"development" in CF boys

[Jane]

Please spare me the details, but the other thread made me curious about my boys. At what age does puberty take place for other CF boys? I've heard its late- but how late? My 15 yr old has no signs yet. Just curious about you guys.

I am really serious about this and I'm asking you to keep it clean. Thanks.

 

[NoExcuses]

"development

Weight has a lot to do with it. Kids now a days are hitting puberty earlier and earlier because they are so heavy. But those who are underweight, especially CF kids, hit it later.

I gained 30 lbs in 30 days (I'm not kidding.... December 1994 I weighed 69lbs at 5 feet tall and January 1995 I was 99lbs at 5 feet) and I hit puberty February 1995 (got my period).

How tall is your son? What is his weight? Is his voice still high like a 9 year old????

 

[julie]

"development

Jane, I just checked with Mark on this one. He said he started getting body hair and noticed some small changes in himself such as armpit hair, at about 14/15, but that his voice didn't start to deepen until about 17, and then he started noticing more changes (more body hair, whereas in the beginning it was just a bit here and there) at 17-18.

Hope this helps.

 

[Scottius]

"development

(First post here...hello all)

I had a similar experience to "Mark" described in the post above. I was very skinny (am now happy to be average weight for my height) and I think that had something to do with my late blooming. In fact, looking at pictures of me from when I was 18, it still didn't look like I had fully grown into my body.

 

[JennifersHope]

"development

Hi Jane,

I know you are looking to hear from guys who have been through this, but the one thing I thought of was, I hope the boys CF doctor is talking to them, reassuring them that their bodies will grow.

I think that they would be worried about that especially if all their friends are developing at the average age. I just don't want them to worry, and I think it would be good for them to know that.

Just my two cents,

Jennifer

 

[julie]

"development

Jane, also I just thought of this, somewhat related to your question...

Have you talked to your boys (I would say just the oldest but since they both have CF) about reproductive issues? I ask only because I recall Mark telling me on a number of occasions, how hurt and deeply affected he was that his own mom didn't talk to him about this issue, even though she knew about it. She let his doctors "out of left field" him with it one day. MY husband doesn't drudge up much, he usually forgives and forgets, but he STILL talks about this issue. Just wated to encourage you to talk to them (at least the oldest) about it and I know Mark is always happy to talk to other CFers about this kind of stuff.

He recalls having nobody to talk to except for his doctors, and wishes when he was that age, that he had an older CFer to talk to. His username on here is MARKUS or email is division902@hotmail.com

Just an idea, don't want to intrude or anything, just wanted to point it out.

Audex, Welcome to the site!!

 

[Brad]

"development

I think all boy are different, cf or no cf.

Take a look at other male members in your family
use that as a gauge, 15 may be the right age in your
family. i was 12 when I starting changing, but that
was normal for my family, my older brother who
didn't have cf didn't start to have these changes until he was 14
so it varies from person to person....

 

[welshgirl]

"development

to reiterate julie's post, i did not want to leave that to chance (infertility issues) i've already told my son ,gently but truthfully, that males with cf would need a bit of help when the time comes to start a family. i also told him a lot of people need help not just peeps with cf.!!!! iv'e found he is very accepting about problems with cf if i tell him in a matter of fact way. i'm sure this will change when he does approach puberty (oh my life!!!!, i've been there once already) i'm glad you asked this ? jane, i am often worrying about things that are in the near future. take care<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[welshgirl]

"development

about the above post , the reason i told joe early was because in the uk cf is discussed in school as part of the national curriculum!!! iv'e said this before but at some point joe will be in class and the whole class will be discussing cf in depth infertility and all. i will really feel for him that day<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> and may consider taking him out of that particular lesson)

 

[Jane]

"development

Thanks you guys!

Amy, Josh is 15, weighs 71 (lost 7 after being sick in the spring) and is 5' tall.

Julie, yes we talk to him a little. He had a health program in fifth grade that dealt with maturity issues. We've also seen an endocrinologist for growth problems. She told him weight comes first, then height, then puberty.

Audex, Welcome! Josh is definately skinny so its nice to know you eventually grew into your body!

Janet, I wonder sometimes how it would be to have have one boy w/cf and one w/o. Your boys are far apart in age but do they make any comparisons? My boys said recently that they are glad BOTH of them have CF because it would be too weird if one didn't. Interesting.

 

[welshgirl]

"development

i really feel for you jane, hope you don't mind me saying that. my boys are almost a generation apart. they have different dads (i was married too young the first time around) it's like having two "only" children. my second husband is like a real father to adam so i hope it makes it easier for him despite the fact that his natural son has cf. adam was disgusted when we told him he was having a brother/sister<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif" border="0"> they get on better now and cf has never played a part in their lives , yet!!!!!! i'm sure joe will be asking "why me" when he is older. take care <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[JazzysMom]

"development

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>welshgirl</b></i>
adam was disgusted when we told him he was having a brother/sister<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif" border="0"> they get on better now and cf has never played a part in their lives , yet!!!!!! i'm sure joe will be asking "why me" when he is older. take care <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"></end quote></div>


I think many, many kids dont want to think of their parents still doing "that" more than the fact or just as much as the fact of a new sibling coming LOL! My cousing had anothre baby when her youngest was 13 & he was totally grossed out~