Summer 1999 ~ Newsletter
Coping With The Difficulties Of Cystic Fibrosis
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Coping With The Difficulties Of Cystic Fibrosis
by Chris Brown
I have had to cope with many changes as an adult with CF. I am 35 - years old and currently on the transplant list at UAB. I was diagnosed with CF when I was 18 months old. For approximately 31 years I had very little health problems. I played sports in school and was active in the community. Also, I was able to complete a childhood dream of being a Police Officer in Central Florida, a successful but shortened career due to CF. I also enlisted in the military, but was unable to stay in more than several months. Being unable to continue working was the first obstacle I had to cope with.
On October 9, 1997 I was hospitalized for 21 days. At that time I was informed I should consider being placed on the transplant list. I had to stop work and apply for disability. To stop being so active was a big obstacle. The best way I cope with it is to stay busy. One way I do that is with volunteer work. I volunteer at the CF Foundation here in Birmingham. Second to the support of my family and friends, staying active has helped me with the changes that I have to endure. For me, it helps to have a reason to wake up and get out of bed each day. My advice then to everyone is "stay active and positive."