Dear Michelle,
My daughter, Alyssa, was diagnosed when she was 7 years old. She is now almost 16. She is an honors student in school, on student council, has lots of nice friends--good kids that don't get into trouble, is slim (size 2), has perfect skin, no facial hair (I won't kid you--she does have hirsutism--but not on her face), has regular menses, and is a happy, well-adjusted, terrific kid.
Just be vigilant in making sure your daughter takes her meds and does not miss doses. Also, be a partner with her healthcare provider. Make sure you read and understand her blood tests and discuss her results and any concerns with her doctor.
Also, I don't let Alyssa dwell on her disorder. I don't tolerate pity parties! I tell her to get over herself and think about others who have it a lot worse than she does. In the scheme of things, her life is darn good, and she needs to be grateful for all of her blessings. We focus on giving back and make her do lots of community service. And, we don't let her CAH stop her from doing anything. This summer she is going to Ethiopia for 3 weeks to work at an orphanage with HIV infected children.
So, I think that she is doing well both physically and psychologically. She hardly gives her CAH a thought. That's way it should be.
So, if you don't make too much of a deal about her CAH, watch her meds and levels closely, and treat her the same as her siblings without CAH, she should be fine.
Take care,
Kelly
