Life Our Babies Could Use Your Support - Page 4

'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

**1ChiefsDan** · 07-29-2011, 07:46 AM

Good luck hamas

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

Sandyskc · 07-29-2011, 07:48 AM

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers

**Old Dog** · 07-29-2011, 07:54 AM

I'm nowhere near eloquent enough to say how much things like this really put perspective into life. Prayers and good thoughts to you and your family. May God Bless you and may you be able to take them home soon.

kepp · 07-29-2011, 07:56 AM

Wow, your family has my prayers. I have two little girls of my own and my wife used to work in a NICU, so I feel some connection to your situation. Rest assured though...those folks are HIGHLY trained.

Ebolapox · 07-29-2011, 07:59 AM

damn, man. can't even imagine what you and your wife are going through right now. positive thoughts are headed your way, hang in there man!

CanadianChief · 07-29-2011, 08:00 AM

Prayers sent.

My wife and I also had twins delivered prematurely (29 weeks, 5 days). You gotta take things one day at a time as the next 2-3 months are going to be a roller coaster of emotions.

**doomy3** · 07-29-2011, 08:01 AM

Oh wow, man. Prayers headed your way for a quick recovery and health of the girls and for strength for you and the Mrs. Hang in there.

Braincase · 07-29-2011, 08:01 AM

Sending as much positive energy as I can, brother! Strength to you, your wife and your little girls!

**DeezNutz** · 07-29-2011, 08:06 AM

Lots of good thoughts and prayers headed your way. This is a trying ordeal, but you can handle it.

mikey23545 · 07-29-2011, 08:07 AM

I hope everything turns around for your family, Hamas...No family deserves that kind of hardship and worry.

Stay strong for your loved ones. All possible best wishes are headed your way.

Chief Henry · 07-29-2011, 08:08 AM

Prayers already said for your family. Prayers for the doctors and nurses taking care of your two precious girls.

**luv** · 07-29-2011, 08:17 AM

It seems that we too easily forget just how fragile life really is. Whatever you put your faith in, I pray that it helps. Stay strong, but just remember that tears don't show weakness. I hope that things continue to improve. Thoughts and prayers to you and yours.

Radar Chief · 07-29-2011, 08:18 AM

Surprised this isn’t stickied.
Best wishes to you and yours.

Pants · 07-29-2011, 08:18 AM

Thoughts and prayers, man. Stay strong for your wife.

bluehawkdoc · 07-29-2011, 08:19 AM

Prayers for your family. There is nothing like a father's love for his little girls. Can't imagine the emotions you and your wife must be going through but you are not alone... Keep us up to date.

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

07-29-2011, 07:46 AM	#46
1ChiefsDan Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR Casino cash: $10006847	Good luck hamas Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Posts: 2,486

07-29-2011, 07:48 AM	#47
Sandyskc Starter Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lee's Summit Casino cash: $10005383	You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Posts: 202

07-29-2011, 07:54 AM	#48
Old Dog Supporter Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Central Kansas Casino cash: $4435131	I'm nowhere near eloquent enough to say how much things like this really put perspective into life. Prayers and good thoughts to you and your family. May God Bless you and may you be able to take them home soon.
Posts: 10,683

07-29-2011, 07:56 AM	#49
kepp MVP Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $5149212	Wow, your family has my prayers. I have two little girls of my own and my wife used to work in a NICU, so I feel some connection to your situation. Rest assured though...those folks are HIGHLY trained.
Posts: 14,512

07-29-2011, 07:59 AM	#50
Ebolapox remember, remember Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: como Casino cash: $1599903	damn, man. can't even imagine what you and your wife are going through right now. positive thoughts are headed your way, hang in there man!
Posts: 26,439

07-29-2011, 08:00 AM	#51
CanadianChief Liquor and Whores Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: A Trailer Park Near You! Casino cash: $2133495	Prayers sent. My wife and I also had twins delivered prematurely (29 weeks, 5 days). You gotta take things one day at a time as the next 2-3 months are going to be a roller coaster of emotions.
Posts: 1,294

07-29-2011, 08:01 AM	#52
doomy3 Supporter Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $5043539	Oh wow, man. Prayers headed your way for a quick recovery and health of the girls and for strength for you and the Mrs. Hang in there.
Posts: 12,856

07-29-2011, 08:01 AM	#53
Braincase Banned Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Pond> Me <Barn Casino cash: $11298284	Sending as much positive energy as I can, brother! Strength to you, your wife and your little girls! __________________ BrainCase
Posts: 15,429

07-29-2011, 08:07 AM	#55
mikey23545 MVP Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $10015321	I hope everything turns around for your family, Hamas...No family deserves that kind of hardship and worry. Stay strong for your loved ones. All possible best wishes are headed your way.
Posts: 12,314

07-29-2011, 08:08 AM	#56
Chief Henry MVP Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: IOWA Casino cash: $10005088	Prayers already said for your family. Prayers for the doctors and nurses taking care of your two precious girls. __________________ Patrick Mahomes...The only QB to ever play in the NFL with at least 5,000 passing yards in a single season and 5,000 passing yards in a single college season.
Posts: 8,361

07-29-2011, 08:17 AM	#57
luv MY LITTLE #15 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $5979600	It seems that we too easily forget just how fragile life really is. Whatever you put your faith in, I pray that it helps. Stay strong, but just remember that tears don't show weakness. I hope that things continue to improve. Thoughts and prayers to you and yours.
Posts: 63,452

07-29-2011, 08:18 AM	#58
Radar Chief Wearing ballistic dog goggles. Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: In the box. Casino cash: $4921503	Surprised this isn’t stickied. Best wishes to you and yours. __________________ Like "Cool Hand" Luke I'm busting rocks. __/\|_/[___] \|/ \\_\| ---OllllO _( ))~-( ))-0--))
Posts: 25,291

07-29-2011, 08:18 AM	#59
Pants Time Keeps On Slipping Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $5449900	Thoughts and prayers, man. Stay strong for your wife. __________________ "Turn the channel to 26!"
Posts: 27,294

07-29-2011, 08:19 AM	#60
bluehawkdoc Starter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Kansas Casino cash: $6137130	Prayers for your family. There is nothing like a father's love for his little girls. Can't imagine the emotions you and your wife must be going through but you are not alone... Keep us up to date.
Posts: 600