Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the leading genetic disease among Caucasians; however, advances in diagnosis and treatment have improved both quality and quantity of life for those affected. A remarkable recent discovery is the triple-drug combination, elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, which has been touted as a “miracle drug” for CF because of its demonstrated efficacy and safety. This case study reports on an adult woman with CF who experienced positive life-changing results from elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, and yet discovered that she lived in fear that its effectiveness would diminish, and her debilitating symptoms would return. Her lingering identity as chronically ill tainted her view of her new life with skepticism and pervasive anxiety. This case highlights a critical need to engage in early, regular and sensitive discussions with patients before initiating treatments that may affect their emotional and mental health and provide referrals or services to meet those emergent needs.

Hygge is a Nordic practice and mindset of creating warmth and comfort from within to improve one's wellness. Hygge has not been explored well in the scientific literature, especially in the context of a chronic illness. This article describes the experiences of an adult woman with cystic fibrosis, a progressive, incurable genetic disease primarily affecting the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, as she uses hygge to cope with the daily challenges of her illness. She also uses hygge as a framework for an online support group she founded to encourage other women with CF in their quest for optimal physical and emotional health. Hygge offers practical self-care behaviors that have the potential to make positive impacts on quality of life across healthy communities and those with chronic conditions, especially in the current setting of a global pandemic.

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