New podcast episode on gut symptoms in cystic fibrosis

What I love most about hosting CForYourself is that with each episode and discussing different topics, more and more people living with CF know that they are not alone with what they are experiencing. In this new episode, we talk about how CF is more than just the lungs. 

Gut symptoms in CF are really common and it was great to shine a light on how it can affect us in different ways. It was also interesting to learn about research going on into the causes of gut symptoms. 

Caitlin, pictured, joined me on the podcast and we both opened up about our own experiences and how it can be frustrating not understanding what triggers our symptoms. Caitlin also talks about how she deals with her daily symptoms and offers some great advice for others with CF going through the same thing. 

Gut symptoms are always more embarrassing to talk about than lung symptoms, due to how they are perceived by society, but that is something that we would like to change. 

I have always had more gut symptoms than lung, and in 2011 was also diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, which at times can be very lonely as I don’t know anyone else with both CF and Crohn’s. When speaking to Caitlin though, she made me feel less alone with how I feel day-to-day with my CF gut symptoms and so I hope others listening to the episode feel the same. These conversations are a great way of supporting our community. 

I also speak to Professor Alan Smyth, principal investigator of the GRAMPUS-CF study, who is looking into understanding why people with CF have certain gut symptoms and then the hope is for this to lead to new treatments. 

I hope this episode helps you in your CF journey. You are not alone with how you are feeling with your CF!