As many of you know on July 17
th, my life and the lives of my family changed drastically. Our sweet two year old little boy was diagnosed with a life long chronic disease that affects his lungs and digestive system. Cystic Fibrosis didn't change
Bransen - just his daily life. As his parents, we have tried to learn all we can to better his life and increase our own knowledge of this disease. As I have been reading and researching, I have been comforted by the spirit and spiritually strengthened that Heavenly Father is aware of us and is helping us daily. We have been blessed beyond measure.
Bransen is a blessing in our lives and his disease is a part of him. It doesn't define him.
Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a defective gene that causes the body to produce unusually thick,
sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and can lead to life-threatening lung infections. It also obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes that help the body break down and absorb food.
We have daily therapies and medications along with
regularly office visits with CF doctors in order to keep him healthy. Daily therapies help to loosen clogged mucus from his lungs, inhaled medications help to thin the mucus and inhaled antibiotics to
control any infections.
Cystic Fibrosis also causes pancreatic
insufficiency's. For normal growth,
Bransen is require to eat a high-calorie, high-fat diet. (jealous, right!!) His body does not absorb fats properly. People with Cystic Fibrosis need the extra calories to compensate for the
malabsorption of nutrients.
Bransens also takes enzyme pills with every meal, snack and even a glass of milk. These pills help his body to digest the food so that it can be absorbed properly.
Our lives on a daily basis are changed forever. There is currently no cure for Cystic Fibrosis. There are more than 1,400 different gene mutations of Cystic Fibrosis. Luckily for us,
Bransen has the most common mutation which is on track for finding a cure.
Until then, we'll continue to fight the fight and keep our boy healthy and strong.
Many people don't understand CF. Those who don't, ask questions. (Heck, I don't understand half of what they tell me.)
We have an amazing family, whose love and support is unbelievable. We have an awesome little boy who is the greatest blessing any parent could ask for.
(baby Kohler is at G'ma Rauzi's for Robbie's birthday dinner!)
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