Life with Turners Syndrome

I have always been small and shorter than almost everyone else my age. At age 11, my mom told me I was going to see a "special" doctor because I hadn't grown in a long time, and she wanted to see if something was wrong. This "special" doctor was a very kind endocrinologist. He would sit on the examination table with me. After much testing, I was diagnosed with Turner syndrome, which is a chromosomal disorder that means I have one less chromosome. This defect affects females. Please see the link https://www.turnersyndrome.org/ for more information.

A few months after my diagnosis, I started on daily growth hormone shots. My mom gave them to me for two years, and I have given them to myself for two years. After further testing, we were told my ovaries were precancerous, and I needed to have a hysterectomy. So at age 11, I had a full hysterectomy. Although I "knew" what was happening, it didn't affect me until later. In high school, I was diagnosed with learning disabilities. With much difficulty, I made it through high school, graduated, and, through much patience and determination, graduated in my thirties with an RN degree despite being told numerous times to give up because I would never make it.

I have been very fortunate that I have not had many of the medical problems that often accompany Turner syndrome. Because of my medical challenges, I have had difficulty connecting with other people and making friends.

Despite all of the challenges, I am thankful for them since they have helped me to become a stronger person.