The Gonzalez Quintuplets - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Kenneth F. Trofatter, Jr., MD, PhD
In a very few hours, we will be celebrating a very special event – a VERY special first birthday. At about 4:00 AM (4:11-4:13 AM to be exact) on April 7, 2007, Abram, Adal, Ian, Noelani, and Nadia were delivered to Joy and Andres Gonzalez at 28 weeks gestation by cesarean section in Greenville, South Carolina. Over the course of many months, the obstetrical and neonatal teams had coordinated the planning of the big day and when “CODE 5” was called, the response and the entire “operation” went as smoothly as could be hoped for.
The babies could not have been born into a stronger or more nurturing family. As difficult and dangerous as the pregnancy was for Joy (who had delivered their first daughter, Andrea less than 18 months earlier, also by cesarean section), the past year has proven how important the power of faith, love, and friendship can be to overcoming all obstacles. The first-born, Abram, had problems following delivery that led to a year of medical complications and hospitalizations that have stressed the families resources, financially, and I am sure, personally, and may well continue to do so, but there was not one instance during that time when we were visited by Joy, Andres, and all the children that there were not smiles on their faces, optimism in their voices, and enough love in their hearts to brighten all of our spirits.
Into each of our lives come events leading to memories that we carry with us until we’re gone. That has been especially true for me in medicine. There are many patients who, unbeknownst, sometimes gave to me more than I gave to them, and I will never forget those folks. Their memories are as clear to me now as the day they happened. They are the foundation of my approach to the practice of medicine, guiding my deductive and intuitive senses, and my inspiration to awaken early every day to a new set of challenges. They have made me a better physician and a better person. Such is the case with the Gonzalez family, and I am so grateful that they have let me be a part of their lives….So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GUYS AND GALS, and may we share many, many more together...
Dr T
Labels: Multiple gestations, quintuplets
5 Comments:
At Mon Apr 07, 06:28:00 AM 2008,
Anonymous said…
Wonderful story and beautiful pictures! I'm sure no eyes stay dry after reading this. Very touching!
Thanks for sharing, doctor Trofatter! Your blog is just great!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Abram, Adal, Ian, Noelani, and Nadia!!!
JS
At Mon Apr 07, 07:24:00 PM 2008,
Kenneth F. Trofatter, Jr., MD, PhD said…
Thanks for the kind words JS.. We laughed til we cried when the babies attacked the cake! Dr T
At Mon Apr 21, 04:51:00 PM 2008,
Anonymous said…
Dr. T,
I have found your blog bery interesting. I am currently 11 weeks with triplets. My question is, when should I start seeing a Maternal Fetal Specialist? I am in a somewhat large group and the doctors have not all had the same opinion. Obviously, I want to be sure I get the best possible care, and am not sure if my regular ob has a lot of experience in this area. I am 33 years old and this is my first pregnancy.
Wendy
At Mon Apr 21, 05:29:00 PM 2008,
Kenneth F. Trofatter, Jr., MD, PhD said…
Wendy: Personally, I believe you should see an MFM ASAP (but I have my inherent biases!). You are at risk for many complications, including cervical incompetence, preterm labor, pregnancy-induced hypertesnive disorders and diabetes. Your medical history, including any infertility problems you have had, need to reviewed and put into the context of the current pregnancy to minimize your and your babies' risks. You may have no trouble at all with the pregnancy, and I hope you do not, but it is better to be prepared and proactively evaluated rather than waiting for something bad to happen. Best of luck and let us know how things turn out. Dr T
At Tue Apr 22, 04:54:00 PM 2008,
Brent and Wendy said…
Dr. T
This is not a comment to be posted. I am in greenville and Dr. Lessey has turned me over to my regular OB group which is Piedmont OBGYN. I have an appt. with Dr. Laffeit tomorrow for my first "official" OB appointment with them. How do I go about getting seen by your group sooner vs later? Am I correct that you are the chair of the Maternal Fetal group for GHS?
If you don't mind-my e-mail is momandmunchkins@gmail.com. I appreciate any help you can give!
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