CForYourself: Growing older with CF

Advances in our understanding of CF mean that there are many more effective treatments out there, so people with the condition are living longer than ever.

But the aging process can also bring its own challenges and issues to contend with. As well as physical concerns as your condition changes over time, there can be emotional, social and financial impacts to think about too. Whether that’s planning for a family, the burden of care, or concerns about how you can provide financially for your loved-ones. We’re going to be discussing all this and more in today’s episode of CForYourself.
Lucy enjoys a virtual cuppa and a chat with Tim Wotton about his experience of growing older with CF, including celebrating his 50th birthday, the breakthroughs he’s seen in his lifetime, and celebrating every breath. In this episode’s ask the expert segment, we focus on money matters and the financial impact of growing older with CF, something that we know is a deep concern for many people at the moment, with the rises in costs of living. Nicky, who is Welfare Officer at the Trust, shares some top tips for how you can plan financially for a future that you might not have previously envisaged.
This episode deals with some issues that listeners may find upsetting, including life expectancy, miscarriage, bereavement and mental health. If you have questions about any of the topics raised in this episode, we're here for you. You can call our Helpline on 0300 373 1000, or email [email protected].The views and experiences shared in this episode are individual to Tim and Lucy and may not reflect the experiences of the CF community.

• Growing older with CF - Find out more about growing older with cystic fibrosis, and access relevant support and information.
• Work and CF - Information on work and CF, including details of organisations that can provide support with discrimination.
• Financial support - We provide a range of grants for people with cystic fibrosis and their families, support for those applying for benefits and information about prescription charges.
• CF Forum - Join the conversation on our Forum and connect with other people with CF.
• A guide for adults with cystic fibrosis and their partners - Find out more about the considerations involved when deciding whether or not you'd like to start a family if you or your partner have cystic fibrosis.
• Miscarriage support - Tommy’s midwives can be contacted on 0800 014 7800 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), or email [email protected]
• 'How have I cheated death?' - Tim Wotton CF memoir
• Postcards from Earth - Tim Wotton's blog