Hey Everyone, Sorry I couldn't post sooner. We didn't have any internet access in Tampa... we stayed at MacDill AFB TLF and only had dial up that wouldn't work right! Anyway, we saw Dr. Quintero on Monday - had a TWO AND A HALF HOUR ultrasound! lol They measured things I didn't know they could measure on an u/s, for each baby, so it took forever! Anyway, Dr. Quintero said I'm only borderline TTTS and it's not severe enough that he would actually diagnose it - which is great news! But, Baby B (Nicolas) still has a very small amount of fluid and has IUGR (Intra Uterine Growth Restriction). The IUGR is pretty bad - he's 30% smaller than Noah (Baby A) and he's in less than the 10th percentile for weight. I still qualify for the TTTS procedure to correct the IUGR because it is the same procedure, but if he were to do the surgery, he said we would be more likely to lose Nicolas (about a 40% chance) than if we just watch the babies 1-2x per week and see how they're doing (only a 20% chance of losing Nicolas and something like a 6% chance of losing Noah as well). Confused yet?! lol So basically it all comes down to, I could elect to do the surgery, but we have way better odds of both babies surviving without it, at least at this point. If I develop full TTTS within the next 4 weeks, he will go ahead and do the surgery, but for now I'm back in Abilene. Because of the IUGR I'll go to the MFM specialist every week and my OB every week to be monitored very closely. There is a chance of losing Nicolas in between, but basically after 26 weeks, we have to make a decision each week of whether to try for one more week and see if they both survive, or go ahead and deliver. My goal for now is 30 weeks, but Dr. Quintero said that 26-28 weeks may be when we deliver. *sigh* So... better news... but very stressful news! It's not black and white... but both babies are growing and following the same growth curve which is good, and if I can make it another 4 weeks without losing one, we're in pretty good shape. And that's my update.
Hey Everyone, Sorry I couldn't post sooner. We didn't have any internet access in Tampa... we stayed at MacDill AFB TLF and only had dial up that wouldn't work right! Anyway, we saw Dr. Quintero on Monday - had a TWO AND A HALF HOUR ultrasound! lol They measured things I didn't know they could measure on an u/s, for each baby, so it took forever! Anyway, Dr. Quintero said I'm only borderline TTTS and it's not severe enough that he would actually diagnose it - which is great news! But, Baby B (Nicolas) still has a very small amount of fluid and has IUGR (Intra Uterine Growth Restriction). The IUGR is pretty bad - he's 30% smaller than Noah (Baby A) and he's in less than the 10th percentile for weight. I still qualify for the TTTS procedure to correct the IUGR because it is the same procedure, but if he were to do the surgery, he said we would be more likely to lose Nicolas (about a 40% chance) than if we just watch the babies 1-2x per week and see how they're doing (only a 20% chance of losing Nicolas and something like a 6% chance of losing Noah as well). Confused yet?! lol So basically it all comes down to, I could elect to do the surgery, but we have way better odds of both babies surviving without it, at least at this point. If I develop full TTTS within the next 4 weeks, he will go ahead and do the surgery, but for now I'm back in Abilene. Because of the IUGR I'll go to the MFM specialist every week and my OB every week to be monitored very closely. There is a chance of losing Nicolas in between, but basically after 26 weeks, we have to make a decision each week of whether to try for one more week and see if they both survive, or go ahead and deliver. My goal for now is 30 weeks, but Dr. Quintero said that 26-28 weeks may be when we deliver. *sigh* So... better news... but very stressful news! It's not black and white... but both babies are growing and following the same growth curve which is good, and if I can make it another 4 weeks without losing one, we're in pretty good shape. And that's my update.
I've been wondering how you're doing. I'm glad the TTTS hasn't progressed, but I know it's still a very scary situation. Sounds like you'll be monitored very well for now, and hopefully you can keep those boys in there for a while. I think the course of action you're taking is wise and sounds best for both babies. Do you think they may hospitalize you after 24 to 25 weeks, just to have closer monitoring? I'll be praying for you and your boys!
Ok 4 weeks - you and both babies can do it - you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Glad to hear that TTTS did not progress. I wish you all the best
I wish you the best and pray that the TTTS does not progress and you make it cook them more than you can ever hope for! Marta
Sending prayers for you and your babies. Just to let you know at about 22-24 weeks, my baby A, madison was diagnosed with IUGR, she was 2 weeks behind at that point and it continued to grow. I called Dr. DeLia just in case it became TTTS, he suggested strict bedrest, which my peri had put me on already, and boost high protein. I went in all the time for monitering, 2-3 times a week. I was told more than once that Madison was likely to not make it since she had a cystic hygroma in the beginning so they thought something was geneticaly wrong with her. I stayed out of the hospital til 29 weeks when she didnt pass her BPP and then we realized she was having major decels. We held out til 32+3 and delivered only because I had preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. She had been down to less than the 3rd percentile. She was estimated to be about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs less than Brooke but was only 1 lb less. I had teh steriod injections at 24 weeks and both girls came out breathing and had a short NICU stay. It turned out to be the way that her umbilical cord placed that caused the IUGR, which is the same thing that happened to my 27 weeker son who is now 3 and pretty healthy. Im taking it you are military? (sorry I have mommy brain and dont remember these things) anyways, if you are you qualify for WIC. If you are not on it already I suggest you do get on it ASAP. Have your doctor write a prescription for Boost or Ensure High Protien 3xs a day. WIC will cover the cost 100%.
I was wondering how your visit went this week. I am glad to hear that the doctor doesn't feel the TTTS is a big enough problem to do surgery. The IUGR sounds scary enough for you! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks! I hope that everything will be alright with your boys!
What a great thing that you were able to go to Tampa and hear it from the expert. I know how frustrating it is when you talk to docs who can't give a straight answer. They want to present you with all the options and scenarios, but sometimes we just need someone to say, "This is what you should do!" Anyway, glad to hear the TTTS hasn't progressed. My Baby B is in the 5th %tile and we're still hanging in there, as long as nothing else seems to be bothering her but her tiny size. Cassie's comments are very encouraging, I think. Her little Madison at only 2+lbs and they did so well! You can do it!!
Hugs and prayers are w/you and your wee ones. Our daughter basically had the same results as you when she was sent to see Dr. Quintero. She was watched closely by her Peri and had fluid drawn off twice. Brock Alan was our "stuck twin" and Jaxson Brett had quite a large swimming pool. Thanks be to God the boys arrived at 35 wks 6 days and weighed 3-15 and 5-4. They spent no time in the NICU, and only 6 days in Special Care. Remain positive, as I know you are....drink lots of Boost and rest, rest, rest. Big Hugs, Jacque Proud Nana of ID grandboys JB & BA and our newest addition...Molly Ann
Jessy is our IUGR twin due to a 2 vessel cord. We had 3 drs tell us she would never make or would have serious problems. They were born at 34 weeks and a day and she only weighted 2 lbs 13 oz (the smallest baby for their gestational age here on twinstuff). We did spend 25 days in the Nicu with her(Jazz spent 17). We were monitored twice a week and hospitalized twice(one possible Pre-E and one no fetal movement). Rest up because when they get her it will be fast forward.
Hugs to you. I just say a program last night on Discovery Health called twin to twin transfusion in which is was about Dr. Quintero. It was very interesting, just wanted to say you are in my prayers!
