by Lauren Beyenhof

Created on: March 21, 2008

Doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists agree that when it comes to being a good patient, individuals who have cystic fibrosis tend to lead the pack. Although they develop some of their "patient personality" largely out of necessity, there's no question about their ability to face the challenge of CF with every ounce of dedication and diligence they have to give.

Good patients typically embody the following qualities:

1. Actively involved
2. Self-awareness
3. Inquisitiveness
4. Willingness to learn
5. Compliant

-Active Involvement-

Being actively involved in your own health care is just one of many ways to take back some control in what is largely uncontrollable. You may not be able to avoid catching a bacteria or virus from the world at large, but you can be proactive in remedying it. A patient who is actively involved in their care understands the importance of making appointments in advance even when they don't feel particularly sick. They know that managing CF requires ongoing monitoring of their status, particularly when it comes to charting the results of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and sputum cultures. An actively involved patient understands the value of "an ounce of prevention."

Good patients who are actively involved in what their doctors are doing, often bring along a supportive friend or family member to their clinic appointments. A second set of ears to hear what the doctors have to say is a good way to make sure you don't miss anything important or new. Active involvement may also involve bringing a notebook to each appointment to record the doctor's instructions and recommendations. Making lists of questions for the doctor ahead of time, as well as a list of any medications that need refills are things that good patients do to stay on top of things.

-Self-Awareness-

Similar to being actively involved in your health care program, you must be self-aware. By learning what constitutes your particular "base line" or "status quo" you will be more adept at recognizing when things are starting to decline. For example, if your cough is usually dry and tight but starts to become wetter and more productive, you get on the phone to schedule an appointment at the CF Clinic.

Another aspect of self-awareness is that you have a healthy attitude about your limitations because of CF. You are able to live life to the fullest, but do so without exhausting yourself or putting yourself in harm's way. A good patient who is self-aware knows how to set appropriate boundaries

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