Amy's 13 and guess what she started late tonite! :/ - Down Syndrome Message Board

mom8times · 06-23-2002, 03:09 AM

Here the Doctor was telling me she probably would never have a menstrual period. HAH! She started tonite! We all made big praise over her, and got a sanitary napkin on her for all of ten minutes. Then......she went into the bathroom and came out sans napkin.
It's now 2:10 a.m. and 3 napkins later, she's now in bed crying her heart out and hopefully, keeping THIS one on.
Any advice on how to get her to KEEP it on without standing guard over her??? This is the pits!! She's got the mind of a 2 year old and wants nothing to do with that thing. I can't say I blame her either.
Miserably
Peggy

ma_kettle · 06-23-2002, 08:35 AM

I have a daughter that is 10 and have been thinking a lot about this. She also has sensory issues so I know she will not tolerate a sanitary napkin. I have been wondering if the Depo Provera shot might be a solution for your daughter and for mine. I hope I have a couple more years before I have to face this. I will be watching this board for any ideas that anyone has.

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mom8times · 06-23-2002, 04:55 PM

I have checked about the shot, or any kind of medication that would let Amy shine this part of life on. As far as I'm concerned she doesn't NEED a period. I've even seen news articles saying women don't really need a period if they don't want, that they could take birth control pills non-stop and it doesn't hurt. But so far I'm not getting much help from her doctor. He said she's too young for the shot, patch or anything.
I even asked about getting her fixed because the last thing either Amy or I need is a baby. She's only away from me when she's in school or over at her cousins, but how would I know if something sexual ever happened to her? It's not like she could tell me, she's only very simple words verbal, one word sentences. Maybe I'm over reacting, but I don't think so. Better safe than sorry, don't you think?

Ltb3105 · 07-06-2002, 05:52 PM

I know this may not be a viable solution for everyone, but my neighbor's daughter, who is now 23 and has the mind of a 5 yr. old, started her period (late, she was almost 18!) she searched for a doctor who would do a hysterectomy as it was sure she would never marry and be able to raise children. She found a very sympathetic doctor after a few tries of others who had legal and moral issues, and it was done. Now, no worries about periods, health issues, and another thing to consider. Her mom told me if anything ever happened to them and her daughter was placed in a group home, she wouldn't have the trauma of possibly being abused and getting pregnant.

My son has Down's, but if he were a girl, I would seriously consider her having a hysterectomy too.

mom8times · 07-07-2002, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ltb3105:
Her mom told me if anything ever happened to them and her daughter was placed in a group home, she wouldn't have the trauma of possibly being abused and getting pregnant.
B]

Well, sad to say, there is never a guarantee of not being abused, just not getting pregnant.
That she was able to get help for her daughter this way is really great. I don't know if I really would want a hysterectomy for Amy. That would throw her right into menopause. I would want Amy's tubes tied though.