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Matthew - Jan 2000
Mark - Jan 2000
The Pregnancy - The Problem...
At 11 weeks, we found out we were expecting identical twin boys. Everything went
fine until about 20 weeks, when our ob/gyn doctor referred us to a specialist in Dallas because a sonogram revealed the twins
were too far apart in growth. After 3 trips to Dallas including an amnio-drain of excess fluid, Jennifer was hospitalized
on Dec. 17, 1999 at 23 weeks gestation. The doctors intially thought the problem could be twin to twin transfusion syndrome
which can happen with identical twins exhibiting our problems. However, upon birth, the doctors said that the placenta just
formed incorrectly. Matthew received the bigger portion, and thus was the appropriate size for a 28 weeker when he was born
(he suffered neurological damage at some unknown point). Mark had just a small corner of the placenta. When they shot milk
into the umbilical cord after birth, almost all of it went to Matthew's side. Only a little trickled down to Mark's. We
like to think Matthew "shared" his nutrients to lovingly take care of his little brother until he could safely be
brought into the world. In addition, Mark had suffered from too little amniotic fluid, thus explaining his severe lung immaturity
and subsequent long-term dependency on the vent. Although both boys had a list of diagnoses as neonates, the outlook is positive.
Matthew has mild cerebral palsy. We have to wait and see what his abilities will allow. Mark should recover completely
with the exception of the possibility of suffering from asthma and allergies.
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