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My top tips for fighting Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa)
By Sara Sanders
When someone with CF is diagnosed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (or ‘Pseudomonas’), many emotions can surface…possibly concern, frustration, anger, or sadness. I know firsthand that dealing with Pseudomonas is challenging, but it is possible.
For those facing a recent diagnosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the following are a few tips from someone who has dealt with this for years:
1. Seek education
I love asking questions and trying to understand the why…and I encourage you to do the same. Educate yourself about Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- What is it?
- How does it affect the lungs?
- Why are certain treatments important in fighting Pseudomonas?
- What are the current treatments I am taking now that do not treat Pseudomonas?
Understanding what a diagnosis of Pseudomonas means will help you see the bigger picture, think about the next steps, and partner with your medical team to create a treatment plan.
2. Stay positive
Being diagnosed with Pseudomonas is a difficult fact to process. However, I challenge you to remain positive and realize this is something you can treat and manage. Today, more than ever before, there are many medications that provide patients not only the chance to attack this harmful bacteria but improve their breathing symptoms. In my experience, positivity and health go hand-in-hand; therefore, stay positive and remain hopeful to afford yourself the opportunity to make health and life decisions that focus on the long-term goal of fighting Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
“I challenge you to remain positive and realize this is something you can treat and manage.”
-Sara Sanders
3. Require accountability
Forcing yourself to be accountable is a must. And there are many facets to this accountability…accountability to your doctors, your family, and your friends. As you make a plan to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the most important person to understand and execute the plan is you…you must be accountable to yourself, require accountability, and do not waver. Be determined to follow the plan – take your meds, do your physical therapy, make time to exercise, etc. In doing this, you are putting yourself and your needs first, which will prepare you to battle Pseudomonas.
4. Allow flexibility
Every day we face the challenges of life’s ups and downs. Life presents opportunities, conflicts, time constraints, and many other things that force us to navigate this world, and sometimes we must change our direction. As you create a plan to fight Pseudomonas, you can be committed and accountable and still allow yourself flexibility. Don’t beat yourself up. If you need to make any changes, discuss your treatment options with your care team and find a dosing schedule that works best for you and your life. Having psychological flexibility is also important to help us adapt to various demands and maintain balance in all areas of our lives.
You’ve already taken a big first step in finding the Fight Pseudomonas website. I encourage you to continue learning and talking to your care team. I hope these tips provide some hope and strategies to help your fight against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
