No one prepares you for living with a chronic disease. Cystic fibrosis was a disease that was supposed to prevent me from growing up and for a majority of my life I knew it.
When everybody else was talking about what they wanted to do when they grew up, I was certain I wouldn’t grow up. I was going to miss out on so many things and that certainly affected my mental health.
Then there’s the daily cystic fibrosis routine. Two hours of my day every day is spent wearing a vibrating vest while inhaling nebulized aerosols. That’s 730 hours a year. Taking 40 pills a day. That’s 14,600 meds a year. I’ve been going to doctor’s appointments every three months for decades. That’s approximately 200 doctor’s appointments in my lifetime. 
This post is not to seek pity, but rather to give you the perspective of what it’s like living with a chronic disease my entire life.
Having to wake up every morning seven days a week since before I could remember, knowing that I have to start my treatments before I can start my day and making sure I do my final treatment before I can fall asleep for the evening.
Going to quarterly doctor’s appointments knowing that the results could vary from “you’re doing good for now” to “your lung function is plummeting and we need to get you on IV antibiotics ASAP!”
Yes, people like me with a chronic disease appreciate being alive. But it’s not as simple as just being grateful. It’s the fine line between giving ourselves grace when we are so exhausted that some days we can’t keep up with everyone else and not using cystic fibrosis as an excuse when we are faced with difficult challenges.
We are CF warriors and I’m damn proud of everyone who shares not only the title but who also shares the strength.
Live your dreams and love your life.
Best Wishes,
Andy