I have a 1 year old SWCAH boy, so I can’t answer all of your questions, either, but I will tell you what we have experienced.

1.  We dose every 8 hours.  Usually not before and definitely not after that.  My son has his medication at 4am, noon, 8pm.  I always give his medication with at least 8 oz of milk or with his lunch. 

2.  He seemed to be more fussy than my older, non-CAH child.  He cried more often and slept less.  He just never seemed satisfied.  He has grown out of that somewhat, and is a pretty happy child. 

3.  We tried to keep him away from people for about 4 months.  After that, we asked sick people to stay away and if we were somewhere that sick people were, we left, and continue to do that now.  I have a preschooler as well, so he brings home some colds and bugs now and then which cannot be avoided.  When my CAH son is sick, we only stress dose when he has fever, vomiting, or diahrea.  We have had to give the shot twice, probably at times he could have done without.  Both times were during stomach virus. 

All and all, we try to have as much a normal life as possible.  We go to the park, to church, to play groups, on outings, etc.  I have never let CAH stop us from doing what we would have done normally. 

It will become much easier and normal.  I know it is hard to imagine at this point, but it will.  Good luck.