Thrive Web Blog

A look back at the history of Living with Cystic Fibrosis, from its foundation to today, highlighting the evolution of its mission, its actions and its commitment to the community.

An inspiring portrait of Justin Ducharme, a professional hockey player living with cystic fibrosis, who is turning his condition into a driver of performance and pursuing his dream of reaching the NHL.

A file that traces the major advances in lung transplantation for people with cystic fibrosis, highlighting their resilience, the evolution of transplant criteria and the major impact of treatments such as Trikafta.

The inspiring story of Marc-Antoine Pelège, an athlete and osteopath living with cystic fibrosis, who tells the story of his ascent of Kilimanjaro step by step as a symbol of overcoming, resilience and hope for the entire CF community.

The Fall 2024 issue of Santé Vous Bien highlights the inspiring journeys of people living with cystic fibrosis, from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to lung transplantation, sports, literature, and research to show that CF does not set limits to the heights that can be reached.

Living with Cystic Fibrosis is launching a survey to better understand the needs of the CF community and adapt its services, with a draw for a $50 gift certificate to be won.

An interview with Jean-Christophe Réhel on L'Air d'aller, a bright and daring series that addresses cystic fibrosis with humor, friendship and sensitivity.

The president highlights the remarkable evolution of the CF community since the foundation of the organization, announces the official opening of membership for the families of people with CF and invites the entire community to become a member in order to strengthen participation, representation and collective support.

Clear answers from a pulmonologist to frequently asked questions from adults living with cystic fibrosis about thrush, venous catheters, alcohol, and some medications.

Quebec study drawing up a current socio-demographic portrait of people living with cystic fibrosis in order to better adapt services and defend their rights.

This 2022 update presents the major advances in cystic fibrosis research, marked by the arrival of CFTR modulators (ETI/Trikafta), their major benefits, emerging clinical challenges and research paths for ineligible people.

This article takes stock of the possible links between CFTR modulators, in particular Trikafta, and mental health, by exploring indirect psychological effects, possible biological mechanisms, drug interactions, and the importance of individualized follow-up.

This article explores the psychological and identity upheavals experienced by people with cystic fibrosis in the Trikafta era, between immense hope, social pressures, past griefs and the need to reinvent themselves in the face of a suddenly possible future.

This article explores how cystic fibrosis can influence body image and suggests concrete ways to develop a more caring, conscious and peaceful relationship with your body despite the disease.

A young adult living with cystic fibrosis shares her adjustment disorder, the anxiety associated with multiple diagnoses, and the importance of recognizing mental health as well as physical health.

A mother's testimony frankly describing the exhaustion, emotional rollercoasters, and lack of support experienced when caring for a child with cystic fibrosis.

A moving testimony of a man suffering from cystic fibrosis, diagnosed late, transplanted lungs, and lucidly recounting the challenges, losses and hopes that marked his life.

The editor takes stock of a significant year for the FK community, marked by access to Trikafta and an issue rich in testimonies, expertise and scientific advances.

Cystic fibrosis can affect mental health, but anxiety and depression can be effectively managed through information, support, psychotherapy, and, if necessary, medication.

Eric describes the multiple bereavements experienced with cystic fibrosis: the announcement, the loss of a “normal” life, the overwhelming role of caregiving, letting go as an adult and, sometimes, the ultimate bereavement. A text about love, powerlessness and the lasting marks of mourning.

Amélie recounts the transition to adulthood with cystic fibrosis: more autonomy, a significant hospital transfer, new responsibilities, but also the strength to adapt and move forward with courage.

Alexie shares the anxiety experienced during long cystic fibrosis hospitalizations and shares simple tips (personal items, snacks, distractions) to better manage stress and isolation.

An overview of the main provincial and federal tax credits and measures that may apply to people living with cystic fibrosis, to make it easier to file taxes.

Sophie Vaillancourt testifies to the pain and feeling of injustice experienced by people with class 1 mutations, for whom CFTR modulators are not an option, while calling for equitable access to treatments for those who can benefit from them.

In people with cystic fibrosis, some resistance to antibiotics caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa may paradoxically increase bacterial virulence, complicating lung infections and opening the way to new therapeutic approaches.

A series of clear medical answers to common questions from people living with cystic fibrosis, addressing fermented foods, kidney stones, thrush, halitosis, premenopause, and precautions before surgery.

A historical look at the evolution of cystic fibrosis through the researchers, clinicians, and committed individuals who have shaped its understanding and management.

Animal therapy uses animals to improve people's emotional and social well-being.

The director highlights the resilience of the CF community in the face of the pandemic, the historical access to Trikafta in Quebec, the evolution of the VAFK team and the organization's renewed commitment to supporting members, in view of the 40th anniversary celebrations in 2025.

An intimate and poetic text on the vertigo of life after a lung transplant, between gratitude, loss of bearings and the search for meaning.

A message from the president that highlights the current issues of cystic fibrosis, pays tribute to the community and reaffirms the organization's commitment to those affected.

The addition of Trikafta to the RAMQ in September 2021 marks a major advance for cystic fibrosis in Quebec by making available a treatment that acts on the cause of the disease for eligible people.

Research has profoundly improved the prognosis of cystic fibrosis thanks to CFTR modulators, with new hope for all patients despite challenges in accessing treatments.

Pierre-Alexandre Tremblay shares his inspiring journey as a single man living with cystic fibrosis, lung transplant recipient, who chose adoption as a path to parenthood and testifies to the challenges, emotions and learnings related to this life project.

The essential rules to protect the health of people living with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis nutrition must be personalized to compensate for increased energy expenditure and possible malabsorption, by focusing on a richer, more flexible and pleasant diet, supported if necessary by enzymes and nutritional support.

In this interview, Jean-Christophe Réhel discusses the genesis of What we breathe about Tatouine, the place of cystic fibrosis in his writing, the balance between fiction and autobiography, and the use of humor and popular culture to tell the story of the disease without reducing it.

A reminder of the main tax credits and tax measures available in 2020 for people living with cystic fibrosis, as well as resources to facilitate the process.

Eligible people can get provincial and federal disability or disability tax credits, as long as they have the required forms filled out by a doctor and verified their eligibility.

An overview of the main provincial tax measures and tax credits offered in 2020 to people living with cystic fibrosis and their loved ones in Quebec, including news for caregivers.

A meta-analysis shows that binaural auditory beats have a moderate but significant positive effect on memory, attention, anxiety and pain perception, with an effectiveness depending mainly on the frequency used, the moment and the duration of exposure.

Some essential oils have demonstrated strong antibacterial activity in vitro against resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis, suggesting a complementary therapeutic potential that should be explored with caution.

The data suggests that, despite common inflammatory mechanisms, people with cystic fibrosis may present a form of COVID-19 that is often less severe than expected, possibly thanks to cellular characteristics of CF and the potential protective effect of CFTR modulators.

This article provides a global portrait of the future of cystic fibrosis care, marked by major advances (CFTR modulators, early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care) but hampered by strong inequalities in access to treatments and growing challenges related to the aging of patients.

Manon Goulet testifies that it is possible to live with cystic fibrosis into your sixties by adapting to the disease, redefining your priorities and finding hope thanks to new treatments.

Amélie Payment shares her main tools for managing anxiety related to cystic fibrosis, by focusing on hope, personal goals, rejuvenating activities and gradual preparation for the major stages of care.

Mélissa Doyon recounts her lung transplant journey, marked by waiting, surgery, major complications and a lot of resilience, to show that with patience and perseverance, the transplant can offer a new quality of life despite the challenges.

Positive psychology is a science based on research that aims to develop psychological resources, well-being and resilience based on positive emotions, relationships, meaning, and self-compassion in particular.

This study shows that delayed access to Trikafta would lead to more serious lung diseases, more exacerbations, more deaths, and significantly lower life expectancy in people with cystic fibrosis compared to early access.

A teenager with cystic fibrosis testifies that her adolescence is not “ordinary”, but that by accepting her difference, she found strength, identity and pride in her journey.

In a context of pandemic and uncertainty, this word highlights the resilience, solidarity and unity of a community that adapts, helps each other and comes out stronger.

A testimony on the late diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, motherhood, hospitalizations and learning to live differently.

The call for applications for the 2020 Michel Paquette Prize is launched in order to recognize a person or organization that has made a remarkable contribution to the field of cystic fibrosis, with a presentation scheduled for October 2020.

The purchase and installation of certain energy-efficient air conditioners may entitle you to tax credits or financial assistance, under certain conditions, in order to reduce air conditioning costs and improve thermal comfort.

Pharmacies recommend limiting renewals to one month, giving priority to delivery, paying without cash and contacting your doctor in case of drug shortages.

As of 19 March 2020, vulnerable people can request financial assistance through the COVID-19 temporary worker assistance program.

Essential measures to be adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the risks of infection, manage stress, and ensure continuity of care, especially for vulnerable people.

The death of Thérèse Dion at 92 rekindles the Dion family's connection to cystic fibrosis, a cause supported in memory of their niece who died from the disease.

Two distinctions are awarded in 2019 to recognize the exceptional commitment of individuals and organizations who have made an impact in the cystic fibrosis community, as well as the remarkable contribution of a person living with the disease.

Christian Auclair, a committed communicator and a leading figure in the field of cystic fibrosis, passed away on June 16, 2019 after devoting many years to informing, raising awareness and creating relationships in Quebec and internationally.

CEO Tomy-Richard Leboeuf-McGregor died after several days in a coma, leaving a significant impact within the cystic fibrosis community.

In women with cystic fibrosis, breast milk has a normal composition (salt, protein, and fat), and breastfeeding difficulties are instead related to increased energy expenditure and the need for adequate caloric intake.

Rifampin is the only antibiotic known to decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, requiring the use of an additional contraceptive method during treatment and several weeks after stopping treatment.

The “crude” form of cystic fibrosis is a mild form, often diagnosed in adulthood, associated with partially functional CFTR mutations, with little or no digestive impairment and a respiratory evolution that is generally slow and favorable.

Horseback riding is generally safe and beneficial for people with cystic fibrosis, except in cases of horse allergy, with particular attention to hygiene to limit the risk of infection.

Pulmonary hypertension is a possible complication of advanced cystic fibrosis, caused by a chronic lack of oxygen, which can lead to right heart failure, while it remains rare after a lung transplant unless there is a severe respiratory problem.

Neonatal screening for cystic fibrosis would allow Quebec to diagnose the disease at birth, to establish early care and to prevent avoidable nutritional and pulmonary complications, as is already the case in the majority of western countries and Canadian provinces.

A clinician traces the evolution of cystic fibrosis, from rudimentary treatments and very limited survival to major advances in care, research and quality of life, while stressing that despite remarkable progress, the fight is not yet over.

Zinc is an essential nutrient that is often deficient in cystic fibrosis due to malabsorption, which can influence immunity, infections and certain complications, which warrants monitoring and targeted supplementation as needed.

Technology (pedometers, apps, active games) can promote physical activity in people with cystic fibrosis especially when combined with progressive goals, regular feedback, and strong social support.

In people with cystic fibrosis, antibiotic allergies are common due to repeated treatments, require a thorough diagnosis, and can sometimes be circumvented by desensitization when the antibiotic is essential.

Stress urinary incontinence is common in women with cystic fibrosis, linked to chronic cough, and is treated first by pelvic floor rehabilitation, with surgery being a last resort.

Cystic fibrosis hemoptysis is mainly caused by lung infection and inflammation, sometimes requires a temporary adaptation of physical activity, and is not prevented by hypotoxic diets.

Biological procreation is possible in men with cystic fibrosis thanks to sperm sampling, and a lung transplant does not require this sample to be taken in advance.

Colds and flu are more common in winter because viruses circulate more in closed environments, are easily transmitted between people and can cause complications in people with cystic fibrosis.

The article presents major advances in research targeting the CFTR protein, with innovative therapies (ivacaftor, lumacaftor and combinations) that pave the way for a gradual correction of the very cause of cystic fibrosis.

The text explains that laughter (even forced) acts as an anti-stress and a “rebalancing” of the body, with potential benefits on immunity, breathing, heart, digestion and pain perception.

Vascular access is essential for intravenous treatment for cystic fibrosis, but each type of catheter has benefits and risks that should be well understood in order to prevent complications.

New emerging pathogens in cystic fibrosis (MRSA, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Achromobacter xylosoxidans) are becoming more and more frequent, but their exact impact on lung function and survival is still partially unclear.

Organ donation saves lives, but its effectiveness in Quebec depends above all on better organization in hospitals and on the fact that everyone clearly expresses their consent to their loved ones.

A clear reminder of the recommended order to optimize the effectiveness of inhaled treatments and medications for people living with cystic fibrosis, from bronchodilators to antibiotics.

Ecstasy poses significant risks and can cause serious complications in people with cystic fibrosis.

Pneumothorax is a possible lung complication in cystic fibrosis, caused by the entry of air into the chest cavity, causing partial or complete collapse of the lung and requiring prompt medical management.

Cystic fibrosis can influence sexuality on a physical, emotional and relational level, but a fulfilling intimate life is still possible with appropriate information, communication and support.

An overview of major research advances in 2014, marking the transition to treatments that directly target the genetic defect in cystic fibrosis.

An overview of the history of cystic fibrosis, from early ancient observations to modern medical advances.

Through the experience of a mother and her seriously ill son, this article invites us to reflect on the relationship to time, the importance of the present moment and the positive traces that each person leaves in the lives of others.

During adolescence, risk taking is part of development, but for young people living with cystic fibrosis, it requires careful support to protect physical and psychological health.

A rich and adapted diet is essential in cystic fibrosis to maintain good growth, support lung function and prevent complications.

Sarah Dettmers tells how her personal and family journey led her to become a committed ambassador for cystic fibrosis, between awareness, resilience and the urgency to live.

Diagnosed as a teenager, Charlène shares how she learned to live with cystic fibrosis while achieving her personal, professional and sporting dreams, with determination and hope.

Hemoptysis, common in cystic fibrosis, corresponds to the expectoration of blood and requires a rapid evaluation in order to determine its severity and the course of action to be taken.

Vaping raises concerns about cystic fibrosis due to inhalants and the lack of data on its long-term effects.

A look back at the major advances in cystic fibrosis research presented at the 2016 North American Conference, in particular the identification of the CFTR gene and the development of treatments that target the fundamental defect of the disease.

A clear overview of the main techniques and devices for decluttering the airways in cystic fibrosis, their advantages, limitations and clinical effectiveness.

An article that highlights the importance of deep physiological breathing and exhalation in improving respiratory function, reducing fatigue, and supporting the health of people living with cystic fibrosis.

An exploration of complementary practices such as yoga, breathing, meditation and sophrology to better live with cystic fibrosis, by supporting the body and mind on a daily basis.

After a transplant, the weakened immune system increases the risk of food poisoning, making certain foods like raw meats, sushi, deli meats, and unpasteurized cheeses more dangerous.