We have the facts, now what?

Hello all,

It looks like Seth has overwhelmed you all with information, somewhat necessary in this situation since it isn't something that is commonly known about, Although we have a friend that told us of his friend that went through the same thing with their twins just recently, so I guess the world isn't that small after all.

After reviewing all of the information, my guess is people want to know what we are going to do, and how we are doing. I'll answer the second question first, we are doing remarkably well. We have been blessed with a sense of well-being and peace from the very start. Seth and I both have great hopes for these two boys of ours. After a priesthood blessing we feel assured that the boys will survive at least until time of delivery,, and after that, things will continue according to the will of our Heavenly Father. About 8-25% of survivors of TTTS develop physical or mental disabilities depending on treatment. We are hoping for completely healthy boys, obviously, but would love them, do love them, no matter what.

After talking to numerous doctors, looking at numerous web-sites, and seeking guidance, here are the choices we have made thus far, and why.

No treatment has been started yet, because it is not yet necessary.
After reviewing our choices, we have decided to pursue the fetalscopic laser surgery option because:

- Studies show it is more effective
- We have what is called "chronic" TTTS, or early onset TTTS. With amnioreduction the goal is to slow down the process of TTTS until the babies are far enough along to deliver safely. With at least 7 weeks to go, the number of amnioreductions needed goes up, and the chances for complications also goes up. The chances of making the laser surgery option obsolete also goes up. We don't want to risk that.
Our doctors pointed out, and it makes sense, that we talk to the specialists, the surgeons who actually perform the laser surgery and do a consultation with them-before any treatment is necessary, before it becomes an emergency. I don't know if Seth has mentioned in previous entries or not, but this treatment is only performed (by those with the experience of 50 or more surgeries per location under their belt) in about 6 places total around the United States. Because of its location and proximity to my family, we have decided to consult with the fetal surgeons in San Francisco.

Upcoming events:

- Appointment on Tuesday down at the University of Utah Medical Center (our "local" or home base of operations)
- Hopefully, an appointment in San Fransisco sometime this week for a consultation (assuming everything is still going well on Tuesday)