Cystic Fibrosis:
A Personal Perspective

While cystic fibrosis is the most common genetic disorder among Americans, most of us often do not realize how close we may be to a person suffering from the disease. Mrs. Connie Lomen, wife of Dr. David Lomen, head of the Engineering Mathematics department here at the University of Arizona, agreed to be interviewed about her own cystic fibrosis condition. One of the most surprising initial facts in the interview was the revelation of her age. At fifty-eight years old, Mrs. Lomen is representative of the rare cases in which CF seems to have less effect on health and physical capabilities. She explained that CF ranges in extremity like most diseases, although the worst cases are those pictured mentally by most people. Since her case was "extremely mild", she was not diagnosed until she was twenty-four years old. Had her cousin with severe case of cystic fibrosis not previously been diagnosed, she would not have gone to be diagnosed. Surprisingly, immediately after this news, she felt a sense of relief since she had experienced seasonal illnesses which did not appear to have any obvious cause. Although these colds, chronic coughs, and pneumonia continued to occur on a regular basis, she felt that her "saving grace" resided in the knowledge that these, which affected her more than cystic fibrosis itself, could be treated. While one form of CF constitutes 70% of all cases, Mrs. Lomen's case is one of the less extreme cases, present in the remaining 30%.

In terms of her lifestyle, Mrs. Connie Lomen has done much to extend her life thus far. About twenty years ago, she began an intense exercise schedule which started with extensive swimming and later added a daily practice of jogging for at least three miles to increase her aerobic activity. Since she described herself as having always been "physically active", she has had little complaints with the progress of her health. In fact, in visits to the doctor, Mrs. Lomen provides an example of a "model for other patients" in dealing with other respiratory disorders. In addition to her physical exercise, Mrs. Lomen, like many who have CF, continues to take antibiotics, which she had done for over thirty years as well as periodic IV therapy. Once every two to five years, Mrs. Lomen also requires the use of back percussion to loosen the accumulated mucus in her lungs, possibly the most well known treatment to those with CF. She said that her "lungs were not as much of a problem as her stomach." Thus, as a result of the disease's effect on her digestive system, she describes herself as very thin for her age. However, she credits her longer life to her adherence to the physical, nutritional, and pharmaceutical regime prescribed by her physician.

Although Mrs. Lomen has had to deal with cystic fibrosis, it has not been an overwhelming influence in her life. She described her lifestyle as "normal" and even mentioned her family's expectations of her to fill the role of the "always-active mother". In fact, she feels that CF does not hamper her activities, except in the case of a cold or other minor illnesses like those most others experience. Since hers was not a "full-blown case", she has been able to experience what most CF patients cannot enjoy in life. Currently, Mrs. Lomen continues to help train second-year students at the University of Arizona medical school in identifying those with CF. She stated that she would usually be the "one they would miss" since her case is so mild. Mrs. Lomen also continues to participate in the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at the University Medical Center.

Dr. Lomen shared that in the cases of lung/heart transplants, Tucson patients having to undergo these procedures saw the pulmonary symptoms of CF "disappear". As they remember those with CF who are no longer living, both are truly grateful for Mrs. Lomen's success against CF thus far. In sharing his life with Mrs. Lomen, Dr. Lomen attributes his wife's health and life-span thus far to her consistency in exercise, nutrition, and medication. To this end, Dr. Lomen stated, "The degree of degradation in the physical condition is directly proportional to how close you follow doctor's orders."