The Joys of having CF

The Joys of having CF

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Letter to 2015

Dear 2015, 
To start...we made it. At some points throughout this year I wasn't sure if an end was in sight. You started off great...
Let's begin, first I had gotten a small promotion at work. My goals were set high. Then April/May hit and man, it's been crazy ever since. 
In May I got a job in Minnesota, I was so excited to finally "be on my own". I had my own apartment. Things were going great. Then, I got sick. CF decided it needed some attention. After a week in the hospital, my emotions tested to the max, I was sent home on IV's. Nothing unusual. Then it was suggested I move back closer to home. 
I was a little crushed. I had to leave my home that I loved. It was mine. I wasnt to upset to leave where I was working as I was able to transfer locally. 
So in July, somehow God was watching over me, one of my neighbors parents wanted an apartment, and mine was right next door to her, and they even needed furniture, so everything was worked out and  they got my apartment. I'm not even sure how that happened, but I know it was all in Gods hands. 

This year I also became an aunt for the first time, and oh my gosh do I love that title. Such a blessing. 

That now brings us to current. Last month I turned 21. A milestone years ago I was told wouldn't happen. I went to Beverly Hills with my parents and amazing friends to celebrate. Then we had the holidays, my favorite time of the year, and I was blessed with yet another holiday season with my amazing grandpa. 

In conclusion, even though we're ending a little negativity with health issues(see last blog post), I write all this to say, Thank You 2015.  

Thank you for all the craziness this past year. Out of all the past few years I will say, this has been one of the worst, and best. It's been one of the worst because there were times I didn't know what was going to happen or how things would turn out, but somehow everything always figures it's way out. But it's been one of the best years, because besides all the bad, this year has made me so much stronger. I've learned a lot and grown a lot. I've come closer to God and learned to leave everything up to him and it'll work out. I've learned to be thankful for the little things, and in the end it's made me a much stronger person. 
You started out a good year and I would've never known all that was going to happen. I guess the saying is true; "I didn't know my own strength". But now I know that with my faith I can conquer anything, and I now know my own strength. I've gotten to live the saying; "you don't know how strong you are, until being strong is your only option", and I must say...I AM strong. I will NOT break. I AM a fighter. With those three things, and my faith...ill be alright. I've got a lot of living left to do. 
Thank you 2015, you've been swell, but I think we'll end here. 

2016...welcome. I can't wait to see the adventures this year. 

~God Bless

Thursday, December 17, 2015

The Reality

For so long I think I've taken CF for granted. I've taken for granted the great health providers I've had. The great medical facilities I've gone to. But most of all...my health. 
For as long as I can remember I've never had "serious" lung issues. The infections have always been able to be treated. My sinuses have always looked great. Never any polyps or build ups. I've pretty much had "perfect" CF health, in the eyes of the CF world...until the last 2 years. 
The last two years I'm not going to lie have been a little rough. Two years ago I switched from the pediatric CF team to the adult CF team and oh my what a difference. It's been a learning experience for sure. 
In the last two years my health has decreased. My lung function has gone from 100% to 89%. I've gone from never coughing stuff up, to now coughing up lots of stuff, sometimes even blood. I've gone from taking good deep breaths to being wore out after coughing. I've had a few hospitalizations(one of which left me with no appetite for food-a loss of 15+ pounds, which is still in affect today), and another which left me with nerve damage in my hand(thankfully that has gotten somewhat better). I've Doctor hopped to find a new doctor...which I'm still also doing. 
Overall the best word I can find for the last two years is roller coaster. 
Now currently, I am waiting to hear back from a different CF center in the state I live(the center I went to from 3 months old to 10 years old). I've been doing tons of research to find answers, to find the right care for me. I've taken it in my own hands. 
At my last appointment I was approved for a new VEST which is great: 
I asked the doctor if part of my problem is my old VEST is 10+ years old and not a hill rom, to which she said "prossibly". So step one-I got my new vest. 
Step two-I had a visit with an ENT. Which also unwrapped a small piece of the puzzle: I have a huge polyp in my left side so that could be why I have a constant runny nose and stuffy head. The doctors solution was immediate surgery. I know I need the surgery. I am not denying that but I am denying her being my doctor. 
My prayer is that I hear back from this other CF center soon so I can get on the right track. 
Now I say all this to say; don't worry this post isn't to scare anyone. It's to make aware that sometimes YOU have to take matters into your own hands. But it is also to state don't take your health for granted. 
Going into 2016 I plan on it being a fantastic year to remember. Even though I have to have my first surgery ever(besides the immense amounts of PICC lines). It's something that eventually would be inevitable. I'm very blessed that I've gotten to wait 21 years. 
Even though life seems crazy now, I WILL come out stronger. I will stand up for my health and fight to make sure I keep myself healthy. I will do whatever and go wherever to find the answers. I will be an advocate for myself. 
Somedays I stop and just look back on this year and think oh my gosh how did I make it through, and the only answer  I have is my faith. I know deep down that God has a plan. Only he knows what it is, and oh, some days I wish I new what it was but I truly feel he has big plans in store. 
As of today this is my current reality. A reality I kinda always wanted to blur out, but that's selfish of me. Compared to some people with CF I have it easy. Shame on me to complain. 
Today I woke up and was able to breathe.
 For that, that made today great, and as long as I can keep doing those two things, this reality...will turn into amazing moments that someday years from now I'll look back on and say, "I'm so thankful I went through all that to make me who I am today". 
This illness will not beat me...I am a fighter...and my story, is just starting.....

~God Bless