CF Statistics

I have been keeping up with my exercise and crossing things off of my 'To Do Before Transplant' list. My husband has been helping me to take care of the things that require shopping. I really appreciate it because it takes so much effort to get in and out of the car with my O2. I am now committed to using an EverGo personal concentrator, which I made official by finally returning my regulator. I was offered the EverGo by my oxygen company on a trial basis. I have been using it since January and it's great, particularly when someone carries it for me. When I'm alone I use the cart, but it's heavy to lift and not ideal for the melting snow and puddles. It has it's benefits though- three hours of O2 and it can be recharged in the car or any wall outlet.

I am proud of myself for keeping up with my workouts, but it has been more challenging on the treadmill this week. I am more SOB and my sats are dropping more than I've ever seen before. I bought a handy little pulse oximeter (for only $50 online) and it's been helpful to check where I'm at.

Now for the interesting stuff...

I recently saw that the median age for CFers in Canada is up to 47.7 (as of 2007). The data has been compiled recently and it looks like the increase could be attributed to:

1. increase in the number of individuals diagnosed with CF as adults and have a mild gene mutation (although this appears not likely the cause)
2. increase in the number of lung transplants
3. better nutrition throughout entire life

I haven't seen much celebration over this yet, but perhaps the information is very new still. If you'd like to read more on this, the report can be found at http://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/assets/files/pdf/CPDR_ReportE.pdf .