Fitting CF into my life:
Cystic Fibrosis won't be hard to fit into my schedule right now. As I just finished my job watching my babysitting kids for the year. I'm currently job hunting and taking classes on Mondays at the local community college (as a pre-req for Grad programs/and for fun).
Mulan Jr, just ended today. We had two shows. Back-to-back performances are harder, since I had a busy day before the shows, I didn't get a chance to do my meds before the shows. Therefore, I end up bringing my therapy machine along. Yep, sitting in the light booth and doing my meds, while watching people take their seats. [Note: I turned my therapy machine off when the house lights had to go out.]
Its not that hard to fit them in. You just have to be willing to do them sometimes in unexpected places and be willing to have others find out about it. I had two people in the light booth with me, neither knew I had Cystic Fibrosis, but neither were bothered by the nebs. So bottom line: I used to make it a big deal, thinking it bothered people.
But really, it bothered me. I guess, I always thought (and still struggle with it) that people would see me as fragile and "ill" if seeing me do my meds.
But, it's not true. It's the opposite. I had a lot of people in Hairspray and other places/shows that have told me that "I'm a strong person" and to quote a friend: " i swear that gal, she can make the most out of something that seems hopeless". It makes people see me as a stronger person who doesn't quit, slack off, or give in to CF.
I am a very positive person and I never thought of my doing therapies in public as a way to shows CF awareness and strength of a CFer. I can't believe I only saw the negative to it. The "fear" and chance someone would think of me as "weak".
Ridiculous. I'm glad I figured that out. I hope other CFers can figure it out earlier (before the age of 27...lol). It makes life a lot simpler!
Cystic Fibrosis won't be hard to fit into my schedule right now. As I just finished my job watching my babysitting kids for the year. I'm currently job hunting and taking classes on Mondays at the local community college (as a pre-req for Grad programs/and for fun).
Mulan Jr, just ended today. We had two shows. Back-to-back performances are harder, since I had a busy day before the shows, I didn't get a chance to do my meds before the shows. Therefore, I end up bringing my therapy machine along. Yep, sitting in the light booth and doing my meds, while watching people take their seats. [Note: I turned my therapy machine off when the house lights had to go out.]
Its not that hard to fit them in. You just have to be willing to do them sometimes in unexpected places and be willing to have others find out about it. I had two people in the light booth with me, neither knew I had Cystic Fibrosis, but neither were bothered by the nebs. So bottom line: I used to make it a big deal, thinking it bothered people.
But really, it bothered me. I guess, I always thought (and still struggle with it) that people would see me as fragile and "ill" if seeing me do my meds.
But, it's not true. It's the opposite. I had a lot of people in Hairspray and other places/shows that have told me that "I'm a strong person" and to quote a friend: " i swear that gal, she can make the most out of something that seems hopeless". It makes people see me as a stronger person who doesn't quit, slack off, or give in to CF.
I am a very positive person and I never thought of my doing therapies in public as a way to shows CF awareness and strength of a CFer. I can't believe I only saw the negative to it. The "fear" and chance someone would think of me as "weak".
Ridiculous. I'm glad I figured that out. I hope other CFers can figure it out earlier (before the age of 27...lol). It makes life a lot simpler!
Wow! I am super impressed! I was diagnosed at 14 and at that age you never want to admit to being different so I kept CF a secret from most people and kept it a secret all the way until I graduated college. Although I am no longer ashamed of having CF I am not sure I would be brave enough to do nebs in front of a bunch of people. Maybe someday :)
ReplyDeleteBTW: found you on the CF blogroll
Everyone in my hometown knew, so adjusting to college was hard. I didn't tell people and honestly, I spent so much time doing theatre, with boyfriend/friends, I'd let my health decline. This "being completely open" about it is a proccess and it takes time. But, I'm glad I did. I'm getting my health back. And I LOVE the CF blogroll! Glad you found me and thanks for sharing!
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