Episode #0063 Relationships and CF - Tiffany Christensen Speaks

Title: Relationships and CF – Episode #0063 Tiffany Christensen Speaks Out!

Tiffany Christensen, 34 years old with cystic fibrosis is LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING on a daily basis…

With the help of today’s therapies, cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are now living longer and achieving more than ever before. Pulmonary treatments are enabling adults with CF to pursue their dreams by entering college and the career world.
In this podcast, 34-year-old CF survivor Tiffany Christianson talks about the role of CF in establishing new relationships. Tiffany is the recipient of 2 double lung transplants and the author of the book Sick Girl Speaks. In this conversation with her, she dives into topics such as the importance of remaining compliant on a daily basis as well as the tricky issue of revealing your CF to your newfound friend. Whatever you do, she says, “don’t lose your identity in a relationship and ignore your CF�.

Key messages in the Podcast include:

• Tiffany is a relationship driven person and believes telling about your CF is good, but that “less is moreâ€? at the beginning of a romantic relationship.
• “CF adds more layers to relationships but I am worthy of it!â€? says Tiffany.
• Tiffany has learned to “stop making my disease my identityâ€? and to start communicating, enjoying, and having fun in a relationship – “We are a team…â€?
• Relationships involve a lot of work and vulnerability – make sure you do your homework… “Remember, like all relationships people may not accept each other due to certain likes/dislikes and that includes CFâ€? states Tiffany.
• “Don’t search for your worth in someone else’s arms…â€? says Tiffany.
• Tiffany’s advice: “ CF should be a motivator to get in a relationship. Relationships enhance your life! I have no regrets!â€?
•  www.sickgirlspeaks.com
  
  * This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.� Podcast/ Vodcast series is the 2nd of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.