Turner Syndrome | Teen Ink

Turner Syndrome MAG

By Anonymous

     Anyone looking at me would see a normal 17-year-old girl with blond hair and blue eyes. Those taking a closer look would recognize that I barely reach 5'2". What my physical appearance does not reveal is that I have Turner syndrome, but then, most people don’t have the faintest idea what that is. Turner syndrome is a chromosomal condition that occurs in women and involves complete or partial absence of the second x chromosome. While I may not be one in a million, I am one in 2,000. Short stature is one of the most common characteristics associated with the syndrome, but serious heart and kidney problems and even hearing loss can occur.

When I was diagnosed at 12, my whole life began to make more sense. I never understood why when the rest of my classmates were growing like weeds, I remained a seed stuck in the ground. I had always struggled being the shortest girl in my class and was known as “Midget” or “Shorty.” After watching the classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” I became known as Oompa Loompa. Though these names hurt me deeply, I refused to let my classmates dampen my enthusiasm for school and learning. I got involved in lots of extracurricular activities, though they sometimes posed problems. Because girls with Turner syndrome tend to have poor coordination and perception, my athletic ability was nonexistent. I loved to sing, but it proved difficult to share a microphone with a group of girls seven inches taller. Despite this, I continued to drive myself to prove that heart and brains could make up for lack of height.

Once diagnosed, I was given a treatment plan that involved daily growth hormone injections. I am the type of person who worries about a doctor’s appointment for weeks in advance, so getting used to injections every day - and even worse, giving them to myself - was a true test of my character. However, I jumped this hurdle and after five years, I have grown 11 inches. This was an amazing response and I consider it my own little miracle.

I am not upset that I have Turner syndrome. It has molded my character and transformed me into the person I am today. I have learned that you need to rise above the negative in your life. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” This statement has always inspired me and so I will journey on to the next stage of my life with pride and self-confidence.



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This article has 103 comments.


i love this so much!

EvanGardner said...
on Aug. 15 2017 at 5:26 am
EvanGardner,
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment
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Nicole said...
on Jan. 11 2016 at 2:16 am
Great attitude towards having TS I also have TS myself..but I was wondering how do you cope with the infertility aspect? I am having a hard time dealing with this.

nicole said...
on Jan. 6 2016 at 7:43 am
Thanks for sharing that.. you have a good attitude I have TS myself..and I was wondering how do you cope with the infertility aspect?

on May. 23 2015 at 2:40 pm
I am the same but I think I'm 4'8?but anyway good job on growing 11 inches

chantel said...
on Feb. 24 2015 at 3:09 pm
I am 12 and someone thoght i was 7 your not alone just keep on moving and things will get beter

Doggy124 said...
on May. 27 2014 at 9:53 pm
I'm 4'11 7/8" and I'm 14

on Dec. 11 2013 at 2:39 pm
morganwillard, Easley, South Carolina
0 articles 0 photos 13 comments

Favorite Quote:
Cause darling I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream. -Taylor Swift

i am 14, in 9th grade, and i'm 5'. You're not the only one.

on Dec. 20 2012 at 12:45 pm
FloridaGeorgiaDirectioner SILVER, Talking Rock, Georgia
5 articles 7 photos 17 comments

Favorite Quote:
May the odds be ever in your favor.

FANTASTIC!!!!

hiddenbyhair said...
on Dec. 12 2012 at 7:39 pm
Thanks... i may not have Turners but I have my own genetic condition. it won't allow me to play sports (though i do anyway) and causes me pain

Sonza SILVER said...
on Dec. 10 2012 at 11:58 pm
Sonza SILVER, Bhubaneswar, Other
5 articles 0 photos 40 comments

Favorite Quote:
An apple a day, if well aimed, keeps the doctor away. - P. G. Wodehouse

this IS the attitude everyone should have - face all odds bravely. one might fail but the satisfaction n confidence one gains is worth it. KEEP MOVING UP!!

on Dec. 1 2012 at 4:35 am
I have gone all through life being short, just 4ft11, not thinking anything about it.  Just accept  how God made me. People always have said, your so short, and I sometimes reply "your so tall". There is nothing wrong with being short., and just think, you always get to be in the front row. 

on Nov. 29 2012 at 12:41 am
You are such a brave girl!  Thank You for posting this my daughter is 11 and just started growth hormone treatment last week and after a hard appt with Genetics today we are looking into the fact that she might have Turners.  My daughter is tiny and wants to play a tuba and be a lawyer someday and nothing will stop her from acheiving that.  Thank You for posting such a positive and encouraging message that another mom or teen might read who is as scared as I am tonight for my child.  Thank You for reminding me it isn't the end of the world...

Coni said...
on Nov. 7 2012 at 10:56 pm
Did you know that a very famous actress named Linda Hunt also has Turner Syndrom?  She thought she would never be successful at acting because of her short statis, so she studied directing in production.  She went on to star in Silverado, a John Wayne Western where she played the bar tender.  She is now on NCIS Los Angles. She went on to play in many movies and TV shows.  U R right!  U can do anything you want.  Google her. She is a great inspiration. 

on Apr. 11 2012 at 2:26 pm
I have a daughter who is beautiful, intelligent, articulate, and inspirational. Just like you. She also happens to have TS. I have never permitted anyone to label her - including the medical profession! She is strong, confident and independent. She lives in a world rich in diversity and regards TS as just one more shade of grey. She will love your article. Thank you for sharing.

on Feb. 3 2012 at 4:03 pm
Lady_Lemon GOLD, Franklin, Wisconsin
11 articles 1 photo 43 comments
My cusin has Turners. I understand completly, or at least I'd like to think I do. :) I like the peice, it has a lot of trueth to it.

ddwd said...
on Feb. 3 2012 at 3:48 pm
my milkshake brings all the boys

Scenechic said...
on Jan. 31 2012 at 8:44 am
Smart idea! :) i was diagnosed at birth. they had a bunch of people on my case for the first whole entire day :o

on Jan. 27 2012 at 8:11 am
steffdawgg SILVER, Calumet, Michigan
7 articles 27 photos 52 comments

Favorite Quote:
"You miss 100% of the shots you never take" -Wayne Gretsky

Yes true. Just thought it'd be smart to have it checked out

Scenechic said...
on Jan. 25 2012 at 9:04 am
DO NOT feel sorry for us, we are strong and independant :)