Newest CF Study

I'm excited to be participating in a new CF Study with the Laboratory of Integrative Vascular and Exercise Physiology (LiveP for short)!!

This time the study is focusing on how antioxidants impact exercise in Cystic Fibrosis patients.  So, It will start with 2 separate visits in which I will be given antioxidants or a placebo and then exercise to determine the acute result.  After those, I'll take the medicine for 4 weeks and come back and test again.  Then do that 2 more times for a total of 12 weeks to determine the extended use impact.

My initial visit was July 14th.  I went in the afternoon and had all my initial vitals recorded (bone density, weight, lung functions).  Then, I max tested on the stationary bike.  I wasn't overly thrilled with my performance that day...my legs were tired!!

Then, I went back for my first of 2 acute visits yesterday (7/30).  I went in at 8am fasting - boo!!  They did an ultrasound of my arm and measured the artery with a cuff around my arm for 5 minutes, making it go numb.  There were lots of blood pressures taken and recorded from my arm, leg and neck.  I'm sure I'm not explaining all this to make a lot of sense medically...but it does :)  I did my lung functions, which stunk!! I randomly got a cough.  Then, I was given medicine (either the antioxidants or a placebo) and sat in a room for about 2 hours.  After that, I did the whole process again before getting on the stationary bike to do my max test.  I was pleased that I maxed out on the level above my initial visit - woohoo!!

I haven't set up my next acute visit yet, but I imagine it will be in the next couple of weeks.  

I really enjoy being a part of these studies.  Who knows, we may discover something that makes exercise better for us CFers.  I sure believe the Viagra made a difference (you can read that here).  

Dr. Harris is working on some pretty awesome stuff.  Can't wait for the next BIG thing!! Won't share all his secrets yet, but I'm STOKED!!!!!

I'll do better at keeping you all updated on this study.  Promise!