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how do you tell someone to get thier kid tested for CF

M

MCGrad2006

Guest
So without revealing too much, my friend's little brother has been very sick. He has a couple of different things wrong and one of them is asthma (or possibly CF). I dont know if they would have tested him in hospitals or otherwise when he was younger, but his mom was asking me last time I saw her what I thought. I just spoke with my friend and she said he is sick again and on prednisone for the 4th or 5th time this winter.

The one thing he does NOT have is any digestive issues that I know of. He seems to be a pretty good size, height and weightwise. Are there cases where one's digestion is perfectly normal and thier lungs are as bad as what he seems? I told the mother last time that if she was concerned she should ask the doctor for a blood test. And then I said he may have had the sweat test, but sometimes they are not accurate. I think she is under the impression that the doctors should have caught it if it was CF. I also said "At least if you get him tested, you can get him the right treatment or breathe easy if its not CF." What else can I say without looking like I am poking my nose in their business? How can I say it nicely and without too much concern?
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
So without revealing too much, my friend's little brother has been very sick. He has a couple of different things wrong and one of them is asthma (or possibly CF). I dont know if they would have tested him in hospitals or otherwise when he was younger, but his mom was asking me last time I saw her what I thought. I just spoke with my friend and she said he is sick again and on prednisone for the 4th or 5th time this winter.

The one thing he does NOT have is any digestive issues that I know of. He seems to be a pretty good size, height and weightwise. Are there cases where one's digestion is perfectly normal and thier lungs are as bad as what he seems? I told the mother last time that if she was concerned she should ask the doctor for a blood test. And then I said he may have had the sweat test, but sometimes they are not accurate. I think she is under the impression that the doctors should have caught it if it was CF. I also said "At least if you get him tested, you can get him the right treatment or breathe easy if its not CF." What else can I say without looking like I am poking my nose in their business? How can I say it nicely and without too much concern?
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
So without revealing too much, my friend's little brother has been very sick. He has a couple of different things wrong and one of them is asthma (or possibly CF). I dont know if they would have tested him in hospitals or otherwise when he was younger, but his mom was asking me last time I saw her what I thought. I just spoke with my friend and she said he is sick again and on prednisone for the 4th or 5th time this winter.

The one thing he does NOT have is any digestive issues that I know of. He seems to be a pretty good size, height and weightwise. Are there cases where one's digestion is perfectly normal and thier lungs are as bad as what he seems? I told the mother last time that if she was concerned she should ask the doctor for a blood test. And then I said he may have had the sweat test, but sometimes they are not accurate. I think she is under the impression that the doctors should have caught it if it was CF. I also said "At least if you get him tested, you can get him the right treatment or breathe easy if its not CF." What else can I say without looking like I am poking my nose in their business? How can I say it nicely and without too much concern?
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
So without revealing too much, my friend's little brother has been very sick. He has a couple of different things wrong and one of them is asthma (or possibly CF). I dont know if they would have tested him in hospitals or otherwise when he was younger, but his mom was asking me last time I saw her what I thought. I just spoke with my friend and she said he is sick again and on prednisone for the 4th or 5th time this winter.

The one thing he does NOT have is any digestive issues that I know of. He seems to be a pretty good size, height and weightwise. Are there cases where one's digestion is perfectly normal and thier lungs are as bad as what he seems? I told the mother last time that if she was concerned she should ask the doctor for a blood test. And then I said he may have had the sweat test, but sometimes they are not accurate. I think she is under the impression that the doctors should have caught it if it was CF. I also said "At least if you get him tested, you can get him the right treatment or breathe easy if its not CF." What else can I say without looking like I am poking my nose in their business? How can I say it nicely and without too much concern?
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
So without revealing too much, my friend's little brother has been very sick. He has a couple of different things wrong and one of them is asthma (or possibly CF). I dont know if they would have tested him in hospitals or otherwise when he was younger, but his mom was asking me last time I saw her what I thought. I just spoke with my friend and she said he is sick again and on prednisone for the 4th or 5th time this winter.
<br />
<br />The one thing he does NOT have is any digestive issues that I know of. He seems to be a pretty good size, height and weightwise. Are there cases where one's digestion is perfectly normal and thier lungs are as bad as what he seems? I told the mother last time that if she was concerned she should ask the doctor for a blood test. And then I said he may have had the sweat test, but sometimes they are not accurate. I think she is under the impression that the doctors should have caught it if it was CF. I also said "At least if you get him tested, you can get him the right treatment or breathe easy if its not CF." What else can I say without looking like I am poking my nose in their business? How can I say it nicely and without too much concern?
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
I've been in a similar position -- mentioned being tested to rule it out. I hate to sound all gloom & doom and that they think I see CF elsewhere, but a couple of DH's cousins have asthma-like symptoms, colds easily turn to bronchitis, one has digestive issues. Their response is that they've passed the sweat test --to which I mention that so did DS. I usually bring up the possibility of being a symptomatic carrier -- in which case they may want to find out if they're carriers prior to starting a family...
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
I've been in a similar position -- mentioned being tested to rule it out. I hate to sound all gloom & doom and that they think I see CF elsewhere, but a couple of DH's cousins have asthma-like symptoms, colds easily turn to bronchitis, one has digestive issues. Their response is that they've passed the sweat test --to which I mention that so did DS. I usually bring up the possibility of being a symptomatic carrier -- in which case they may want to find out if they're carriers prior to starting a family...
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
I've been in a similar position -- mentioned being tested to rule it out. I hate to sound all gloom & doom and that they think I see CF elsewhere, but a couple of DH's cousins have asthma-like symptoms, colds easily turn to bronchitis, one has digestive issues. Their response is that they've passed the sweat test --to which I mention that so did DS. I usually bring up the possibility of being a symptomatic carrier -- in which case they may want to find out if they're carriers prior to starting a family...
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
I've been in a similar position -- mentioned being tested to rule it out. I hate to sound all gloom & doom and that they think I see CF elsewhere, but a couple of DH's cousins have asthma-like symptoms, colds easily turn to bronchitis, one has digestive issues. Their response is that they've passed the sweat test --to which I mention that so did DS. I usually bring up the possibility of being a symptomatic carrier -- in which case they may want to find out if they're carriers prior to starting a family...
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
I've been in a similar position -- mentioned being tested to rule it out. I hate to sound all gloom & doom and that they think I see CF elsewhere, but a couple of DH's cousins have asthma-like symptoms, colds easily turn to bronchitis, one has digestive issues. Their response is that they've passed the sweat test --to which I mention that so did DS. I usually bring up the possibility of being a symptomatic carrier -- in which case they may want to find out if they're carriers prior to starting a family...
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
It is a really hard thing to say, and once you put it out there, its really all you can do. I've harped on a cyber friend or two (or 6) to get their kids tested. Some have jumped on my suggestion and some have ignored me or figured I was just prone to see it everywhere. Clearly it is a misconception to believe that a "doctor would have caught it by now." Its also a misconception that if they don't have digestive issues, they can't have CF. Doctors are just people too, and some haven't had very updated CF education -- especially if they were educated 10, 20 or 30 years ago.

I always tell people that once they rule out CF, they can move on to other issues.

I hope your friend realizes that you are only being a true friend, who cares about her and her family's best interest.
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
It is a really hard thing to say, and once you put it out there, its really all you can do. I've harped on a cyber friend or two (or 6) to get their kids tested. Some have jumped on my suggestion and some have ignored me or figured I was just prone to see it everywhere. Clearly it is a misconception to believe that a "doctor would have caught it by now." Its also a misconception that if they don't have digestive issues, they can't have CF. Doctors are just people too, and some haven't had very updated CF education -- especially if they were educated 10, 20 or 30 years ago.

I always tell people that once they rule out CF, they can move on to other issues.

I hope your friend realizes that you are only being a true friend, who cares about her and her family's best interest.
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
It is a really hard thing to say, and once you put it out there, its really all you can do. I've harped on a cyber friend or two (or 6) to get their kids tested. Some have jumped on my suggestion and some have ignored me or figured I was just prone to see it everywhere. Clearly it is a misconception to believe that a "doctor would have caught it by now." Its also a misconception that if they don't have digestive issues, they can't have CF. Doctors are just people too, and some haven't had very updated CF education -- especially if they were educated 10, 20 or 30 years ago.

I always tell people that once they rule out CF, they can move on to other issues.

I hope your friend realizes that you are only being a true friend, who cares about her and her family's best interest.
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
It is a really hard thing to say, and once you put it out there, its really all you can do. I've harped on a cyber friend or two (or 6) to get their kids tested. Some have jumped on my suggestion and some have ignored me or figured I was just prone to see it everywhere. Clearly it is a misconception to believe that a "doctor would have caught it by now." Its also a misconception that if they don't have digestive issues, they can't have CF. Doctors are just people too, and some haven't had very updated CF education -- especially if they were educated 10, 20 or 30 years ago.

I always tell people that once they rule out CF, they can move on to other issues.

I hope your friend realizes that you are only being a true friend, who cares about her and her family's best interest.
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
It is a really hard thing to say, and once you put it out there, its really all you can do. I've harped on a cyber friend or two (or 6) to get their kids tested. Some have jumped on my suggestion and some have ignored me or figured I was just prone to see it everywhere. Clearly it is a misconception to believe that a "doctor would have caught it by now." Its also a misconception that if they don't have digestive issues, they can't have CF. Doctors are just people too, and some haven't had very updated CF education -- especially if they were educated 10, 20 or 30 years ago.
<br />
<br />I always tell people that once they rule out CF, they can move on to other issues.
<br />
<br />I hope your friend realizes that you are only being a true friend, who cares about her and her family's best interest.
 
N

NYCLawGirl

New member
First off, sorry to hear you're in that sort of situation and that your friend's sib is sick. No fun at all <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

I agree with Heather - I think it's all in the attitude with which you present the idea of testing. I would mention to them that many hospitals are now testing for CF at birth and that on the off chance that is the problem there are many great treatments now for young CFers to help them manage their symptoms. Be a sympathetic ear for the obvious fear that comes with this sort of thing (sounds like you've already got that role covered) but still point out that knowing is always better. And then I agree with Heather that putting it out there is the best you can do.

Interesting story: I was diagnosed at 6 weeks and the girl living next door born at the same time was finally diagnoses at almost 2 because my parents sat her parents down. Now thanks to aggressive treatment she's a very happy young woman of 27, married to a great guy and working on a PhD in clinical psych. Her parents are so glad she was diagnosed earlier rather than later <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Good luck
 
N

NYCLawGirl

New member
First off, sorry to hear you're in that sort of situation and that your friend's sib is sick. No fun at all <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

I agree with Heather - I think it's all in the attitude with which you present the idea of testing. I would mention to them that many hospitals are now testing for CF at birth and that on the off chance that is the problem there are many great treatments now for young CFers to help them manage their symptoms. Be a sympathetic ear for the obvious fear that comes with this sort of thing (sounds like you've already got that role covered) but still point out that knowing is always better. And then I agree with Heather that putting it out there is the best you can do.

Interesting story: I was diagnosed at 6 weeks and the girl living next door born at the same time was finally diagnoses at almost 2 because my parents sat her parents down. Now thanks to aggressive treatment she's a very happy young woman of 27, married to a great guy and working on a PhD in clinical psych. Her parents are so glad she was diagnosed earlier rather than later <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Good luck
 
N

NYCLawGirl

New member
First off, sorry to hear you're in that sort of situation and that your friend's sib is sick. No fun at all <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

I agree with Heather - I think it's all in the attitude with which you present the idea of testing. I would mention to them that many hospitals are now testing for CF at birth and that on the off chance that is the problem there are many great treatments now for young CFers to help them manage their symptoms. Be a sympathetic ear for the obvious fear that comes with this sort of thing (sounds like you've already got that role covered) but still point out that knowing is always better. And then I agree with Heather that putting it out there is the best you can do.

Interesting story: I was diagnosed at 6 weeks and the girl living next door born at the same time was finally diagnoses at almost 2 because my parents sat her parents down. Now thanks to aggressive treatment she's a very happy young woman of 27, married to a great guy and working on a PhD in clinical psych. Her parents are so glad she was diagnosed earlier rather than later <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Good luck
 
N

NYCLawGirl

New member
First off, sorry to hear you're in that sort of situation and that your friend's sib is sick. No fun at all <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

I agree with Heather - I think it's all in the attitude with which you present the idea of testing. I would mention to them that many hospitals are now testing for CF at birth and that on the off chance that is the problem there are many great treatments now for young CFers to help them manage their symptoms. Be a sympathetic ear for the obvious fear that comes with this sort of thing (sounds like you've already got that role covered) but still point out that knowing is always better. And then I agree with Heather that putting it out there is the best you can do.

Interesting story: I was diagnosed at 6 weeks and the girl living next door born at the same time was finally diagnoses at almost 2 because my parents sat her parents down. Now thanks to aggressive treatment she's a very happy young woman of 27, married to a great guy and working on a PhD in clinical psych. Her parents are so glad she was diagnosed earlier rather than later <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Good luck
 
N

NYCLawGirl

New member
First off, sorry to hear you're in that sort of situation and that your friend's sib is sick. No fun at all <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />I agree with Heather - I think it's all in the attitude with which you present the idea of testing. I would mention to them that many hospitals are now testing for CF at birth and that on the off chance that is the problem there are many great treatments now for young CFers to help them manage their symptoms. Be a sympathetic ear for the obvious fear that comes with this sort of thing (sounds like you've already got that role covered) but still point out that knowing is always better. And then I agree with Heather that putting it out there is the best you can do.
<br />
<br />Interesting story: I was diagnosed at 6 weeks and the girl living next door born at the same time was finally diagnoses at almost 2 because my parents sat her parents down. Now thanks to aggressive treatment she's a very happy young woman of 27, married to a great guy and working on a PhD in clinical psych. Her parents are so glad she was diagnosed earlier rather than later <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />Good luck
 
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