Diagnosis at 22: How Cystic Fibrosis Changed Daniela’s Life

In a world where every day brings new challenges, living with cystic fibrosis (CF) means a constant struggle for air, health, and normalcy. The condition is typically diagnosed in childhood, but there are rare cases where it is discovered later in life. Such is the case of Daniela Coptilet, a 25-year-old from Briceni district, who learned she had cystic fibrosis after a lifetime of symptoms being attributed to other conditions.

"Since I was a child, I remember having a constant cough. I couldn’t gain weight, and my immunity was low. At school, if one of my classmates had a cold, the next day I’d be at home with a fever, cough, and a stuffy nose. The district doctors always told me I had chronic bronchitis. Until the age of 22, I lived with this diagnosis, but the symptoms kept overwhelming me."

Everything changed in 2022 when Daniela traveled to Italy and became seriously ill. "I had a fever of 39.5°C for a week, and since cystic fibrosis is a well-known disease in Europe, the doctors decided to run more tests. They suggested I take a sweat test and undergo genetic mutation analysis. A week later, I received the results, and to my surprise, the diagnosis was confirmed: cystic fibrosis."

At first, Daniela wasn’t very scared. "I had been used to the coughing since childhood, so the news didn’t frighten me immediately. However, as I began to understand the disease and its implications better, I felt increasingly overwhelmed and fell into a state of depression."

Daily Routine: A Constant Struggle

Living with cystic fibrosis is anything but easy, especially when the daily routine becomes an exhausting effort just to breathe normally. "Every day is a challenge. I wake up in the morning and have to do inhalations with a 7% saline solution, followed by two vials of colistin. At lunchtime, I take Pulmozyme and do physical therapy. In the afternoon and evening, I repeat the inhalations and another two vials of colistin. On top of that, I have diabetes and need to inject insulin. If I don’t stick to this strict regimen, the nights become a torment, coughing for hours on end."

Beyond her medical routine, Daniela faces emotional challenges. "Living with cystic fibrosis is hard. I feel different from everyone else. When I cough on the bus or on the street, people give me strange looks and keep their distance. I feel ashamed and prefer to stay at home, away from the world. I feel isolated and vulnerable, and tears often find their way into my life."

Amid these difficulties, Daniela met Dr. Oxana Turcu, a physician who provided not only treatment but also comfort. "Dr. Oxana is a strong, intelligent, and kind woman. When I started working with her, she told me I wasn’t the only person with CF. She explained that there are both children and adults facing the same challenges. She encouraged me not to feel different but to understand that, in fact, I’m stronger than others precisely because of this disease."

The doctor told Daniela that, although the disease makes her different, it is also a source of strength. "Every day is hard, but I have to be stronger than the disease. I am not a victim; I am a fighter."

Hope: The Innovative Medication Trikafta

Despite the challenges, Daniela remains optimistic. "Our hope is Trikafta, but until then, we continue to fight, day by day, for every breath. It’s not easy, but I will not give up."

This story is a call for empathy and awareness. Cystic fibrosis is a rare disease, but the reality for many patients is extremely painful. Behind every diagnosis is a strong person, who not only fights the disease but also battles prejudices and the limitations of a medical system. It’s time to better understand and offer support and hope.