Cystic fibrosis (CF)

Hi Caroline
As I understand cystic fibrosis, 39 is not a young age. Bottom line is, the genetic disorder he has inherited, causes his internal bodily secretions to become thick and sticky. Water is removed from the mucus but cannot be replaced as required.

You've probably gone through his daily routine within your initial meeting. He should be doing regular physio (daily), may well be taking, or regularly takes antibiotics to prevent & treat infections. Has to be aware of his diet to include high energy foods and would most likely be taking an enzyme supplement before meals to help with digestion.

It is possible he has fertility problems. Much of his life may well have been spent in and out of hospitals. Medications result in their own side-effects (drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea etc.)

Ultimately, heart and lung transplants may be required or already discussed. Gene therapy is being explored but it is relatively early days and with only short term relief so far. Gene therapy carries it's own psychological problems apparently as hopes can be raised - not only for the sufferer, but for the family/friends.

At 39, he is also around one of the classic times when people begin to review their life.

Sounds bleak, is simplified here and my understanding is through study, questions and observations.

My thoughts on it are:
Regular exercise is encouraged - a regular practice where he is actively doing something to help his own condition will surely help physically and mentally.
If he has times when he is laid low - would having a fall back practice be an option? Something simple but manageable to keep the continuity of practice.

Depending on how well/mobile he is, working with dynamic movements, long range where poss. Lying work may need to be thought about carefully as it could add to the feelings of congestion.

Ujjayi breath may well be helpful - directed to the stomach area rather than the chest. Two fold reason here. Because of the anxiety and also the congestion around the lungs - a chest focus may be too much.

Sound work could help - physically and psychologically. If he is new to yoga, and chanting is too much to take on board, singing/humming to his favourite tunes as often as possible would be no bad thing if the music was upbeat.

Review his food and fluid intake. Some official sources give rather surprising advice on food. I've seen doughnuts, cakes, and other high fat foods reccommended. I understand the idea of keeping the weight on but a nutritionalist confirmed it is possible to keep the bulk in your food without eating those sorts of food all the time.

Although he has come to you as a 1-1, encouragement for him to attend a group class aswell may help. A friendly supportive class is a great thing.

Good luck. I will be interested to hear any other replies. Corrections to any of my own comments welcomed.