Julia,

Your daughter sounds like an extremely nice young girl. I think you are scared for your daughter, and I think that you possibly feel sorry for her and feel sorry for yourself. It is a tough situation. Everyone wants a perfect healthy child, but your daughter is not. That is a fact. I guess it is how you react from there that really counts. Is your daughter going to a good endo? It seems as though she may not be receiving enough medication. Thew reason I feel so strongly about the situation is because I am a 23 year old male with SWCAH. I was diagnosed a few weeks after birth. It went as far as my heart being brought to a standstill before I was brought back. I have had struggles with CAH, my life has not been perfect, but I have always felt special because I have CAH. I was always made to feel that God had a special place for me on earth by my parents. They encouraged me and I don’t look at any goal as being too high. Growing up people made fun of me because I had large cheeks, and they did last year when I gained weight because I switched medication. It hurts to know it isn’t your fault that you are they way you are. I can also say that I was fortunate enough to play football and date a few beautiful girls. I am graduating from Purdue University in December and I think I may end up with possibly 7  job offers. I am not writing all of this stuff because I think I am a great person. I am writing this because my parents always encouraged me and I never felt that they felt sorry for me or allowed me to feel sorry for myself. I think often children believe what they are told. Think of all of her positives and encourage her in everything in life, don’t use CAH as an excuse. I just feel really strongly about this and I want the best for your daughter. If kids are treating her badly or making fun of her because of something she can’t help that is awful. Help boost her confidence. People like personalities a lot more than they like people who are perfect on the exterior.  E-mail me if you hae the desire.

Paul