Life Our Babies Could Use Your Support - Page 13

'Hamas' Jenkins · 04:51 AM

The great news is that I am a dad of two beautiful little girls.

The terrible news is that those girls are in extreme medical duress.
Yesterday, my wife gave birth, via emergency c-section, at 29 weeks, two days. At sixteen weeks, what looked like a normal, but rare, identical twin pregnancy became far more complicated. Our babies were diagnosed with a disorder that happens about 15% of the time with identical twin pregnancies called Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. A detailed medical description isn’t necessary, but a brief one may help to understand.

The placenta provides blood flow and nutrition to a developing fetus. Most of the time, identical twins draw from the placenta with little issue, but in Twin-to-Twin, there is an imbalance. One twin, called the recipient, pulls too much blood from the placenta, and also the other baby. This makes the recipient polycythemic, basically the exact opposite of anemic. With too much blood, especially red blood cells, the blood becomes sludgy, and all the extra fluid which the baby receives from the extra blood puts a great deal of strain on their system, and can lead to congestive heart failure and other problems.

The other twin, the donor, experiences problems due to a lack of blood volume.

As a result of this circulatory imbalance, there is a massive discrepancy in amniotic fluid. The recipient swims in a pool of it, while the donor is, in essence, shrink-wrapped by the lack of fluid as the amniotic sac pulls in around it.

The condition is gravely serious, and without treatment, will usually carry a mortality risk of 100%.

After finding out that what we thought was going to be a normal pregnancy was anything but at 16 weeks, we had a procedure done in St. Louis called fetoscopic laser ablation. Developed a little over a decade ago, surgeons make a small incision in the mother’s abdomen, and with a small endoscope and laser, cauterize shared vessels between the two twins. This helps to establish a normal blood flow between the two babies.
We had this procedure done on May 6.

Initially, everything looked great, as the fluid levels between the two babies balanced out, and blood flow patterns appeared within normal range. About three weeks after the procedure, our specialists noticed that the condition had actually reversed itself. About 10% of the time, the condition will spontaneously reverse itself.

It was apparent to doctors at this appointment that this had happened near the end of May. Fluid levels were imbalanced, but still at the very end of normal. As such, the doctors felt it was the best interests in prolonging the pregnancy, which was not yet at viability, to avoid another event that would require making a hole in the amniotic sac. Thus, we embarked on a pattern of extreme vigilance. At multiple appointments per week, doctors performed an ultrasound wherein they would measure amniotic fluid levels, blood flow across the umbilical cords, and within the cerebral arteries in the brain.

After this second scare, it appeared that things began to normalize. Most of our subsequent appointments looked improved, and everything appeared to be on a healthy, normal trajectory.

Until Wednesday night.

Late Wednesday, my wife began to feel a series of small contractions. While normal in the third trimester, she had enough in a short period of time that it was necessary to call the doctor. He had us come into the hospital for closer monitoring, and after doing so, noticed that one of our babies was in distress. We had three ultrasounds last night and early into Wednesday morning, and after doing so, the doctors felt that it was in the best interests of the babies to deliver them at an extremely early, 29 weeks, but still viable age.

At 5:09 and 5:10 pm yesterday, we welcomed our little girls into the world.

Continued in post #2

seclark · 08-01-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

My wife should be discharged this afternoon, which they say can be quite difficult. Hopefully the transition isn't too tough on her, but she's been tremendous throughout this entire ordeal, so I'm optimistic that she'll be able to handle it.

it has to be very stressful for a mother to be separated from her newborn. our twins were born premature, and at once were put on an ambulance and taken to another hospital w/better facilities for them. my wife didn't even get to hold them first. she was nuts.

again, hj...prayers sent for you all.
sec

**the Talking Can** · 08-01-2011, 12:10 PM

glad to hear the improving news

**Old Dog** · 08-01-2011, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Damn dust in my eyes.

Yeah, I guess my allergies must have acted up at that line too.

Thank You for the update Hamas. Continued prayers and good wishes for Hailey, Logan, the Mrs, and yourself.

Bweb · 08-01-2011, 12:46 PM

I have lurked on this board for years, without much posting....but this thread has brought me out...your beautiful family is very much in our thoughts and prayers!

FishingRod · 08-01-2011, 02:00 PM

No sure where I’m at on the Good Karma scale but whatever I have and my good thought go your way.

RedNFeisty · 08-01-2011, 02:50 PM

Prayers that God holds your precious Angels in his arms and pulls them through this, also wrapping you and the Misses in peace and serenity.

kepp · 08-01-2011, 02:54 PM

Great to hear news of the improvements! I think I'm going to take more time than usual in reading to my daughters tonight at bedtime.

**kysirsoze** · 08-01-2011, 02:56 PM

Awesome news. *says another prayer*

**Dunit35** · 08-01-2011, 03:37 PM

Just started reading a few pages. Congrats on the twins and its great to hear about all the improvements. The dunit family sends their blessings and prayers.

BIG_DADDY · 08-01-2011, 05:33 PM

Having been down a similar road lately I truly feel for you. Prayers have been sent I wish the best for you and your family.

**Lumpy** · 08-01-2011, 08:20 PM

My heart goes out to you, mom, and your little girls! All of you will be in my thoughts!

Sandyskc · 08-01-2011, 08:41 PM

Thanks for the updates. I'm so glad they are doing well. We will continue to pray for you and your family.

**BossChief** · 08-02-2011, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Damn dust in my eyes.

No kidding.

Its great to hear things keep making turns in the right direction!

GloryDayz · 08-02-2011, 07:46 AM

In a conference, but had to check in. Glad to hear things are progressing well. Keep holding her hand....

ct · 08-02-2011, 10:05 AM

Keeping your whole family in my prayers Hamas, God Bless!!

07-29-2011, 03:29 AM
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7919572	Our Babies Could Use Your Support The great news is that I am a dad of two beautiful little girls. The terrible news is that those girls are in extreme medical duress. Yesterday, my wife gave birth, via emergency c-section, at 29 weeks, two days. At sixteen weeks, what looked like a normal, but rare, identical twin pregnancy became far more complicated. Our babies were diagnosed with a disorder that happens about 15% of the time with identical twin pregnancies called Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. A detailed medical description isn’t necessary, but a brief one may help to understand. The placenta provides blood flow and nutrition to a developing fetus. Most of the time, identical twins draw from the placenta with little issue, but in Twin-to-Twin, there is an imbalance. One twin, called the recipient, pulls too much blood from the placenta, and also the other baby. This makes the recipient polycythemic, basically the exact opposite of anemic. With too much blood, especially red blood cells, the blood becomes sludgy, and all the extra fluid which the baby receives from the extra blood puts a great deal of strain on their system, and can lead to congestive heart failure and other problems. The other twin, the donor, experiences problems due to a lack of blood volume. As a result of this circulatory imbalance, there is a massive discrepancy in amniotic fluid. The recipient swims in a pool of it, while the donor is, in essence, shrink-wrapped by the lack of fluid as the amniotic sac pulls in around it. The condition is gravely serious, and without treatment, will usually carry a mortality risk of 100%. After finding out that what we thought was going to be a normal pregnancy was anything but at 16 weeks, we had a procedure done in St. Louis called fetoscopic laser ablation. Developed a little over a decade ago, surgeons make a small incision in the mother’s abdomen, and with a small endoscope and laser, cauterize shared vessels between the two twins. This helps to establish a normal blood flow between the two babies. We had this procedure done on May 6. Initially, everything looked great, as the fluid levels between the two babies balanced out, and blood flow patterns appeared within normal range. About three weeks after the procedure, our specialists noticed that the condition had actually reversed itself. About 10% of the time, the condition will spontaneously reverse itself. It was apparent to doctors at this appointment that this had happened near the end of May. Fluid levels were imbalanced, but still at the very end of normal. As such, the doctors felt it was the best interests in prolonging the pregnancy, which was not yet at viability, to avoid another event that would require making a hole in the amniotic sac. Thus, we embarked on a pattern of extreme vigilance. At multiple appointments per week, doctors performed an ultrasound wherein they would measure amniotic fluid levels, blood flow across the umbilical cords, and within the cerebral arteries in the brain. After this second scare, it appeared that things began to normalize. Most of our subsequent appointments looked improved, and everything appeared to be on a healthy, normal trajectory. Until Wednesday night. Late Wednesday, my wife began to feel a series of small contractions. While normal in the third trimester, she had enough in a short period of time that it was necessary to call the doctor. He had us come into the hospital for closer monitoring, and after doing so, noticed that one of our babies was in distress. We had three ultrasounds last night and early into Wednesday morning, and after doing so, the doctors felt that it was in the best interests of the babies to deliver them at an extremely early, 29 weeks, but still viable age. At 5:09 and 5:10 pm yesterday, we welcomed our little girls into the world. Continued in post #2 Last edited by 'Hamas' Jenkins; 07-29-2011 at 04:51 AM.. Reason: Got my days mixed up
Posts: 74,860

08-01-2011, 12:10 PM	#182
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $10022208	glad to hear the improving news __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

08-01-2011, 12:46 PM	#184
Bweb Dyin ain't much of a livin.. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Land of Red Dirt Casino cash: $9734755	I have lurked on this board for years, without much posting....but this thread has brought me out...your beautiful family is very much in our thoughts and prayers!
Posts: 264

08-01-2011, 02:00 PM	#185
FishingRod Veteran Join Date: Mar 2006 Casino cash: $10016661	No sure where I’m at on the Good Karma scale but whatever I have and my good thought go your way.
Posts: 4,265

08-01-2011, 02:50 PM	#186
RedNFeisty Smokin Join Date: May 2003 Location: Wichita Casino cash: $10004900	Prayers that God holds your precious Angels in his arms and pulls them through this, also wrapping you and the Misses in peace and serenity. __________________ F.O.C.U.S sportsshrink: Don't bite the hand that feeds you!!!! "We the Fans" feed you Morons!!
Posts: 8,393

08-01-2011, 02:54 PM	#187
kepp MVP Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $5149212	Great to hear news of the improvements! I think I'm going to take more time than usual in reading to my daughters tonight at bedtime.
Posts: 14,512

08-01-2011, 02:56 PM	#188
kysirsoze SNAP THE ****ING BALL!!! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $3266946	Awesome news. says another prayer
Posts: 11,395

08-01-2011, 03:37 PM	#189
Dunit35 Keepin it Real Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Oklahoma Casino cash: $1057045	Just started reading a few pages. Congrats on the twins and its great to hear about all the improvements. The dunit family sends their blessings and prayers.
Posts: 10,495

08-01-2011, 05:33 PM	#190
BIG_DADDY THE RED MENACE Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Texas Casino cash: $4888410	Having been down a similar road lately I truly feel for you. Prayers have been sent I wish the best for you and your family. __________________ The diabolical genius of Marxism-Socialism is that it provides the emotional and intellectual road map for autocrats to persuade millions of people to support their own enslavement to government. ~Mark Levin April 15, 2019
Posts: 32,387

08-01-2011, 08:20 PM	#191
Lumpy Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: On a yellow brick road. Casino cash: $9444900	My heart goes out to you, mom, and your little girls! All of you will be in my thoughts!
Posts: 8,901

08-01-2011, 08:41 PM	#192
Sandyskc Starter Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lee's Summit Casino cash: $10005383	Thanks for the updates. I'm so glad they are doing well. We will continue to pray for you and your family.
Posts: 202

08-02-2011, 07:46 AM	#194
GloryDayz (Sir/Yes Sir/Aye Aye Sir) Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Diving Casino cash: $3215380	In a conference, but had to check in. Glad to hear things are progressing well. Keep holding her hand.... __________________ . #President Trump loves and supports the constitution #McCarthy is a Sellout and Traitor to America #TheFBLieIsCorrupt #DefundTheFBI #The FBI Is Not The Police #PresidentBidenIsMoronic #LizCheneyGotTheBoot #FJB #80,000,000 Mules (and a few Americans too) Voted For COVID To Continue #I still don't have COVID
Posts: 116,167

08-02-2011, 10:05 AM	#195
ct u b illian Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: DooDah Casino cash: $10009436	Keeping your whole family in my prayers Hamas, God Bless!!
Posts: 7,287