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I Remember Well Continued
Unfortunately, my enthusiasm soon waned when I consulted my
doctor about some changes in my sputum culture. After several anxious weeks of
trying to confirm the lab results, I had to let everyone know I would not be
able to attend our Houston conference. I would also be excluded from the CFRI
conference and retreat – or any other CF event where cross-infection was
a concern.
I had known or read about others who were affected by cross
infection rules. I noticed that anger was a common reaction. It is normal to
feel angry when one is excluded from a group, even if it is for a good reason.
Nonetheless, anger was not what I experienced. Instead I felt sad and anxious.
I was sad because I knew I wouldn’t be able to see any of my friends and
because I was going to miss out on a fun, enriching conference. I felt anxious
because I did not know how others would react after hearing the news. Luckily,
no one treated me badly or made me feel like “typhoid Mary.” I am
grateful for that.
Two years later, I remain committed to the USACFA
conferences. And, I am still sad that I cannot attend. One of the things I was
really looking forward to when I stopped working was having the time to go to
the CFRI retreat, going to conferences and increasing my involvement in the world
of CF. Even though my hopes for greater involvement were curtailed by my new
status, I do not regret attending CF conferences at all. I could have picked up
my “bad bugs” anywhere. The fellowship and learning were well worth
the risk, which, to me, seems minimal.
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