Measuring Up: Life With Turner Syndrome

Preface

Why I Wrote This Book

Turner syndrome (TS) is not a common condition. It affects approximately one in 2,000 live-born females and is responsible for 10 percent of all miscarried baby girls. So why would I choose write a book about it?

I'm writing this book because TS is such a rare condition. Awareness has risen in the past few decades, but many people (medical professionals included) know very little to nothing about the condition. I want to do my small part to combat that ignorance.

I'm also writing this book to share my personal experience with TS. Depending where she lives in the world, it can be very difficult for a girl or woman with TS to find others who have the condition. This is my attempt to connect, via the written word, and let my fellow TS patients know they're not alone.

If this book opens some minds or starts some conversations, I'll consider it a success.

Who This Book Is For

This book is targeted toward girls and women with TS, family and friends of those affected by TS and anyone who simply wants to learn more about it.

What This Book Is

This book is overview of TS, a summary of my experiences with it and my advice on coping with the condition based on those experiences. While all aspects of TS are interrelated, for the sake of organization, I've divided the bulk of the discussion about the condition into three sections:

1. TS and the body

2. TS and the mind

3. TS and the spirit

(Note: Much of the technical information in this book comes from the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States. Find a link to its website, along with links to other resources, in Chapter 6.)

What This Book Is Not

This book is not a comprehensive description  TS. Along those lines, nothing written here should be interpreted as professional medical or psychological advice. If you believe you or a loved one have TS, or have a question related to the condition, see your pediatrician or general practitioner and proceed from there.