sorry guys, you probably don't qualify to answer this poll

[netmouse]

In reaction to a description in a book of a girl's first period, I thought I'd take a poll - what was your first period like? (or if you don't remember, what was getting your period like during the earliest time period when you do remember?) (I believe I set it so identities are masked when people view results).

[Poll #1446624]

Comments

[cathshaffer.livejournal.com]

The high fever and later scarring suggest that you had a pretty bad pelvic infection. That is what caused the damage to your uterus. (Actually, there's no reason a 40 year old should have scars in her uterus. What a silly thing to say.) I am sorry that your parents were so insensitive about the situation, and also sorry that you didn't get the medical treatment you needed. :-(

[kitschicat.livejournal.com]

Wow. Well that actually explains quite a bit. I also ended up having an abnormal PAP smear when I was 18, the doctor said it was condiloma but it was not an STD because I was still a virgin. I had to have it frozen off and that damaged my cervix. So my female bits have taken a real beating.

I try very hard not to get hurt/angry about the period problems and other incidents with my parents. They were kids raising a child - they were in high school when I was born. And they joined a cult (the JW's) which further complicated matters. So they were not on top of their game, so to say. I'd like to believe that they'd do things differently if they had been ten years older and wiser.

It does disturb me that the JW belief system would have meant if their kids needed a blood transfusion, they were supposed to let my brother and/or I die. And we were raised to believe that this was the "right" thing to do - to deny ourselves medical treatment to demonstrate faith in god, even if it meant we didn't survive. But that's another subject altogether, and thankfully, we have all left that damn cult, so it's no longer an issue.

I never thought about the pelvic infection, though. It makes complete sense, now.

[cathshaffer.livejournal.com]

We have family that have been involved with the JW church, so I know where you are coming from. One of them did leave the church and the abusive marriage she was in, and went through a period of shunning where her own mother was not allowed to talk to her. I'm glad your family was able to get out.