The Patient's Perspective - a Column by Reid D'Amico

Cystic fibrosis is a complicated disease. As patients, we are taught that mutations in our cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) proteins are what lead to many of our symptoms and disease trajectories. However, research has shed light on many other proteins and biological processes…

Some resolutions are common to all: Work out more, eat healthier, make grandiose changes, or check off an important goal. And with resolutions comes the comical attitude that many of us will fail to carry them out for more than a few weeks. However, as cystic fibrosis (CF)…

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is unpredictable. Some days I feel like I can run my fastest personal mile, and on others I feel like I’m staring at the treadmill waiting to hit my goal distance. I’m a person who likes to find patterns in things — from patterns…

In August, Allergan pharmaceuticals announced in a letter to healthcare professionals that it would be restructuring its sales force to align with the “evolving needs of our broad product and consumer portfolio.” Because of these changes, Allergan said that some of the sales professionals in clinics…

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is horrible. Say it again for the people in the back: It is horrible. To be transparent, I’m writing this article in a bad mood, so naturally, I look to my diagnosis as a means to understand my frustration. I don’t believe this is unfair…

Chronic pulmonary infections are a hallmark of lung disease in patients with cystic fibrosis. Due to the variability in bacteria that can colonize the lung and the specific antibiotic treatments that may be effective, treatment strategies are often tailored to individual patients. But some bacterial infections are…

Many of us with pre-existing conditions have been following the news about the future of healthcare in the United States. It really matters to us. Those of us with cystic fibrosis are heavily reliant on access not only to the best doctors, but also to all of the…

College is expensive. And when the cost of tuition comes on top of the cost of living with cystic fibrosis, furthering your education can seem daunting. When I was searching for undergraduate scholarships, I was surprised to learn about the number of CF-specific opportunities out there. Many are available only…

Perhaps one of the most exciting parts of being both a patient and a scientist with CF is seeing just how quickly the field is growing. And fortunately, you don’t need an “insider’s knowledge” to see the changes. The CFF Pipeline to a Cure ably captures the exciting eruption of companies…

Last week, I had the opportunity to accompany Vertex Pharmaceuticals as the Tennessee State Senate declared May 2017 Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. Sen. Steve Dickerson, R-Nashville, sponsored the resolution, which received unanimous support. The month of May is also recognized as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month on a national level. So…