TABLE VI.

Parental Concerns Pertaining To Their Daughter’s Diagnosis

	Parents n=18
Infertility	A few mothers recalled feelings of sadness for their daughters when they learned of the infertility diagnosis. “I realized I hurt for her, because I felt she couldn’t have children.” (Parent) A couple of mothers related their initial disappointment. “I also had to grieve my grandchildren. You know, because I had thought I was going…to have a house full of grandchildren.” (Parent)
Height	A number of parents noted that their daughters’ desire to be taller would not be realized, even without Turner syndrome, because their families were short. “[Our family’s not] a couple of giants. You know?…your sister is 4′10″. I’m 4′11″…So when she wasn’t really that tall it was like, well, look at your aunt. You ain’t going anywhere.” (Parent)
Sexual Development and Functioning	One mother questioned whether her daughter would have desire. “I worried initially about intimacy, what her parts were, would she have desire.” (Parent) Some parents relayed their daughters’ sentiments, particularly their efforts to understand their bodies.
Health	The majority of parents expressed compromised health as their greatest concern. A number of parents feared potential negative side effects of human growth hormone and hormone replacement therapy. “I’m always afraid of what it can--something that we give to her to cure one thing, what would that be as far as to deteriorate another.” A handful of parents cited the huge expense of doctor visits, medical treatments and insurance coverage as an ongoing source of concern.