everyone has a story, here is mine:

I have Cystic Fibrosis, diagnosed at birth by Meconium Ileus (an intestinal blockage requiring surgery). Although considered healthy most of my life (with no lung involvement), I've always dealt with fatigue, digestion complications and sinus issues.

As a child it was thought I was miraculously spared the devasting effects of CF - it was believed I had a mild case of CF, and wouldn't develop the typical complications of a person with Cystic Fibrosis. Respectively, my health was taken for granted, and I wasn't taught the importance of lung maintenance.

So, when I woke up sick one January morning in 2002,
I simply thought I had the flu, and didn't feel the necessity to go the doctor. Two weeks later after no improvement, I found myself in the hospital, on I.V. antibiotics and oxygen for no less than 14 days.

Not until just recently have I come to understand that what I experienced was my first CF exacerbation, which, sadly, caused irreversible lung damage by waiting for treatment.
So much for being "healthy".

Although I tried to return to work, it proved to be too stressful, too demanding, and too exhausting.
So, that October I retired and started my "life with CF".
And here we are today....

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Medications for the person with CF

The ramifications of cf vary from patient to patient. Here is a list of the possible medications / treatments that a patient might take on a regular, on-going basis:


Respiratory System medications (Lungs)

  • Antibiotics
  • Bronchodilators
  • Theophyllines
  • Anti-inflammatories
  • Mucolytics
  • Oxygen
  • Cough medicines

Upper Airway to treat:

  • Polyps
  • Sinuses
  • Allergies

The Heart

  • Diuretics
  • Digitalis

Gastrointestinal and digestive system medicines

  • Enzymes
  • Acid reducers
  • Antireflux
  • Anticonstipation
  • Antibloating
  • Liver medicines
  • Vitamins

  • Probiotics
  • Growth and appetite stimulants and supplements

Transplant related drugs

  • Anti-rejection drugs

Posted by Sally at 8:32 AM

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