My First Breakdown

In the beginning I had many small breakdowns, like when I was exhausted or when it seemed like things never went my way. Nothing major, but I think the first time I got really emotional was when Jackie was about 7 years old. I was working the night shift and got a called from my Mom, who was staying with us at the time. I took me by surprise because I usually didn't get calls from home unless it was and emergency. I would usually call them to find out how things were going. Well when I picked up the phone my Mom told me that Jackie got her period. I was completely stunned. I hung up the phone and when into the bathroom, locked myself in one of the stalls and just started crying. I couldn't believe it. I was in there for a good 15 minutes, then washed my face and went back to work like nothing had happened. I always try to put up a good front. Hate to bother people with my problems since I know everyone is going through something in their own life so why should I burden them with mines. I've had people comment "with all the stuff you have to deal with you seem to always be in a good mood." My feeling is, why should I take out my problems on other people, it's not their fault.

After the shock was over I had to start dealing with the situation which meant many doctors appointmnet. I was referred to an endocrinologist at Children's Hospital, after many test she was diagnosed with "Precocious Puberty".

When a child has Precocious Puberty, it means that they are becoming an adolescent. Girls tend to get their periods, their breast begin to develop, get pubic or underarm hair, acne and start sweating like an adult. For boys growth spurs, acne, enlarged testicles or penis, or pubic or underarm hair, voice starts to change.

For further info you can see this link
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/precocious-puberty/DS00883

Treatment: Since she was only 7 we had to stop her development. According to doctors, when you go through puberty, you stop growing (although some parents say that their child continues to grow even after puberty). We had to start giving her monthly shots to stop it so that she could grow some more, then we when she reached the age of 11-12 they were stopped since that is the age most girls start their cycle. Needless to say these shots were not cheap, they cost $400 each which the insurance did not want to pay for. I had to appeal and get all kinds of medical letters until finally it was covered.

It wasn't easy dealing with this but we did. Jackie's height now is about 4'9 to 4'11.