TTTS

Tali - posted on 06/28/2010

We went through TTTS, in fact, our boys were diagnosed at 14 weeks (we also found out they were boys at 14 weeks). We had the laser ablation surgery at 18 weeks, which resulted in a torn membrane unfortunately, putting them in one sac. The surgery did pretty much "cure" the TTTS, but the psuedo mono/mono condition put me on home bedrest for 6 weeks and hospital bedrest for 8 until I delivered them at 32 weeks.

To be honest - I think it is better that you are aware of it and definitely question your doctor. It can happen early. Obviously it doesn't happen to everyone but, be on alert and make sure your doctors are looking for it. Our first doctor was not looking for it, and she missed signs. As someone else said - don't let your doctors blow you off. If you feel like something isn't normal, don't hesitate to contact them. Ask lots of questions.

Anyway, our boys are now almost 3 years old and are completely healthy. :) They are such an incredible joy and blessing. Congratulations!!!

Gail - posted on 06/17/2010

When I found out my twins were sharing a placenta I worried too and when I asked my doctor about it he told me not to worry and that TTTS was rare. While that may be true it is important that you insist that they keep an eye on it. I did end up with TTTS at 22 weeks (everything looked FINE at 20 weeks) and it is only by chance that it was diagnosed in time (at 24 weeks). I was in stage 2, heading to stage 3 and had the laser ablation surgery. It is important not to worry but also important to pay attention to your body, do your research and make sure the doctor knows your concerns, don't let him blow them off. If I had known what to look for (swollen belly, cramping/contractions, general malaise feeling) I would have gotten help sooner but I am blessed that I was diagnosed at a routine ultrasound and that it wasn't too late.

Dora - posted on 06/10/2010

My kids had TTTS. It was discovered late in my pregnancy (they saw one of the boys had low amneotic fluid in a sonogram), so though I was induced, my kids were full term (5lbs 11oz & 6lbs 10oz). When they were born, one of my sons was anemic & the other had too many red blood cells. The anemic one came home in 3 days - and my other stayed in the NICU for 8 days, but other than that - everything was fine. They are 6yrs old now and perfectly healthy.

Inge - posted on 06/08/2010

My twins hat TTTS to, we got the laser surgery at 25 weeks in Hamburg. The girls were born at 36 weeks and didn't hat to stay in the hospital afterwarts. They are now 10 months an doing great!
Having TTTS is putting you under enormes stress, try to get as much rest as possible & try to keep on thinking positive.
I lived from week to week, (immediately after surgery from day to day) and I was very thankfull for every week that my kids kept through in my belly.
We made it, wish you the best

Sheila - posted on 06/08/2010

Amanda, I was diagnoised with TTTS when I was about 18 weeks, and I was stage 3, so had to have surgery. It was scary at the time, but the doctors were great. Since the surgery my twins have done great and there have been no sign of the TTTS anymore. I am due to deliever my boys on the 24th of June. I have been on bedrest since the surgery, so it has been a long journey, but well worth it. Good luck and I hope you do not develop the syndrome.

Amanda - posted on 06/07/2010

Hi i had TTTS with my identical twin girls at 26 weeks they found out that i had it and i had to go to Halifax and stay there until they are born and I had 4 drainages until i delivery the girls at 29 1/2 weeks they were 3lbs 4oz and 3lbs 2oz at birth they are now 2 amazing 15 months old that just started walking. don't worry yourself it may not happen i know alot of moms that carried twins and never got twin to twin. and if it happens the doctors will watch you and your babies and everything will work out.

Tiffany - posted on 06/07/2010

My boys had it...They stayed in stage 1 the entire pregnancy (actually improved after modified bedrest and "boost.") Start high protein now. It really does help. Try not to worry. It is rare and most do not need the laser surgery.