has always been able to keep up with her gym class, with the exception of the few times she's been sick. My oldest on the other hand, about the time she was in jr. high had trouble keeping up in gym class. She is not one that is comfortable about telling people about CF. I made a point to tell her gym teacher (I did this for Rachel too) about CF, the coughing, the possible use of an inhaler, possible hospital admissions, the need for extra water especially in the hot months, and her knowing her limits. She didn't mind me telling them, she just didn't want to tell them. She would try her best and did pretty well except for when it came to running. She hates running. I assume because it makes her cough.
At 13, I'm guessing your in jr. high? Depending on your school and the types of classes they have to offer here are a couple of ideas. First I want to say that Anna, (my oldest) tried to get her doctors to give her a note so she didn't have to take gym. No go. "Pysical activity is good for you." I talked to her gym teachers and let them in on what was going on. Maybe your mom or dad could do that for you. When Anna was in HS she took gym her freshman year, her teacher was exceptionally understanding, more afraid of having her do something she couldn't handle or that was too much for her. The following year she was an aid in the gym class for special needs kids. She still got her PE credit, some physical activity, and got so much more out of the class helping out the special needs kids. Does your gym class do more than just run? I know you didn't say running so I'm just guessing. One of my girls' gym class was mostly running so i just moved her out of that class to a different teacher. Can you keep up with games, like basketball and volleyball? I don't mean being the star player but able to participate. Maybe a different gym teacher, one that gears the class to games more than say, running. Have you always had trouble keeping up or is it something that's come up recently? That's something to thing about too. For my oldest, it was gradual. What types of things do you do in the summer? Swimming is a good way to exercise your lungs and you have fun doing it.
I hope that I've given you some ideas on what might help. Hang in there. I"m sorry if I rambled on too long. I know you were probably looking for fellow teen advice and I try to stay out of this area, but I couldn't help myself.
Liza
(mom of 2teen girls w/CF)