Hi, My name is Chuck. I am 39.
I was born with a genetic disease called Cystic Fibrosis, (CF for short). A lot of
people have never heard of CF before, and that is why I wanted to make a web site
where they could learn almost all about it.
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease which causes many problems
involving mainly the lungs & digestive system. There are about 30,000
Americans who live with CF and many more in other parts of the world.
It is most common in caucasians and is often fatal, however there are many
new and innovative treatments around for CF today, and life expectancy can
be as much as 60 years old and beyond. There is currently no cure for CF but
researchers are coming closer each day. The most important thing to realize
is that every person with CF has their own unique and individual case.
Some have more severe cases than others and some have different variations of
symptoms. No doctor can put a time limit on a CF patients life. It isn't
possible to know how long someone will survive with this disease. With the right
care and attitude, we can live well beyond our "expected" years.
Symptoms of CF vary but here are the most common:
Salty-tasting skin. Persistent cough, wheezing or pneumonia. Excessive appetite, but poor weight gain. Loose, foul-smelling stools. Clubbed fingers & toes. Blue or purple coloration of lips, fingernails, & toenails. Digestive disorders. Male Sterility. Heat prostration.
Salty-tasting skin.