Life Our Babies Could Use Your Support - Page 8

'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

NaptownChief · 07-29-2011, 07:21 PM

Best of luck Hamas J.....my thoughts and prayers with you all. I have a good feeling this story will end well for you.

**mikeyis4dcats.** · 07-29-2011, 07:58 PM

thoughts are with you man...

NewChief · 07-29-2011, 08:06 PM

Just saw this bro. You got thoughts and prayers headed your way. I can't imagine the mixture of emotions you must be experiencing.

Dallas Chief · 07-29-2011, 09:23 PM

As a father of 3 beautiful children my heart breaks for you. May the lord bless and keep you during this challenging time. May He send his angels to protect and heal your good and perfect little gifts. Hitting my knees right now on your behalf.... Peace, love, and Godspeed Hamas...

'Hamas' Jenkins · 07-29-2011, 09:28 PM

It's been a long, but a relatively good day. Both babies are critical, but have improved. Our more critical girl's oxygen stats have gone up, but she's still extremely fragile. Her blood sugar is much better, and she's producing a lot of urine, which indicates that her kidneys are working and starting to get rid of her excess fluid.

Our other baby is doing pretty well. She has rested throughout the day, and is acting like what the nurses say a normal 29 week old would act like, which is a celebrated improvement for us.

I'm going to post a couple of pics to follow.

**The Franchise** · 07-29-2011, 09:34 PM

Good to hear man.

I know its hard....but make sure that you get some rest. When my twins were in the NICU...I wanted to be there 24/7 but the nurses made me leave and get rest. Believe me.....it helps.

**bevischief** · 07-29-2011, 09:36 PM

My cousin had twin boys that were born early. My mom and I spent a lot of time taking care of them, I spent many a night helping out at hospital till they went home, this was while I was still in high school, she was only a year older than me. They were born early. Not as early as your girls but not much older than yours. They both go to college this year. Hope it works out for the best for you.

**bevischief** · 07-29-2011, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Good to hear man.

I know its hard....but make sure that you get some rest. When my twins were in the NICU...I wanted to be there 24/7 but the nurses made me leave and get rest. Believe me.....it helps.

That is what is family and friends are for, to help out.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 07-29-2011, 09:41 PM

'Hamas' Jenkins · 07-29-2011, 09:42 PM

The first and last are our more critical girl. Her name is Hailey Grace. The middle two are of are more stable girl. Her name is Logan Nicole. She's under a blue light to help with jaundice, and the covering over her eyes is so she can rest.

**bevischief** · 07-29-2011, 09:58 PM

I hope for the best. What hospital? Just the name only, no need for details besides that.

**luv** · 07-29-2011, 10:05 PM

The good part is that they won't remember this pain. Hang in there, dad.

They're beautiful.

Pants · 07-29-2011, 10:15 PM

God, they're just so precious. Good news are good news.

**Mr. Kotter** · 07-29-2011, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

I can't even begin to imagine, Hamas. I will keep you and your family in my most sincere thoughts and prayers.

Allow me to take an opportunity to Echo Mr. Donger.

Wow, Hamas. Best wishes for a positive outcome to this very seriious situation.

Funny how LIFE puts the little shit into perspective, man. You and yours will be our thoughts and prayers.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-29-2011, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

It's been a long, but a relatively good day. Both babies are critical, but have improved. Our more critical girl's oxygen stats have gone up, but she's still extremely fragile. Her blood sugar is much better, and she's producing a lot of urine, which indicates that her kidneys are working and starting to get rid of her excess fluid.

Our other baby is doing pretty well. She has rested throughout the day, and is acting like what the nurses say a normal 29 week old would act like, which is a celebrated improvement for us.

I'm going to post a couple of pics to follow.

Good to hear. Hang in there, and get some rest.

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, 07:21 PM	#106
NaptownChief Football Pimp Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Indianapolis,IN Casino cash: $9974900	Best of luck Hamas J.....my thoughts and prayers with you all. I have a good feeling this story will end well for you. __________________ "We weren't worth a damn," the Kansas City Chiefs head coach said, shaking his head. "I'm not worth a damn. No one's worth a damn..." Former President of the Eric Downing Fan Club and Current President of the Kris"Secret Weapon"Wilson Fan Club
Posts: 4,357

07-29-2011, 07:58 PM	#107
mikeyis4dcats. Scarlett Johansson's boytoy Join Date: Nov 2006 Casino cash: $9555998	thoughts are with you man... __________________
Posts: 12,526

07-29-2011, 08:06 PM	#108
NewChief In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Fayetteville, AR Casino cash: $9570204	Just saw this bro. You got thoughts and prayers headed your way. I can't imagine the mixture of emotions you must be experiencing. __________________ In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican. - H. L. Mencken
Posts: 21,762

07-29-2011, 09:23 PM	#109
Dallas Chief Veteran Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Jupiter, FL. Casino cash: $1685273	As a father of 3 beautiful children my heart breaks for you. May the lord bless and keep you during this challenging time. May He send his angels to protect and heal your good and perfect little gifts. Hitting my knees right now on your behalf.... Peace, love, and Godspeed Hamas...
Posts: 3,837

07-29-2011, 09:28 PM	#110
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7919572	It's been a long, but a relatively good day. Both babies are critical, but have improved. Our more critical girl's oxygen stats have gone up, but she's still extremely fragile. Her blood sugar is much better, and she's producing a lot of urine, which indicates that her kidneys are working and starting to get rid of her excess fluid. Our other baby is doing pretty well. She has rested throughout the day, and is acting like what the nurses say a normal 29 week old would act like, which is a celebrated improvement for us. I'm going to post a couple of pics to follow. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 74,860

07-29-2011, 09:34 PM	#111
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $2635047	Good to hear man. I know its hard....but make sure that you get some rest. When my twins were in the NICU...I wanted to be there 24/7 but the nurses made me leave and get rest. Believe me.....it helps.
Posts: 92,309

07-29-2011, 09:36 PM	#112
bevischief .... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somewhere Kansas Casino cash: $8659352 VARSITY	My cousin had twin boys that were born early. My mom and I spent a lot of time taking care of them, I spent many a night helping out at hospital till they went home, this was while I was still in high school, she was only a year older than me. They were born early. Not as early as your girls but not much older than yours. They both go to college this year. Hope it works out for the best for you.
Posts: 27,731

07-29-2011, 09:41 PM	#114
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7919572	__________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 74,860

07-29-2011, 09:42 PM	#115
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7919572	The first and last are our more critical girl. Her name is Hailey Grace. The middle two are of are more stable girl. Her name is Logan Nicole. She's under a blue light to help with jaundice, and the covering over her eyes is so she can rest. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 74,860

07-29-2011, 09:58 PM	#116
bevischief .... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somewhere Kansas Casino cash: $8659352 VARSITY	I hope for the best. What hospital? Just the name only, no need for details besides that.
Posts: 27,731

07-29-2011, 10:05 PM	#117
luv MY LITTLE #15 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $5979600	The good part is that they won't remember this pain. Hang in there, dad. They're beautiful.
Posts: 63,452

07-29-2011, 10:15 PM	#118
Pants Time Keeps On Slipping Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $5449900	God, they're just so precious. Good news are good news. __________________ "Turn the channel to 26!"
Posts: 27,294