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Weatherly’s Story (Cystic Fibrosis)

Weatherly-E-139x179I have cystic fibrosis (CF). Over 70 percent of people with CF are diagnosed by the age of two. I was not one of the 70 percent even though I’ve had symptoms all of my life.

I was diagnosed with CF when I was 20 years old and had about 73 percent lung capacity. My daily routine consists of 1-2 hours of medicine/therapy first thing in the morning with other medicine/therapy a couple of times throughout the day to keep me healthy. Now, I fight to stay above 40 percent lung capacity.

I am now in the process of trying to decided if I’m willing to have a lung transplant, not what every 33-year-old wants to think about. I’ve been hospitalized up to five times in a year. I’m sent home with a PICC Line on IV antibiotics, which I’ve been on for up to two months at a time.

I am very proud to have CF– not glad– but proud. I take very good care of myself, even though I know that I cannot physically do what other people can. I live with CF, but I don’t let it control my life. I have a great inspiration in my life, people who are never willing to let me give up or give up on me: my husband, brother, father, in-laws, and my doctor. I have nothing but love and respect for Dr. G, he sacrifices everyday to bring a tomorrow for someone else. I want to bring awareness about this genetic disease that affects 30,000 children and adults in the United States.

Weatherly
Submitted 3-26-10

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and,
because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

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2 comments

  1. Ronda Dell'Ario

    Hi Weatherly,

    I just found this site and wanted to say hello. I see your post is from 2010 so I hope you are doing well.

    My husband has Cystic Fibrosis and is 55 yrs. old. He works full-time but is very diligent about treatments. Sounds like you have a great attitude about things and that’s awesome.

    Have a wonderfully blessed day,

    Ronda

    • Weatherly

      So sorry Ronda, I didn’t see this sooner. I didn’t know that people could respond. Lol

      I’m doing good. Since this post, I’ve stopped working, which has improved my life dramatically. I’m still fighting the 40% marker, but I feel better throughout the year. Not working gives me time to concentrate on me, some days that’s hard… I don’t want to wake up & “deal” with CF, some days I just don’t have the energy. The past couple of years have been a little bumpy. All I can do anymore is laugh at the diagnosis, because it’s just so crazy what can happen as a result of CF.

      I hope your husband is doing well. Until CF = Cure Found

      Weatherly

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