The Many Colors of Cystic Fibrosis: Metallic

Inspired by the song “Joseph’s Coat” from Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, I was reminded to explore colors such as silver, gold, and other metals.

Infection Prevention

If I see a rusted metal chair in the lobby of a healthcare setting, I’m more skeptical about their facility. Is this building dirty or just old? In this way, infection prevention clings to the concept that we must judge a book by its cover. On the flip side, all metallics have pros when they come into contact with the human body.

Vitamin Deficiency

In addition to chronic respiratory infections and gastrointestinal issues, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) leads to vitamin deficiency, largely exasperated by my gastroparesis. One of these deficiencies is zinc, a silvery-white metal. I take zinc supplements, which are known to improve respiratory function and lower infection rates. My doctors also placed me on iron (a strong, magnetic metal), calcium (a soft, gray metal), and potassium (a soft, silvery-white metal) supplements. These chemical elements work together to reduce my CF symptoms. My doctor also placed me on a 4-in-1 vitamin called DEKA, which includes D, E, K, and A supplements. I am actively pursuing a clinical trial that uses gallium, a soft, silvery-white metal, which may inhibit iron-related bacterial processes. Talk about ruling with an iron fist, right?

Barium Swallow Test

When I was evaluated for my bilateral lung transplant in March 2019 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, I had to do a barium swallow test. Barium is a soft, white, and reactive metal. The swallow test utilizes barium to make certain body areas appear more clearly on an x-ray. I was asked to swallow items that varied in size with a special beverage. My swallow was monitored and used to determine any underlying conditions in my throat, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

All that glitters is not gold

Do you remember those chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil? Milky substances made me junky, but it was worth the risk to partake in a family tradition. Occasionally, my aunt would celebrate the holiday with golden flake-infused drinks. Those flakes and salts are chemically inert and won’t react to the body. I found the whole concept fascinating. In college, I learned that gold includes anti-inflammatory properties, but I don’t plan on using gold to treat my worsening osteoarthritis. I also recall dozens of aluminum foil cases. Roll after roll, we’d wrap leftover dishes and send them home with our guests.

My journey with CF always has a silver lining, and it’s occasionally made of silver, literally. Silver acts like copper because it’s an antimicrobial. Gentamicin and Tobramycin are most used to treat my chronic pseudomonas. The phrase “tin ear,” often equated with deafness, has become a part of my vocabulary thanks to my chronic use of Tobi. Platinum wires aid my hearing loss. All that glitters is not gold, especially when Christmas tree tinsel was recalled in 2015 due to lead poisoning. For years, my aluminum wheelchair and IV stand allowed me to partake in family adventures. Metallics made an impactful appearance in my journey.

Can you think of any metals in your journey?