A Day in the Life of a Cystic Fibrosis Patient (Full Version)

Summary

Lisa Lawrenson, a 25-year-old interior decorator living with cystic fibrosis (CF), shares her daily struggles and resilience in managing her condition. Diagnosed at birth, Lisa juggles a demanding routine of medications, treatments, and regular doctor visits, all while maintaining a positive attitude at work. As CF affects her lung function, Lisa faces financial and physical challenges, from limited work hours to needing disability support. Despite the hardships, she remains committed to staying active and living life to the fullest, highlighting the importance of perseverance and support in managing a chronic illness.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lisa Lawrenson is 25 years old, lives with her partner Kale in Ottawa, Ontario, and works as a certified interior decorator in a local decorating store.
• 😀 Lisa has cystic fibrosis (CF), diagnosed when she was just 8 weeks old. She has been managing her condition since then with daily treatments and medications.
• 😀 Lisa's daily routine includes nebulizer treatments, taking multiple medications (including antibiotics, antifungals, and allergy-related medications), and using puffers and nose sprays.
• 😀 CF management requires a significant amount of time each day, often leaving Lisa with little time for rest. She estimates her CF care takes at least two hours daily.
• 😀 Due to her condition, Lisa frequently visits various specialists, such as her family doctor, allergists, eye doctor, and sinus doctors, sometimes seeing a new physician every week.
• 😀 Lisa's employer is aware of her health condition, and her work schedule is flexible because CF can cause unpredictable flare-ups, sometimes leading to extended absences.
• 😀 Lisa's lung function has declined over the years, and she now requires more frequent hospital visits. Her work hours have also reduced, shifting from full-time to part-time.
• 😀 Due to CF, Lisa faces financial stress, with decisions between working full-time with partial drug coverage or receiving full drug coverage through Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), which limits her earnings.
• 😀 Despite her challenges, Lisa remains positive and hides her struggles, often pushing through difficult times, although she occasionally allows herself moments to grieve.
• 😀 CF patients like Lisa must follow strict dietary guidelines, including high-calorie, high-protein foods, and take enzymes to help with digestion, as they have trouble absorbing nutrients.
• 😀 In the evenings, after work and dinner, Lisa engages in physical exercises like trampoline bouncing, cycling, and yoga to maintain lung health, followed by another round of nebulizer treatment before bed.

Q & A

What is Lisa Lawrenson's profession and where does she work?

Lisa Lawrenson is a certified interior decorator, and she works at a local decorating store in Ottawa, Ontario.

When was Lisa diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, and how did her mother discover it?

Lisa was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was 8 weeks old. Her mother, a nurse, became concerned because Lisa was losing a lot of weight as a baby and knew that CF runs in their family.

What is Lisa's daily routine to manage her cystic fibrosis?

Lisa's daily routine includes using inhaled nebulizers, taking various medications, such as vitamins, antibiotics, antifungals, and using puffers and nose sprays. She also sterilizes the equipment and does her treatments, which take up a significant part of her morning.

How often does Lisa visit healthcare professionals?

On average, Lisa visits several specialists, including the cystic fibrosis clinic, diabetic doctors, allergists, sinus doctors, family doctor, eye doctor, and dentist, about once a week.

How does cystic fibrosis impact Lisa’s ability to work?

Cystic fibrosis impacts Lisa’s work schedule, as she may have to take time off at short notice for hospitalizations or treatments. This has led her to reduce her work hours from full-time to part-time due to the progression of her illness.

What challenges does Lisa face in terms of financial support for her treatment?

Lisa faces the challenge of balancing full-time work with her need for medication coverage. She has the option of being on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), which covers all her medication but limits her earnings.

How does Lisa cope with the emotional burden of living with cystic fibrosis?

Lisa copes with the emotional burden by taking moments of solitude to grieve and release her emotions. She has learned to accept the support of others, such as when her healthcare team tells her she needs to be hospitalized.

What kind of diet does Lisa follow due to her condition?

Lisa follows a high-calorie, high-protein diet because cystic fibrosis makes it difficult for her to gain weight and absorb nutrients. She also takes enzymes to help with digestion.

How does Lisa stay active despite her condition?

Lisa stays active by incorporating physical activities like bouncing on a trampoline, using an exercise bike, doing yoga, and stretching. She makes sure she never sits still for too long, even when watching TV.

What is the impact of cystic fibrosis on Lisa’s social life?

Cystic fibrosis limits Lisa’s social life, as she cannot stay out late or partake in activities like partying. She is often too tired by 9:00 PM to join in social events, and her physical limitations have changed how she spends her time.