western medicine

My western medicine diagnosis:

There is quite the scientific explanation for the occurrence of Cystic Fibrosis.  Most people aren't scientists or understand the lingo so I'll try and keep it simple.

In 1989, NIDDK-sponsored researchers at the University of Michigan and at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, identified the genetic defect responsible for CF. Mutations in ONE gene, called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), cause the body to make nonfunctional CFTR protein, which leads to the disease. Of the 1000+ different mutations that have been identified, one gene mutation occurs in more than 50% of all defective CF genes. That mutation is deltaF508.

Diagnosed 9/11/1978: Cystic Fibrosis / Genotype F508del / unknown

Symptoms: Acute respiratory abnormalities, failure to thrive/malnutrition

Sweat Test Value: 98.0

Diagnosed 10/23/2008: Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, which is a common bacterium that can cause disease in animals, including humans. It is found in soil, water, skin flora, and most man-made environments. The symptoms are generally inflammation and sepsis. If colonizations occur in critical body organs, such as my lungs as this diagnoses states, the urinary tract, and kidneys, the results can be fatal.  It is also able to decompose hydrocarbons and has been used to break down tarballs and oil from oil spills.  Maybe they should have me spit loogies in the oil spills!  If only that were possible...

Pulmonary Function Analysis: These tests are in % and are determined based on what is the "normal" for someone my age/height/weight. 

ME: 33 / 5'4 / 117lb 

FEV1 / Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second:

This is the amount of air that you can forcibly blow out in one second, measured in liters. 

FEV1: predicted 2.46 / actual 3.27 = 133% of prediction YEEEEEEAAAA MEEEE! 

FVC / 
Forced Vital Capacity
: 
This is the total amount of air that you can forcibly blow out after full inspiration, measured in liters.

FVC: predicted 2.87 / actual 4.01 = 139.9% of prediction YEEEEAAAAA MEEEE again:)

Put it this way, my lungs are functioning at over 100% predicted.  FUCK YEA!  (sorry mom)