Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS): Nicole's Story

Summary

After struggling with IVF for two years, a couple discovers they're expecting identical twins but face a heartbreaking diagnosis of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. With little hope for survival, they refuse to give up on their babies. A miraculous laser surgery at the Royal Hospital for Women offers a glimmer of hope, and against the odds, both boys survive. Their story becomes one of resilience, love, and gratitude, culminating in the birth of a healthy baby girl, proving that miracles truly happen.

Takeaways

• 😀 Todd and the speaker tried for two years to have a baby before turning to IVF.
• 😀 They were thrilled to learn they were expecting identical twins, but their joy was short-lived when they were diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).
• 😀 The couple was given the option to abort both babies or to attempt to save them, which was never an option for them.
• 😀 The speaker felt a strong emotional connection to the idea of their babies growing up together and couldn’t bear the thought of giving up on one of them.
• 😀 They were offered a risky laser surgery to separate the blood vessels in the placenta, which could save the babies. The surgery was only available at one hospital in Sydney.
• 😀 The procedure was carried out at the Royal Hospital for Women by a doctor who believed in miracles and had successfully performed similar surgeries before.
• 😀 At 29 weeks, it was decided the boys needed to be delivered, and the doctor took extra time to ensure everything was in place for their birth.
• 😀 The speaker's goal was simply to hear a cry from the smaller baby, Lincoln, as survival chances were uncertain.
• 😀 The twins were born, with a significant weight difference (Baron at 1.5 kg and Lincoln at 530 grams). They were rushed to separate cribs for intensive care.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, the speaker remained hopeful, and both boys survived, which the speaker describes as a miracle, along with the birth of their daughter Georgia who arrived later.
• 😀 The speaker expresses deep gratitude for the care provided by the Royal Hospital for Women, highlighting the empathetic and supportive environment they received.

Q & A

What was the initial challenge the speaker and Todd faced when trying to have a baby?

The speaker and Todd struggled with infertility for about two years before they decided to pursue IVF.

What news did the speaker receive after learning she was pregnant with twins?

The speaker was initially thrilled to learn she was having identical twins, but at 15 weeks, they were diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), which posed a serious risk to both babies.

What options were presented to the speaker after the TTTS diagnosis?

The doctors suggested the possibility of aborting both babies or saving only one of the twins. However, neither option was acceptable to the speaker.

How did the speaker feel about the suggestion to abort one of the babies?

The speaker could not fathom the idea of giving up on one of her babies, as it would have been emotionally impossible to live with the decision.

What medical intervention was recommended to help the twins survive?

The doctors recommended laser surgery to separate the blood vessels in the placenta, which could potentially save both twins.

How did the speaker describe Dr. Danny Jealous, the doctor who performed the surgery?

Dr. Danny Jealous was described as a doctor who believed in miracles and had successfully performed such surgeries in the past. He gave the speaker hope during a difficult time.

What was the condition of the twins when they were born?

The twins were born prematurely at 29 weeks. Baron weighed 1.5 kilograms, and Lincoln was much smaller at just 530 grams, indicating a significant difference in their size.

What was the speaker’s goal when the twins were born?

The speaker's main goal was to hear a cry from Lincoln, the smaller twin, as she knew his survival chances were slim but hoped for a miracle.

What emotional response did the speaker have when Lincoln cried after birth?

The speaker felt immense relief and joy upon hearing Lincoln's cry, which she described as fulfilling her goal and giving her hope for his survival.

How did the speaker describe the medical team at the Royal Hospital for Women?

The speaker expressed deep gratitude for the staff at the Royal Hospital for Women, praising them for their empathy, care, and expertise. She felt nurtured and supported throughout the process.

What was the outcome of the speaker’s journey after the birth of the twins?

Despite the odds, both twins survived, and the speaker later gave birth to a healthy daughter, Georgia, who weighed more than double the combined weight of the boys at birth.

What message does the speaker convey through her story?

The speaker conveys a message of hope, resilience, and the miracles of medical intervention. She emphasizes the importance of trusting medical professionals and the power of love and determination in overcoming life’s challenges.