my son aged 11-cystic fibrosis-suffering from severe cough for the past two months is he in his final stage?

we have taken all the tests. there is no fungal infection. sputum c/s shows impenam and tobramycin sensitive which he is using now.he has lately developed joint pain, back pain, sinus, stomach pain etc… all i need to know is, is he nearing his end or can survive for a few more years by medecine?

I would take him back to your respirologist or CF doctor for a more thorough check. Perhaps he is suffering allergies or another condition unrelated to his CF, or your doctor needs to reassess his meds. I was switched from Tobramycin to Colistin and though I have to take another inhaled mask with Ventolin first to keep the inflammation that Colistin causes under control, I have been well for the past 18 months and do not have a constant dry cough any more.

If he is not pancreatic sufficient, he may need his enzymes increased to help with digestion. He may need alternative meds to help his bowels and only a doctor can determine if this is causing stomach problems. If he has been pancreatic sufficient, these symptoms may point toward the pancreas not working as well as before.

Sinus problems are common and perhaps asign of benign polyps (of which I suffer and have had removed once 25 years ago and need to have done again).

Perhaps he is not keeping to his regimen of treatment, as kids often do, and needs more supervision with the necessary steps to keep him on track. If your doctor is NOT a specialist in CF please contact your nearest Cystic Fibrosis Foundation office for a referral.

I am a 46 year old CF survivor told I would not live to see 30, with no pancreatic problems but have chronic pseudomonas infections and only 25% lung function. I am hospitalized every year or two but I am NOT on oxygen or lung transplant list yet, though I had assessment done 4 years ago when I was very ill and things looked bad with lungs functioning at 16%. I’ve bounced back and am doing well again, so do not lose hope or faith. We are not cut from a cookie cutter – not all of us have the same symptoms or responses to treatments to the same degree and the doctors do NOT know everything. The disease can be fought with strict adherance to antibiotics and inhaled treatments with physiotherapy and a positive attitude. Fight for your son to get the best treatment and the best doctors possible and may God bless him with a return to a better state of health and a long life.

Kylie Hunley

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