Kingsley and Kendall's Story

Our story started when the ultrasound tech said, "ya know there's two in there?!" I was 18 weeks pregnant and we thought we going to find out the sex of our 2nd baby (Kamryn, big sis was almost 3).  Turns out we found out we were having twins and we left knowing at least one was a girl. The other was too curled up to see anything but the tech felt like there were two sacks.  

For a very brief period of time I felt a huge sense of relief. That's because I was in so much pain, I could hardly walk. Knowing that there were two in there made me feel a little better.  But that sense of relief was short lived. 

Two days later we were back with a specialist, the amazing Dr. Stanley.  Still in shock from the whole "twin" announcement we were now being told we had Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.  It was a foreign language; I had no idea what he was talking about.  It was only when we were taken to a meeting room with Kleenex on the table, did the severity begin to set in. The bottom line; we were going to Seattle for emergency laser ablation surgery.  There was no other option and even with the surgery there were no guarantees.  In fact, at that time, there was only something like 90% chance of bringing one baby home.  Talk about a whirlwind. One week ago we thought we were having one baby, now we have two.  Now we have to go a few thousand miles to give them both a fighting chance at life.   

Dr. Martin Walker, with Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Washington, performed the laser ablation surgery.  I was awake and even watched  as he severed 11 blood vessels the babies were sharing. He even drained a ton (okay a few liters) of amniotic fluid which made me feel so much better.  But as you know with TTTS, everything from that point on was a wait and see.  I was an emotional rollercoaster.   

Not knowing from week to week and day to day was the hardest thing I have had to endure.  Once we settled into a routine of weekly ultrasounds, I was focused on delivering a few weeks short of term.   Then 30 weeks came and they said we were ready. Up until then, we hadn't even thought about the NICU.  This in and of itself was a new world with a ton of questions.  We hadn't even decided on names.  The whole "not knowing" made it hard to give the babies a name.  It's a good thing Dr. Stanley wanted to see if we could stretch it out and make it a few more weeks.   

At 32 weeks he felt it was time; the only problem, there was no room at the inn.  That's right, our hospital didn't have any NICU beds and we needed two! We would have to wait one more week.   

Finally, February 7, 2006 (33 weeks), Kingsley was born at 3 pounds, and Kendall was born 2 pounds 11 ounces. Both, thankfully, were breathing on their own, but then required some help. Kinglseys pent 4 weeks in the NICU and Kendall spent 6 weeks in the NICU. Kendall got an infection while in the NICU, so she got a little behind in her feedings and has since been a little smaller than Kinglsey. Both also tested positive for MRSA and were moved to isolation rooms.  

They were both discharged from isolation and both weighed about 4 pounds 3 ounces when they came home.  Having both tiny miracles home was and continues to be amazing.   They were definitely the fussiest babies I've ever seen (I blame my emotional rollercoaster ride for their fussiness).  But believe me; from what we started with, I will take fussy! They are also the most precious and sweetest little things.  To see them interact with each other puts a huge smile on my face.  Watching all 3 of my girls are precious moments I just want to freeze!  

We were definitely blessed to be surrounded by the best doctors and their staffs in our time of need.  I thank GOD everyday for my little miracles. For those diagnosed with TTTS, I feel your pain and I know your struggle. I also know that God hears our prayers.  Stay strong and keep your faith.

The fetal hope foundation  is a great resource,  I only wish it was a click away when we  needed someone to talk to. If you would like to hear more about our experience with laser ablation, the NICU, twins in general, or anything else, just ask.  

Kathy Funk