Hi Steve,

I think you should contact Dr. New’s office. I remember hearing her talk about the oldest person with CAH (diagnosed) who lived well into old age. I don’t remember the exact age but I think the person was well into the 80’s. I also think she mentioned that this person had lived life as a male but was female or something like that.    I think she had classical but as Beth pointed out you don’t have to be SW to have Classical CAH.  Classical CAH encompasses Salt wasting CAH and Simple Virilizing CAH. My two sons have SV CAH but one acts more like a SW and the other doesn’t take florinef at the moment. Although it’s sometimes good to take a little florinef because it keeps the amount of steroids needed down.

Anyway, I think it is very possible to lead a "normal" life.  Everyone will eventually have to deal with some sort of medical issue. Some may be lucky and have small issues and some may have more serious issues. I think the best thing to do is to do what you have control over to help your body, ie..diet and exercise.   With 7 other problems going on, it sounds like you have lots going on.  I would check into the other major issues to see what the life expectancy is. I believe...again...I believe that  CAH should not cause your life to be shortened any.  I’m not a doc though and I can only go on what I read and hear from others and doctors and by observing my boys.

Good luck to you. 

Sandra