TTTS

kgs0505

Okay, so they are not officially TTTS yet, but B has over 6.5cm of fluid and A had 2.17cm. Is they anything I can do to help? They will be checked every two weeks now. I'm 17w3d.

LuvWIfootball

I don't have personal experience with this, but since my triplets are di/tri, I have done a little bit of checking on the subject.  Here's a link to check out:

https://www.tttsfoundation.org/index.php

They recommend drinking 3 cans of Boo.st or En.sure protein drinks per day.  Also lay down as much as possible.  I've also heard that you should increase your water intake as well.

Fx that the levels will even out.  I'm up to weekly u/s due to my ID boys having higher than normal amniotic fluid.  Sometimes the discrepancy is all in how the babies are positioned in the sacs though, since this week both had normal levels.  Hopefully things will change at your next appt. 

 

adacopeach

If I were you, I would start drinking boost high protein shakes...2 a day, if you can.  Its recommended that we get 175 grams of protein a day and 128 oz of water.  Try to rest as much as possible, also.  Hang in there.  When did they say that they would start monitoring you once a week?  With my situation, it happened so quickly literally over a 36 hour period, my fluid levels went from normal to my donor being stuck and my recp had 11cm.  This happened at 22 weeks and we had the laser abilation surgery the very next day.

kgs0505

They didn't say anything about 1x week monitoring yet.  My next appt is in 2, on Dec 11.  I already have Ensure handy, so I guess I just need to actually drink the stuff more often.  I definitely need to increase my water intake.  I have not been doing well with that at all the last several days.

pixiem38

Drink the boost/ensure hp and try and rest.as.much as you.can!!! I firmly believe that.it.is what stabilized me. Eat a lot.of protein also.

Nicholann

I had similar readings around 19/20 weeks.  I had to see a different specialist, and went in every week (I'm having identical twin girls) for a month.  I was told to get at least 3 hours of rest during the week, and rest as much as possible on the weekends.  After a couple of weeks, the fluid levels stabilized, then a couple of weeks after that, the fluid levels evened out better!  Lots of rest, extra water, praying and talking to them to let them know they better start sharing now, because once they come out they'll be sharing whether they like it or not (LOL) seemed to work.  I'm at 27 weeks now, and the levels are still pretty good, a little higher than average, but OK. 

You may not be quite at a level 1 yet, but if the fluid balance worsens, and you get to a level 2, that's when they consider doing an amnio.  You should talk to your MD about an alternative procedure that has little to no miscarriage risk, it's a laser surgery where they isolate the artery or vein/tube that is making the balance off and they sever it.  Vs. the Amnio that drains the excess fluid, and you may need it done again later in the pregnancy.  The laproscopic laser surgery can be done once, and it's safer than the amnio.  At least that's how it was explained to me.  There are only about 20-25 hospitals in the US that perform the laser surgery though. 

Good luck!  Check in and let us know you're doing!  : )

kgs0505

She briefly mentioned that I would likely have to see a surgeon if it gets to TTTS for sure.  Didn't mention the amnio reductions at all, so I think the laser surgery seems to be the preferred method around here anyway.

pixiem38

There is a risk.with the surgery as well...i think it varies by center, but it isn't all sunshine and rainbows either. They weigh the risk with the benefit, so they don't perform.it until the babies are at a certain level. Again, the criteria vary by center. The surgery dOES fix the abnormal.connections in the placenta, whereas amnios only address the symptoms and not the underlying problem. Some people (me included) stabilize after one or.two (amnios). It just depends. Every placenta is different so every case ends up being different too. Look into.the info.on the ttts.foundation website. Be armed with information.and.try not.tonworry too much.

Mrs. Alice

Ditto everyone else with the boost/ensure, high protein and lots of resting. Mine were diagnosed stage I at 22 weeks with 2cm and 11cm fluid levels.  It stabilized with the above treatment but my donor had restricted cord flow and growth restriction.  Ask for at least weekly u/s, things can change quickly.  If you start feeling really uncomfortable like you've grown overnight and/or you start swelling, contact your Dr. immediately as it could be a sign on increased polyhydramnios in the recipient.  Sending good thoughts you way and update us when you can!

kgs0505

Thank you ladies for all the tips and suggestions.  I am trying not to worry too much, but after reading that website's info, it's hard not to worry.