I am currently 19 and have had the CF diagnosis since birth. I want to create a message over a VERY important subject concerning this disease or rather ANY chronic illness at that.

I had recently lost 20% of my lung function under a year, reason being; I stopped taking my medication. Unfortunately my several physicians had informed me (since the time that I could understand what CF even was) that around adult youth many CF patents stop their medication. Naturally this can angry family members/friends and end in a sorter lifespan.

I want this topic to be open for any of those that have given up or are not entirely conviced they have CF.

Some Cf patients including myself can stop taking mediations for the following reasons:

Financial Purposes
Busy Schedule
Lack of resources helping with treatment
Forgetfulness
Irritability
Having thoughts such as "I dont need the medication"

I am sure there are plenty of other reasons for incompliance.

For me, it was difficult for me to believe that the illness was going to kill me if I gave it the chance. Chronic illness is very difficult to accept since death comes in a slower process than a terminal illness.

I just want open up this subject and see if I am not entirey alone in this. I have finally over come my doubts but I want people with CF to be able to talk about this WITHOUT BEING JUDGED.

Brittany, a CFer