talk the cf talk - your source for cystic fibrosis (cf ......down why you’re thankful, and then...
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Let them know their health can affect youIt’s important for them to understand that even minor illnesses like a cold are a big deal.
Take time to educate
Here are some ways to gently address any issues:
Ask to talk to them privately
See if you can answer any questions they may have
Let them know when it’s OK or not OK to talk about your CF
Practice gratitude
Tell them how much you care. Start by writing down why you’re thankful, and then share it with them:Today, I’m grateful for
because
Talk the CF TalkTIPS FOR COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY WITH OTHERS ABOUT YOUR CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF)
As you develop new personal and professional relationships—at college, at work, or at the doctor’s office—use these tips to help you speak openly about CF.
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What about building relationships with new friends?
Honesty can go a long way with classmates, coworkers, and other peers.
practice gratitudeTake time to educate
let them know health can affect you
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Don’t be shy about sharing when you’re making friends. Get the ball rolling by playing some of these games:
2 truths and a lie—Watch them try to guess which fact is false!
Would you rather—Two awful choices, one impossible decision.
Go fish—Any card game will do, really, but everyone knows this one. It’s a classic.
Think about important conversations
Before you get involved with anyone, think about what you want to discuss for each of these relationship milestones:
First date
Getting serious
Meeting the family
When you are dating
Tell them about your CF and how it works
Let them know there may be times when you have to change or cancel plans for your health
Explain any dietary restrictions, or treatments you may have to carry with you on dates
If you’re getting serious
Ask to swap schedules to help you stay on track with treatment and plan quality time around it
See if they want to lend a hand with your CF treatments, if you’re comfortable with it
Discuss going to healthcare appointments together and the type of support you’d like during them
If you’re dating or have a significant other, communication is key.
Important conversations (dating)
follow up before you start datingbefore you start dating
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Any tips for starting a relationship?
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How do I get on the same page as my professors and supervisors?
Collaborate with mentors in your life, so they can help you succeed.
Discuss your health needs
Let them know that your CF makes you more sensitive to germs, so you have to be aware of any illnesses going around. Stress the importance of sending sick students or coworkers home.
Arrange any special accommodations
Let them know if you need to:
Carry tissues or a water bottle
Leave early to pick up medicine
Agree on a plan
Talk about ways to minimize absences from work or class, like working from home. Ask about the school or workplace sick day policy, so you can use it when needed.
Follow up
After your discussion, send a follow-up e-mail summarizing any arrangements or accommodations. This way, they have a record of what they agreed to.
arrange accommodations
before you start dating follow up
CAREGIVER
Is your child in another city or state? Even when they’re
far away, technology can bring you closer. Start a family
text group, so you can all update each other. Or video-call
your child and you’ll feel like you’re right there with them.
Vertex and the Vertex triangle logo are registered trademarks of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. © 2019 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated | VXR-US-20-1900310 (v1.0) | 07/2019 | www.vrtx.com
Want more ways to navigate important life changes? Visit Everyday-CF.com.
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Take your timeWhen you set your appointments, make sure you schedule enough time to get to know each other.
Break the ice
Ask these questions to learn how to best work with them:
What days and times are you most available?
How should we schedule check-ins?
What’s the best way to keep in touch?
Open up
Tell them about any activities or sports you participate in so they can create a care plan that fits your needs. If you think of any new activities you want to try, be sure to talk it through with them beforehand.
Stay on track
Work together on a plan for taking and storing your CF medicines. Try out the plan for a week or so. Then, touch base with them to talk about any challenges and how to fine-tune your plan.
How do I connect with my new doctors?
It’s always good to meet one-on-one.
take your time, set up appointments
open up (activites and sports)
stay on trackbreak the ice