PERSONAL STORY: TORI-ROSA PORRETTA

Well it all started when I first started my periods, which was about a year and a half ago. I was never really looking forward to it - but when I had finally started I felt like a woman.

Periods aren't something that often discussed in my family - all either loud but embarrassed Italians (like me!) or shy secluded English - so I never got the chance to discuss how I felt.

By the time I came on for my fifth time - I realized something was wrong. I would be bleeding for weeks at a time and the pain was abominable. I changed about 12 times a day because i was so heavy. My school work slacked, I felt constantly ill and I soon became anemic.

Only 4 months ago I decided to do something about it. I visited the doctors (alone of course! )And told her what was wrong. Because I was so young she didnt really take me that seriously but decided to put me on the Pill - just to be on the safe side. Of course, that just aggravated my whole system even more when I began to develop the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. I came off the pill immediately and things just got steadily worse.

Finally - my whole social circle of family and friends had realized something was terribly wrong. I wasn't lively Tori anymore - I was constantly tired and stressed out - so I returned to the doctors. I am now happy to say that I have an appointment at the hospital in two weeks for an operation. Just remember - if I've coped, even when things look just about as dismal as they can get, you'll always have someone to help you.

And I want you to trust me when I promise you that things can improve. If they have for me - they will for you. You just have to open your mouth and talk.

Good luck!

Tori-Rosa Porretta