twin skin still a work in progress 2 years later..

by Hazelhoney
(Kemah, Tx, USA)

At 19 weeks, on Mother's Day, my pregnancy was diagnosed with Twin-to-Twin transfusion syndrome. I was put on total bedrest and a high-protein diet which inevitably sent my weight skyrocketing. Baby A was becoming Saran-wrapped with the amniotic sac, and acting as an extra heart for baby B, who's sac was becoming bloated with fluid. They had a separate amniotic sac each, but shared one placenta, creating a life threatening nutrient deficiency for baby A. I had to have an amnioscentethis for each baby, and the needle missed the mark with baby A, requiring me to be stuck with that nightmare needle 3 times in one afternoon. Thank God my man was able to be there with me & hold my hand while I was freaking out inside! The doctor drew off nearly a quart of fluid from B's sac, and a microseptostomy was done to equalise the fluid levels. After that, the boys went from a 30% difference in size to less than 15% when they were born at 37 weeks; Evan (B) weighing 6 lbs 8 oz, and Glen (A)was 4 lbs 15 oz. No NICU! After I healed from the C-section, I went through an arsenal of methods to rid myself of the weight & extra belly skin. I went from 115 lbs pre-baby to over 200 lbs after it was over with. Crunches at every chance, an exercise ball for a chair (sitting on it, small bounces while flexing my abs & turning to the sides) as well as working out with it, yoga when I could make the time, neoprene sweatshorts & bellybands from Avon's Curve's collection (they work! I swear I saw shrinkage within the first week of wearing them), as well as keeping a watch on my diet, without being overly restrictive & becoming unhappy. For a while, when I would flex my abs, a distinct separation of my abdominal walls was visible, making a valley running vertically down between my ribcage & the middle of my stomach; a result of swelling so quickly with babies. Thankfully, that came back together with exercise. Stri-vectin cream worked wonders on discolored stretchmarks, and the surgery scar went from purple to skin color, and is much thinner now. Two years later, I've still got a bit to go, and I may always have the extra pouch of skin at my bikini line, but all in all I'm satisfied with my results. My second pregnancy made the first look like a cakewalk, & I'm quite happy to have my tubes tied! My man will always love me for who I am, and the 3 kids we made together; loves my baby oven, and it's invisible under clothes. At 29 now, I had my years of being "perfect-bodied" and wouldn't trade my experience for better looks any day. My three kids are so precious and healthy, I'm grateful for them, their Daddy, and all of the wonderful doctors & nurses who cared for us.