Endless POFibilities -- December 2000

2000 Conference Report
by Christine Sanchez

I never imagined myself as a statistic. When I was diagnosed with POF, all I heard was rare case; small percentage and 0% chance . . . I felt like a mysterious number lost in a population of billions of people. Then, I discovered www.pofsupport.org. I was amazed to find others out there asking the same questions, experiencing the same physical symptoms, and sharing the same mixed bag of emotions. Suddenly, I did not feel so alone . . .

Last September, I attended my first national POF conference. I learned about the event online about 4 months prior, so I had time to prepare myself. I had not fully accepted the diagnosis, yet I was eager and courageous enought o meet others like me. Although I was quite nervous about the trip to Alexandria, VA, I knew it was a big step in the right direction. I was going to gain a better understanding of the diagnosis, learn about the latest research projects, and best of all, get support from other women with POF.

On the first day, I was impressed to see women in their prime, just like me. It was incredible how easily we all got along. By midmorning, most of us had shared our innermost emotions and stories about our sexual relations. Throughout the day, we sat in lectur4es and open discussions speakers were remarkable and offered an abundance of information about the pathophysiology of POF, nutritional recommendations, and coping mechanisms and strategies. To keep everyone satisfied, we were even provided with beverages throughout the day.

The second day of the conference was just as fulfilling as the first. There was more bonding between all of us. By then, I had even exchanged phone numbers and email addresses with a few fellow POFers. We were more active on this day, attending exercise, massage, and spiritual sessions. My favorite hour was hearing personal stories about other women and their struggles physically and emotionally. It touched many of us, and it helped me to reflect on my own personal challenges with POF.

My mother accompanied me on both days. She gained as much insight as me, about POF and its impact on a young woman's life. It was great to have her by my side. The support I received from my mother and the other participants has been more than tremendous. It is hard to imagine living with POF without the encouragement and inspiration of close friends and family.

The friendships I have made, the information I have received, and the strength I have developed from this year's conference will help me continue to cope with POF. I learned that I am not just a statistic, but another young woman who happens to have POF. I am certainly looking forward to my second national POF conference.

Beating the POF Holiday Blues