Other CF sufferers=The enemy

Whilst I was admitted to hospital about a month ago I realized something, other Cystic Fibrosis sufferers were seen as the enemy when in reality they were people just like you trying to cope with this life changing disease and probably wanting someone to talk to just like you.

Now I know not all people think CF sufferers are the enemy, and I'm not saying I do think that. What I'm trying is our parents all want us to stay separate (for good reason - so that we don't get ill) and whenever they see someone else with CF near you, they panic and get annoyed with or scared of the other CF carrier. They only do this because they are worried for their child's safety but It's irritating to me and I just can't stop thinking about it.

When I was in hospital I had my own room in the children's unit (I am only 13) and in the room next door to me was where another CF patient was staying. My mum, every time the little girl left her room and went into the hallway with her parents my mum would get anxious and start acting as if the child was a demon or something. She was only about 5 years old and already having to go into hospital, it wasn't fair for the little girl and it made me mad and irritated with her but I didn't really think much of it. That was of course until I was on the receiving end of those judging and worried stares...

It was later on in the day, or maybe a new day entirely, I don't remember too well because I was on lots of medications, having to get up early, and having t go to bed late so I was pretty sleepy. Anyway, I was walking down the corridor with my Physio doctor and we were just walking back into the ward after doing an exercise and physio session when the little girl with CF and her parents were walking out to take the girl to nursery. The little girl ran ahead and her parents saw me, they knew the physio doctor only worked with CF patients and they had also probably seen me in the hall, just like I had seen them, from inside their daughter's room so they knew I had CF. They looked at me and I could see the fear and irritation and judgment in their stares, just as my mother had shown to their daughter. I felt horrible. I understood then that all CF people were the same, just trying to understand and have someone who understands to talk to. I knew why people saw other CF carriers as the enemy, but I also knew that they weren't. CF carriers were not the enemy, they were a friend. They were just the same as me, the same as anyone with CF. They didn't deserve to be feared.

If there's anyone with CF reading my blog please contact me, :).