July 09, 2003
At least they tried...
As probably everyone knows by now, these twins, conjoined at the head for 29 years, died yesterday when the surgical attempt to separate them failed. They died from massive hemorrhaging within 2 hours of each other.
Some claim that the surgery was irresponsible. The ladies did have some trouble finding doctors willing to attempt the surgery, but they had a chance. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to live like that and not at least try. Sure, there are some conjoined twins who like it, or at least don't have a desire to separate, but if you did want to be apart....
Who are we to suggest that it was a bad decision. The women knew what they were risking, and they took it willingly. I don't think the doctors should be criticized or condemned for trying. We have amazing technology at our disposal, and what is it for? There are bound to be failures and attempts to reach a goal that fall short, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't make the attempts.
If these had been children whose parents forced the surgery on them or if a rogue doctor had discovered them and pushed for the surgery, things would be different. But these women didn't want to live together any longer. It is sad that they achieved that by dying, but I applaud their courage and the courage of the doctors. Perhaps next time will be a success.
On a slightly different note, I wonder what it would be like to have fundamental differences of opinion with regard to lifestyle when you are conjoined. Reading and listening media are fairly easy to distinguish, but you'd have to agree on TV at least. You have to compromise on where to go for recreation as well.
But what about drinking? They share a blood supply, so if one gets drunk or stoned, the other surely feels it. And what if only one wants to be separated? What then? We'll have to bring this up next time we get together for beers.
And finally, here is a thread over at AsylumNation about an African baby born with 4 legs, 3 hands, extra kidneys and other stuff. She's predicted to live normally once they excise everything. There is a picture too.
Posted by Nutrimentia at July 9, 2003 07:59 PM | TrackBack