To begin, I would like to explain something to you. This something is called TTTS. Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a disease of the placenta (or afterbirth) that affects identical twin pregnancies. TTTS affects identical twins (or higher multiple gestations) who share a common monochorionic placenta. The shared placenta contains abnormal blood vessels which connect the umbilical cord and circulations of the twins.The common placenta may also be shared unequally by the twins. The events in pregnancy that lead to TTTS are all random. TTTS is not hereditary or genetic, nor caused by anything the parents did or did not do. Depending on the number, type and direction of the connecting vessels, blood can be transfused disproportionately from one twin (the donor) to the other twin (the recipient). The transfusion causes the donor twin to have decreased blood volume. This in turn leads to slower than normal growth than its co-twin, and poor urinary output causing little to no amniotic fluid or oligohydramnios (the source of most of the amniotic fluid is urine from the baby). The recipient twin becomes overloaded with blood. This excess blood puts a strain on this baby’s heart to the point that it may develop heart failure, and also causes this baby to have too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) from a greater than normal production of urine. TTTS can occur at any time during pregnancy, even while a mother is in labor at term. The placental abnormalities determine when and to what degree a transfusion occurs between the twins. Chronic TTTS describes those cases that appear early in pregnancy (12-26 weeks’ gestation). These cases are the most serious because the babies are immature and cannot be delivered. In addition, the twins will have a longer time during their development in the womb to be affected by the TTTS abnormalities. Without treatment, most of these babies would not survive and of the survivors, most would have handicaps or birth defects. THANK YOU COPY AND PASTE. :)
I know that was a lot to digest, but there is a reason I posted it first. I need you to understand what it is so you might have an idea of the road Renee and I have to travel. Our boys are borderline TTTS. TTTS occurs in about 6,000 babies per year. That might seem like a lot of babies but there are almost 4 million births per year worldwide. As you can tell, we are dealing with a rare condition. If it is discovered in the first 2 trimesters it is likely that one or both babies will not survive unless there is medical interference. This leads me to my next topic....
There is a procedure to correct TTTS. It involves a laser that is used to "rewire" the blood vessels so that all levels will even out and both babies will grow equally. Does the procedure correct the issue? Yes. But there is a 65% chance that both babies will survive and a 85% chance that one will survive. Also, there are only 3 childrens hospitals in the U.S. that perform this procedure. Cincinnati, Texas, and Miami. Thank the Lord Renee likes to travel. :)
You might think the odds are stacked against us. They are. But we know that God is in control and he has a plan. There have been thousands of TTTS cases where the babies were delivered with no problems at all. We are nothing but positive. We are so lucky to have family and friends that are already doing things to help us out. They are such sanity savers. Please do not feel sorry for us. We are fine and we know that Shyloh Lee and Tyce Lynn will be fine as well. All we ask for is your prayers and your encouragement.
We will keep you up to date with everything that is going on.
Thank you for your time.
Scott, Renee, and Shae
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3 comments:
Hey guys I am proud of you for posting this even though it may have been hard. You are so right when you say God is in control. Keep your heads in the game and take each day as a learning experience. Pray for peace and understanding. Take all your knowledge that God gives you and put it to work and see what God will do. I know that dealing with something as stressful as this will wear you'll down, but keep your focus on Him. We had Hayes Mackey two years ago at 27 weeks and had no clue what to do. We put his birth in God's hands and he has protected him and brought him a long way. He has a small case of CP and gets therapy weekly. We know we have a long road ahead, but we also know we have the support from our family and friends just like you'll. Scott if you ever need to talk or need me to pray for something special I'll be there for you. Your just have to let me know what you need. It sounds like you have all your ducks in a row and know what the main purpose is, God. I'm praying for you and your family that God will work miracles and keep your family closer than ever.
My love and prayers for you in this storm you'll are in. Remember storms pass.
Jon Hutto
You have our prayers. We have staked our lives on the fact that God is in control of it all and we are believing Him to see His hand at work in this. We love you tremendously and know that He loves you all 5 of you.
Bless you all,
Pastor Bill and Sukie
Thank you John. Your family has been in my prayers as well. All will work out for His glory.
Thank you Bill and Sukie. We greatly appreciate the prayers.
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