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"  After days of nervousness, I finally went to my CF clinic appointment. They tested my lung function by having me breathe through a mouthpiece that connected to a tube, which then connected to a computer. The computer would calculate how much air I could push out within the first second. My score was a low 60%. If the doctor were to put me on IV treatments for a clean out, I would have to ditch a day of classes in order for them to insert a PICC line, which is an inserted intravenous catheter that allows me to receive antibiotics without getting my arm poked each dose. Within the two weeks, I would have to make trips back to Tampa General to get my levels tested via blood draw. Each day, I would take about 3 respiratory therapies (a total of 90 minutes) and about 4-5 IV treatments. The IV delivery system is now portable, so I could easy grab food or go to class; however, I would have to do a fairly good job hiding the embarrassing tube that disappears into my arm. I would also have to wake up at various times in the night or stop whatever I am doing to take a dose in order to make the intervals. I was already struggling to balance everything in my life, especially with finals approaching. Now might be a good time to tell you that I actually got the doctor&amp;#039;s OK; they concluded that since my lungs sounded clear, and that the low score was a result of my asthma component. Looking at the bigger picture, Cystic Fibrosis actually has a lot of positive effects on my college experience! I am able to keep up with my social life so well because I can say &amp;quot;yes&amp;quot; to every food offer that comes my way knowing that I am staying healthy by maintaining my weight. I usually end up eating two dinners a night! I am also more motivated to participate in physical activity, because I know my lungs will feel better afterwards. Plus, if I ever need an excuse to decline certain invitations, I can always say that I have to go get my breathing treatment! (Just kidding... sort of!) As long as I get in the constant routine of having enough pancreatic enzymes on me, my CF really does not affect my daily life\u2014only a clean out would throw me off-track. I am destined to get another clean out in my lifetime; it is a norm for CFers. I have no idea how far down the road that will be, but the day will come. But today, no IV treatments for me! "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.seventeen.com/life/school/a19776/cystic-fibrosis-check-up-in-college/>