Salty and Sweet

Salty:
The major sign of Cystic Fibrosis is excess salt. In fact, this is how CF is diagnosed. The Sweat Test, is a simple, painless test and the best way to diagnose CF. The test measures the concentration of salt in a person’s sweat. A high salt level indicates CF. It is actually very complicated to explain and even harder to understand the details of this disease. Basically, CF affects how salt and water moves through the cells of the body which causes very salty sweat and very dehydrated mucus (No one has ever said this is a “pretty” disease!).

I was diagnosed with CF at the age of 18 months old. As a baby I had a lot of digestive problems which lead doctors to test me for CF. The doctor who diagnosed me said I wouldn’t live past the age of 12. Luckily my parents found a specialist who was able to give me the best treatment. As I got older research progressed and therapies improved, the average lifespan has increased and increased, which now is 36.5 years old! But still… there is no cure for CF.

Sweet:
As people with CF live longer, thanks to advanced research studies and new treatments, they are having more and more complications stemming from the CF. One of these complications is diabetes. Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes in 2000, I only now in 2007, am really realizing what a problem diabetes is and how difficult it is to manage.

I was tested for CFRD after a lung CAT-scan which showed that my pancreas had partially autodigested (I thought that was fascinating!). My doctor ordered an oral glucose tolerance test which showed I had CFRD. I was relieved to have an explanation as to why I craved Noodles night and day, my many trips to the restroom even though I didn’t have that much to drink, why my lung function tests were on a steep decline and why I was always tired. Finally an answer… but I had no idea what I had in store. Diabetes is a very complicated disease to control. I now take six shots a day and I still my blood sugars are out of control. Trying to control my sugar levels is now my second full time job. Also, there is no cure for diabetes.

*update*
As of June 2008, I started on an insulin pump.  This insulin pump has been almost a miracle for me.  The pump gives me better control (and a TON of freedom) over the amount of insulin I get and when.  In August 2008 I had my diabetes under control FINALLY!  It is still an uphill battle, but at least I have proven to myself that it is possible.  I look forward to sharing more of my tips and tricks for how I was able to becoming the Queen of the Diabetes Hill (at least I was for a little while).