Conjoined Twin Sisters Tell Their Story: ‘Being By Her … It’s So Calming' | Megyn Kelly TODAY
TLDRJames and Emily Stark experienced the emotional journey of expecting conjoined twins, Lexi and Sidney. Despite the rarity and high risks associated with conjoined births, the twins were born healthy. At seven months old, they underwent a high-risk separation surgery, which was successful. Seventeen years later, Lexi and Sidney are thriving, with only minor health issues and scars from the surgery. They share a strong bond, often reverting to a 'conjoined twin position' for comfort. The sisters have distinct personalities but also exhibit a unique empathy, feeling each other's pain. As they prepare for college, they plan to attend separate universities, marking a new chapter in their lives. The Stark family's story offers hope and inspiration to others facing similar circumstances.
Takeaways
- 🤰 Emily Stark had a strong intuition that she would have twins during her first pregnancy.
- 👶 The Stark twins, Lexi and Sidney, were conjoined, a rare condition occurring in one of 60,000 births.
- 📚 The initial medical literature on conjoined twins was scarce, with only a few paragraphs in a 1,000-page medical book.
- 💔 The survival rate for conjoined twins is low, with 40-60% being stillborn and only 35% surviving more than a day.
- 👼 Lexi and Sidney Stark were born healthy despite the complications, offering hope for other conjoined twins.
- 🔄 The girls underwent a high-risk separation surgery at seven months, which was a critical moment for the family.
- 👩⚕️ The hospital staff provided continuous support and positive updates during the surgery, which was crucial for the family's morale.
- 🎉 The successful surgery resulted in two healthy babies, marking a medical miracle for the Stark family.
- 👚 The parents had to get creative with clothing for the conjoined twins, using a modified 'four-legged' onesie.
- 🍼 Despite not being able to breastfeed, the parents used a pump and found a way to feed both girls simultaneously.
- 🤝 The twins have a strong bond and unique comfort positions that derive from their time being conjoined.
- 😴 They have a special sleeping position that mirrors their conjoined state, which provides them comfort.
- 🤯 The twins experienced a phenomenon where one twin felt the physical pain or emotional distress of the other, even when separated.
- 🎓 As they prepare for college, the twins have chosen to attend different universities, indicating their individuality and separate identities.
- 🌟 The Stark family shares their story to provide hope and positive outcomes for other families facing similar circumstances.
Q & A
What was Emily's initial feeling about her pregnancy?
-Emily had a gut feeling that she was going to have twins.
What was the medical condition of the Stark twins?
-The Stark twins were conjoined, a condition that occurs in approximately one in 60,000 births.
What were the odds of conjoined twins surviving birth?
-It is estimated that 40 to 60% of conjoined twins are delivered stillborn, and only 35% survive for more than one day.
What was the emotional reaction of Emily and James upon learning their twins were conjoined?
-Emily and James were initially shocked and overwhelmed, but they always had faith that their twins would survive.
What was the name given to the separation surgery by Emily's best friend?
-The separation surgery was humorously referred to as a 'Sisterectomy' by Emily's best friend.
What were the possible complications the doctors warned the Starks about before the surgery?
-The doctors mentioned that paralysis and the need for colostomies for the rest of their lives were real possibilities.
How did the Starks manage to clothe the twins before the surgery?
-They used a specially modified 'four-legged' onesie that was put over their heads with two legs out of each hole.
How did the parents feed the twins before the surgery?
-They used a breast pump and fed both twins at once by placing a pillow on their lap and positioning the girls on it.
What is the term for the position the twins revert to when they sleep or are stressed?
-The twins call it the 'conjoined twin position', where they sleep back-to-back with their heads nuzzled together.
How did the twins describe their experience of sharing feelings or sensations?
-They mentioned instances where one twin felt the physical pain or emotional distress of the other, even when they were physically apart.
What are the college plans for Sidney and Lexi Stark?
-Sidney plans to attend the University of Missouri in St. Louis, while Lexi wants to go to the University of Calgary, indicating they are pursuing separate paths.
What message do the Starks hope to convey to other parents of conjoined twins?
-The Starks want to share their positive experience to show that there can be a great outcome for conjoined twins, depending on the circumstances, and to encourage other parents.
Outlines
🤰 First-Time Pregnancy and Conjoined Twins Discovery
James and Emily Stark experienced the anxiety of a first-time pregnancy heightened by the revelation that they were expecting conjoined twins. Emily had a strong intuition about having twins, which was confirmed at their ultrasound appointment. The doctor informed them that their twins were joined in the lower region, a condition known as conjoined twins, which occurs in one in 60,000 births. Despite the rarity and potential risks, including a high chance of stillbirth or short survival, the couple remained hopeful. On March 9th, 2001, Lexi and Sidney Stark were born healthy, defying expectations. Seven months later, they underwent a successful separation surgery, leading to a joyous outcome and an unbreakable bond between the sisters.
👶 Raising Conjoined Twins and the Separation Surgery
The Stark family faced unique challenges in raising conjoined twins, Lexi and Sidney. They had to adapt to dressing the girls in a specially modified 'four-legged onesie' and feeding them simultaneously using a pillow for support. The girls were also cared for in the NICU for 17 days before coming home on a strict feeding schedule. The decision to proceed with the separation surgery was not taken lightly, with the parents reflecting on whether they were 'playing God.' The surgery was described as a 'sisterectomy' by the family's friend, and the parents emphasized the importance of feeling empowered in making decisions for their children. The surgery was a calculated risk, and the doctors provided guidance on the odds. The girls are now 17 years old, with only minor health issues and visible scars from the surgery and colostomy.
🧍♀️ The Stark Twins' Unique Connection and Future Aspirations
Lexi and Sidney Stark share a unique connection that extends beyond their physical bond as conjoined twins. They have experienced instances where they seemed to sense each other's pain or emotional distress, even when physically apart. This connection is also reflected in their comfort position, which mimics their position in utero. Despite their close bond, the twins have distinct personalities and are looking forward to attending different colleges, with Lexi planning to go to the University of Missouri in St. Louis and Sidney aiming for the University of Calgary. The twins and their family hope their story can serve as a positive example for other parents facing similar circumstances.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Pregnancy
💡Ultrasound
💡Conjoined Twins
💡Medical Miracle
💡Separation Surgery
💡NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
💡Colostomy
💡Parental Decision-Making
💡Sibling Bond
💡College
💡Personality Differences
💡Twin Connection
Highlights
Emily and James Stark found out they were expecting conjoined twins during their first pregnancy, which is a rare occurrence.
Emily had a gut feeling she would have twins, which turned out to be true.
Conjoined twins are extremely rare, occurring in only 1 in 60,000 births.
40-60% of conjoined twins are stillborn, and only 35% survive more than one day.
Lexi and Sidney Stark were born healthy baby girls on March 9, 2001, despite the expected complications.
The girls underwent a high-risk separation surgery at seven months old.
The surgery was successful and both girls survived, which was a medical miracle.
The girls have a strong bond and revert to a 'conjoined twin position' when they are stressed or need comfort.
They have experienced a shared sense of pain and emotions, even when physically apart.
The girls are heading to college with different plans, showing their individuality despite their unique bond.
The Starks chose not to share the news of conjoined twins with friends at the baby shower to process the information themselves first.
Doctors warned that paralysis and colostomies were possible outcomes of the separation surgery.
The girls were dressed in a modified 'four-legged' onesie while conjoined to accommodate their unique anatomy.
The family used a pump to feed both girls simultaneously, showcasing their adaptability and resourcefulness.
The term 'sisterectomy' was humorously coined by a friend to describe the separation surgery.
The parents emphasize the importance of feeling empowered and making decisions for your child in such situations.
The girls have only minor lingering effects from the surgery and no major health problems.
The Stark family shares their story to provide hope and show the potential for positive outcomes for other parents of conjoined twins.
Transcripts
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