Birth Announcement - Awful Outcome

[meglet]

So I had my c-section last Thursday. Twin 1 came out first at 7lbs 5oz and we heard him cry then take him away to the resuscitation unit, but they didn't show him to us first. Then Twin 2 came out two mins later at 5lbs 1oz. He cried too and then they brought him round for a quick peek.

What we didn't know was going on whilst we were concentrating on Twin 2 coming out was that Twin 1 had crashed and had to be resuscitated 3 times. The alarms had gone off and the paediatric docs had all rushed in but we were kind of oblivious to it all as we were behind the screen (and alarms go off in hospital all the time and could be something or nothing). The first we know of any problem was the paediatrician popping her head round and telling us they had had some issues with him and they were taking him off to SCBU.

They established there is nothing wrong with his lungs so it must be his heart. They did an echo and found that his pulmonary artery and his aorta are swapped round and he has a hole between the upper two ventricles. That means that the deoxygenated blood is not going to the lungs. Thankfully the hole in his heart is allowing enough oxygenated blood to mix with the deoxygenated blood to keep him alive. Nothing was picked up on any scan - and I had about 6 of them. Henry was blue lighted to the Royal Brompton hospital where they gave him an emergency stent to widen the hole and he and has been getting strong enough since then to get through the open heart surgery he needs to correct the defects.

I at least have Twin 1 with me but my BP is sky high and I'm back on the post natal ward now trying to get the drugs dosage right. I'm only just about coping, although I keep being told how strong I am as I do my crying in private.

I just wanted us all home. I'm devastated.

[seekeerz]

Meglet .....I can't imagine what you're going through, all I can do is keep you all in my heart and my prayers ...and it's amazing what medicine can do stay strong xxx

[Sqad]

That's a tough call, but he is in the best hands at the Royal Brompton.

[Robinia]

Oh my goodness meglet, what a traumatic start for your new babies and heart-wrenching for you. I know nothing about heart problems with newborns but both of my sons (not twins and now adults) had terribly worrying problems after they were born and I didn't have either of them with me so I know how the separation feels.
Stay strong, wishing you all the very best for a happy and healthy future.

[bednobs]

Hi Meg sorry to hear of what has happened. Thank you for being strong enough to come here and tell us. Have you been able to see Henry? is twin 2 getting on ok? Who is looking after your little girl?
you ARE coping, because that's what mums (and dads) do

[meglet]

I haven't seen Twin 2 yet as I'm not well enough to go to London yet. My husband has been there and sends me photos and videos (although I can't watch the video where he wakes up and looks around as I'm not strong enough, he looks so sorry for himself). The families have rallied round and my mother in law has had the 2 year old whilst my mum and sister have been helping me out with Twin 2. My 2 year old is back now though and as soon as I'm off this ward I'm going to take her and Twin 2 to my mums and let her look after me.

Twin 1 is being reviewed today and they will decide when they are going to operate. Which means I doubt I'll be able to hold him for at least a week, or more likely, two. Hubby got to have a cuddle yesterday and I'm yearning to hold him.

T2 is thriving, bless him. I've fallen head over heels for him.

I'm worried about me bonding with T1 and my husband bonding with T2 due to the separation.

[pastafreak]

All I can do is wish strength to you,twin 1, and to all your family. You are in the best of hands. Wishing you all the best. Take care.

[paddywak]

Meg.I can't even begin to imagine what you must be going through, just be strong as has already been said the hospital will be doing all they can and remember we're all with you.

[gness]

Oh Meg....I'm so, so sorry to read this......I know I can't imagine at all what you are going through.....but I can feel some of it in what you've written...

Don't keep your crying to yourself.....let go and let others help you through this.

Please don't worry about bonding.....you will....I'm sure you will as soon as you are able to have that first cuddle.....

With love and my thoughts for you and your family....Gx

[Mamyalynne]

What a roller coaster for all of you , you'll get through this and he is getting the very best care so you can all be together as a family soon.

You will bond , it will happen and the joy will be wonderful - tears are cleansing and good, don't hide them.

Sending love and strength to you all. x

[Butterbun]

I wish for you is that all turns out well. Love and hugs. ((HUGS))x

[DTCwordfan]

Meg, all the best and strength.....I wouldn't worry about the bonding, that;s there and given what you both have been through, it will happen naturally. They are your babies, for both of you.....

[granny grump]

Don't keep it in Meg it will surface later - I know. Be kind to yourself and your two lovelies and take comfort from your friends on ab xxx

[anneasquith]

oh you poor thing meg,, a dreadful situation for you and family. I'm sure your wee boy is receiving the best treatment available , I can offer you prayers/and /or positive thought, take care anne.

[furrypusscat]

There is nothing wrong in showing emotions in public. Let it all come out it will be better for you. Good wishes to you all and hope all is well for the future.x

[meglet]

Thanks for all your kind words. We've been told that the op won't happen tomorrow so come hell or high water I'll be going to the hospital to see him. He's breathing for himself and not cannulated so I will be able to hold him. He even took 10mls from a bottle earlier. I'm so delighted that I feel 100 times better and I'm chomping to get out of hospital now. But I've been waiting to see a doctor all day and I'm first on the list.

[gness]

So glad you're feeling better now, Meg.....it sounds as if he's doing well.

If you're able let us know when you've had that first cuddle......☺

Gx

[murraymints]

oh my dear Meglet..big hugs for you and babies...I will say a few Hail Marys for you all tonight...xx

[marval]

I am sorry for all your problems Meglet, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I hope that soon you will all be home together.

[meglet]

Well I discharged myself as I'm seeing Twin 1 tomorrow and they wanted me in overnight again. Not a chance. I've got additional BP meds and will monitor myself and go back in if I need to.

I am so excited to see him!

[anneasquith]

you will hold your baby tomorrow,,,,,,,,,, fabulous. he will know immediately who you are, after all he has been with you for 40 weeks, very best wishes to you all.