Managing CF

By the time someone with CF reaches adolescence, both you and your family will hopefully have settled into a routine when it comes to managing your condition. Many of the differences at this age are related to your budding independence. 

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For parents, you want to ensure that your child is empowered and well equipped to face the challenges of the teenage years, and then into adulthood.

For young people with CF, you are about to take part or full responsibility for your treatment, while at the same time you are emerging as your own person with your own ideas and ambitions.

Working together

For young people with CF there are unique challenges as you enter this period of your life. You might find that you miss out on opportunities that your friends have because of your health and your treatments. Also as you start to take responsibility for your treatment, tensions can emerge with your parents because of differences of opinion.

It’s important to remember that up until now, your parents have been the ones who have had had the responsibility for your care and they will have been used to doing things a certain way. Routine is important for keeping on top of CF treatments, and your parents would have hoped to reinforce that to you. This will help you to manage your own treatment.

Working together with your parents to achieve your shared goals can create powerful outcomes.

Transition to adult care

During your teenage years, your CF clinic team will begin the process to move your CF care from a children’s hospital to an adult hospital. It’s a gradual and well-planned journey, with your health and wellbeing being the most important things.

More information

Cystic Fibrosis WA has produced a wide range of fact sheets that cover different aspects of managing your CF, which can be found on their website:

Connect with another community member - sometimes it’s great just to talk to someone who know what you are going through. Our peer support program can connect you with others from the CF community who share similar experiences.