This article was originally published on Kueez
Inseparable From The Beginning
When Abby and Brittany were born, they came out joined together in the body. On the day of their birth, precisely March 7th, 1990, Patty and Mike, their parents were overwhelmed with surprise at their birth; firstly because they never envisaged the birth of twins and certainly not ones that would be joined together from the womb.
The new parents took the news of their delivery in its stride. Just like what any other parents would do, Patty and her husband Mike enquired about any possible medical procedure to separate the conjoined twin, but when they were briefed by the doctors about the little chance of success, they shelved the plan and opted to raise the kids that way. Raising the kids that way no doubt attracted public attention but the parents coped well.
Different From The Rest
Abby and Brittany were born as dicephalus twins. This is a rare medical disorder where twins are born sharing the same body but having different heads.
Putting this into perspective, in medical history, the incidence of conjoined twins was a rarity, but even rarer is the rate of twins sharing the same body. The uniformed shape of their body made it seem they shared one body, but they have their distinct bodies although joined together as one. The doctors thought that they would not last long, but the twins grew past that stage. Because there were very few dicephalus twins that lived past that stage, the case of the twins began to get more attraction.
Acclimatizing With Each Other
The Hensel twins generally have the same body. However, each of them controls their distinct side. Growing up, they learnt the value of coordinating their movements, but it was difficult in application to activities like crawling and walking.
Even though the twins have one body, they cannot feel the thing happening on the side of the other twin. For Abby, she can only feel what happens on the right side, while it is vice versa for Brittany.
The Formation Process
Typically, all identical twins are formed from a single egg split into two parts after the eggs have been fertilized by the sperm of the father. Anytime, the eggs were not wholly split, the resultant effect is conjoined twins, and this was what happened in the cases of Abby and Brittany.
They own parts of their bodies and share other regions due to the incomplete split of the egg in their mother's womb. It happens that such conjoined twins are formed at the early months of pregnancy even without the mother knowing. They share some internal organs like ribs, liver, and reproductive system, but have other distinct organs.
One Body, Distinct Minds
Although joined together, the twins could think and reason differently. The personalities and interests of each twin differ one from the other. When they were small, someone asked if they had two heads, but they replied in the negative. For them, each had one head, and the pair are sister’s.
They had to wear the same dresses due to their shared body, but the girls could be easily differentiated due to their stylistic differences as they made contrasting choices in things relating to hairstyles, footwear, and leggings. Abby was more feminine and loved bright colors while Brittany was more of a tomboy. The twins were also not of the same height with Abby being 4 inches taller than her twin sister.
Family Relationship
Abby and Brittany's parents provided a warm family environment for them and their siblings (a boy and a girl) to grow up within. Going by the nature of the conditions the girls were born into, it was necessary that they were raised in an environment of love and support and their father (a carpenter) and mother (a nurse) performed admirably well in meeting the needs of their children in this regard.
When it was time for discipline, their parents ensured that it was meted out separately. This beautiful family life helped them build a firm mental strength plus good character.
Not Completely Uniformed
Apart from the fact that they have different heads, Abby and Brittany were two different individuals in every sense of the word. They have different immune systems which mean that it was possible for one to be ill, and the other not undergo the same illness.
On two particular occasions, Brittany has gotten pneumonia while Abby did not. In such times of sickness, the twins wished that they were apart. Yes, the girls did share some organs (diaphragm, intestines, and bladder).
Height Inequality
Abby is slightly taller than her sister, and this meant that Brittany had to compensate for her 4 inches height deficit by walking on tiptoes just to measure up with her sister's height. This would make their walking more balanced.
With constant practice, they learnt how to walk, run, riding motorbikes, sports, and engage in every psychomotor activity in a refined and coordinated manner. Their condition never deterred them from learning new things; instead, they were interested in learning bowling, piano, swimming, and adding all these to their entourage of activities.
Fame From Age 6
The Hensel twins gained worldwide sensational at a tender age since they were able to live healthy than others like them. Their fame was further propelled when they were invited to the Oprah show to discuss how they went through life in their condition.
This opened a flurry of opportunities for them as they were sought after by several media organizations willing to interview them and feature them in TV programs. The doors of BBC and Discovery channels were opened to them, and the attention never withered away.
Life Buddies
Being at the same place at the same time all the time and doing everything together was not an option for the twins. They were compelled to be each other's best buddy for life.
Even though they may not fall asleep at the same time, they had to go to bed together, bath together, wear clothes together, and brush each other’s hair. They do not also get hungry at the same time.
Each Other's Cheerleader
Although siblings are expected to have each other's back once in a while, the opposite may be the case. However, in the fact of Abby and Brittany, they were even more compelled to be each other's support system since they were sharing their bodies. Medically, they were expected to die at the infancy stage due to the rarity of their condition.
However, being the resilient and lovely girls they were, they were able to overcome the expectations of everyone, growing up into young attractive and healthy girls even as they gradually approached adolescence. At 12, Brittany ceased growing, and this necessitated a corrective surgery on Abby, so that she would stop growing as well. They still have some setbacks, but they stick together.
Starting To learn How To Drive
Just like every other kid that is excited about driving, the twins wanted to drive at 16. This made them enroll in a written driving exam in order to make sure that they understood every rule in driving.
When it was time for the practical tests, they share responsibilities with one twin (Abby) on the right side of the driver's seat while the other (Brittany) was responsible for things on the left side. They had to perfect their coordination skills to qualify as drivers.
Qualified Drivers
The Hensel twins had some initial hiccups during the driver test phase due to their need for constant reliance on each other. However, they were nevertheless successful in their driving training and were each issued a driver's license at the culmination of their training.
But, Patty was scared about the events that would happen when they got on the road or when they were given a speeding ticket. Just like other teens, the twins were happy for the license, and the feat was impressive to people around.
TV Show For Them
Since the twins were admirably living a normal life at 16 like most teens, they stimulated the interest of TV channel, TLC, who approached them to feature in a reality TV series. This would mean regular media scrutiny of their lives as teenagers transitioning into adulthood.
The reality show was broadcasted in the year 2012 after extensive coverage of the daily life of the twins for six years. At 22, the show was shown, but the main focus was their lives from teen to adulthood.
Creating Awareness
The motive of the girls and their parents in being in the reality TV show was not grounded in a desire for fame. Rather, they simply wanted to teach the world about their unique condition and how they are able to scale through life daily.
Their ultimate intent was to be seen as normal people stripped of the term ‘conjoined twins’.
High School
Education is the right of any child; the most significant legacy any parent can give to their children. In the case of Abby and Brittany, they were enrolled in school, just like other kids but part of their deal with TLC necessitated that their experiences in high school be broadcasted. So, unlike other teens, these two had their lives being shown to the entire world.
The cameras captured the lives of twins who were hardworking and could learn well. Abby was a math lover, while Brittany fancied writing. They were given assignments as different persons, and their scores were graded separately, although peering into each other's homework was somewhat a regular occurrence for them if it was difficult.
Looking Ahead
Gradually, the twins were growing, and soon enough, they graduated high school in the year 2008. This was no mean feat as they made history in the process.
They were the first conjoined twins to graduate from high school in the US, and this record will take a while to be matched due to the rarity of their condition and the sheer bravery they have shown in engaging in normal life activities which some others might have hesitated in doing.
Next up: College
The usual progression after high school is college, and the twins enrolled in it. Before then, the twins asked people to treat them differently and wanted the same to be applicable at college. They elected to enroll for entirely different majors.
However, the stress of meeting up with each other's workload was too much on their body that it compelled them to settle for the same majors eventually. But they were convinced that nothing could stop them.
Sharing The Same Pattern Of Thought
The twins have already understood what it means to share the same kind of thinking and feeling because they have spent enough time together. Because of this, they hardly see the need for verbal communication.
They spend enough time together; thinking and coordinating just like their movements. Their knowledge of one another was near-telepathic as they could read one another, almost like a book and finish each other’s sentences. They fondly referred to this as "twin-tuition." Next up for the twins was learning how to operate the computer together in a way that basic actions like email typing would be coordinated.
Travel Is A Form Of Education And Fun
Traveling the world to experience the scenery of new environments is one of the best ways of learning, and it was one of the things that the Hensel twins were willing to take.
Europe was atop the bucket list of the Hensel twins, and they soon realized their dreams by traveling to London and Italy to soak in the sights and sounds Rome, the unique city.
What Does The Future Hold?
Concern about the future is a natural worry of most people, and this included the Hensel twins. At their time of birth, their parents and doctors were scared if they would pull through life like normal kids, which they did.
However, concerns about their lives still exist since there is a prediction by doctors of their chances of developing heart failure later in life as a result of sharing specific organs. Nonetheless, they have lived quite admirably lives till date.
College Years
Going through college was more challenging for the twins, but they were motivated to achieve their dreams of graduating from college. They were resolute not to become dropouts but to graduate strongly, and they achieved this when they completed their studies and graduated with a degree in education in 2012.
They put in the hard work to ensure that their dreams of graduation came to pass. Just like every college students, they went through unique school activities like participating in spring break and partying like most other college students. They were also interested in learning valuable skills and making new friends while studying for their college degree.
Professional Life
The ambition of the twins at an interview conducted at a young age was to pursue separate careers due to their different choices and preferences. However, the prospect of towing different career paths was difficult and near impossible due to the sheer amount of stress during college. Hence, they both settled for a career in education since they both loved to educate. In college, they got teaching practice teaching 4th-grade students.
Later, they sought employment at an elementary school where they had the privilege of impacting their students with relevant knowledge necessary to shape their future.
Strength Personified
The chances of their survival into childhood and teenagehood were slim at birth. But by the year 2018, the twins have successfully weathered the storms and clocked 28 years and were still going strong without any debilitating medical diagnosis.
They became stunning professionals who were giving their time to social good. They both received different cakes from their mom, Patty, who had always treated them as distinct persons and wished them a happy life
Confounding Predictions And Expectations
The prevalence of conjoined twins is rare. It is estimated that they only occur about once in every 200,000 births.
In the few cases where conjoined twins were born, their life expectancy is expected to be significantly low due to the fact that certain vital organs are shared which may lead to much pressure in servicing two bodies rather than one. Conjoined twins are mostly females (70%) and the Hensel twins were rare because many conjoined twins do not live long after they are born.
The Side Effects Of Fame
Being always in front of the camera may not be good at all times. In the case of Abby and Brittany, they have seen some spotlight but do not revel too much in it.
They love being who they are and love life, but detest it when people stop to stare at them as though they are freaks. They also do not like people who invade their private space by taking pictures all the time.
Been Through The Difficult Phases Together
When new people see the twins, most ask about the possibility of their separation. Their response is usually No. They have been together through all the difficulty that their condition brought upon them, and they have survived until now; hence, there is no need for them to be separated again.
They have been through a lot together; thus, whatever the future holds for them, they are in an excellent position to weather it through. This happiness is not being weighed against the option of separation through surgery.
How About Marriage And Kids?
The Hensel twins have done every other activity every normal human being is expected to go through, why not marriage and kids? The twins would also want to give this a trial. They would want to find love, get married, and raise a family of their own.
Doctors have again raised doubts about the prospects of them going through childbirth but so far so good, they have lived on against the doctor's projection of dying at infancy, they could go one better again since there are no physical impediments to having kids.
Life As Regular Folks
The twins have done a decent job of staying on and off the spotlight by moving away from the cameras as much as possible when they can. Their main wish is to educate others about their conditions and hopefully inspire others about the beauty of life.
Spotlight can be distractive, and the twins would instead choose to focus on their lives rather than strut the streets with cameras intruding into every aspect of their daily lives.
Altruism
The twins aim to inspire others by providing help in their little capacity. They offered guidance by working as teachers in an elementary school where they were employed to teach children in the 5th grade. They resumed work in the year 2017, and they have been able to do well on their job thanks to their ability to multitask.
Kids are naturally curious and often have lots of questions; hence, one of the twins could proffer answers while the other focuses solely on teaching. Currently, they are paid a single salary, but seeing that they possess two degrees, they can renegotiate the paycheck terms.
Brittany And Abby Are Not Alone
Even though the incidence of separating conjoined twins is seen as better, some other conjoined twins think it is better to avoid such. For instance, in Thailand, Pin and Pan were born conjoined together down the middle, although they also have two heads, arms, and torso; they share a single pair of legs.
The young twins, just like the Hensel twins, have accepted their fate and are willing to live through life in one piece. The question they are asking is this; why should we separate when we are happy together?
Others Like Pin And Pan
Carmen and Lupita are teenage girls conjoined at birth by the side. Just like the Hensel twins and Pin and Pan, they have also coped well with their condition. Unfortunately, Lupita suffers from a medical condition known as scoliosis, which puts pressure on her lungs and makes breathing difficult.
However, her sister, Carmen, aids her by breathing a little bit harder so that Lupital can pull through. The girls are satisfied to live through life in their shape rather than risking surgery which may end in death because they share other body parts.
No Other Option Than Surgery
Indeed, some twins go on to undergo surgical procedures because they cannot remain the same. Abby and Belle Carlsen were one of such twins. Their parents elected for surgery to separate them because they felt that it would enhance their lives.
Fortunately, it went well. However, just as the Carlsen twins are satisfied with life being separate, the Hensel twins, Abby and Brittany while conjoined, are likewise happy as well. This implies that happiness is from within, and anyone can choose to be satisfied regardless of the conditions they are in.
Surgery
Surgical procedures to separate conjoined twins have to be conducted by a very skilled and expansive medical team because the duration is usually long-lasting, anywhere from half a day to a whole day. It is intense, with little margin for error.
But, they are not successful at all times. Although with advancements in medical science over the past several years, the chances of survival of conjoined twins after a medical procedure to separate them have relatively increased.
Post-Surgery
Life post-surgery for conjoined twins is usually healthy; at least going by the example of the Carlsen twins. Healthy, in this case, means that they led successfully separate lives. The two of them are different in terms of their actions.
Belle is more outspoken while her twin sister Abby is more reserved by nature. Abby is the one that is cuddly and will rush through her kids’ menu at a local dinner, while Belle would be more artistic. Though distinct, they still share the same history, and this makes them connect unconsciously (like holding each other’s hands). They wear a necklace with the inscription "one in a million" in homage to their successful surgery and their unique place in the world.
Diverse Ways Conjoined Twins Are Joined
There is no single way for babies to be joined together. Some, like Abby and Brittany and Abby and Belle were joined together at their chest, abdomen, pelvis (collectively called the torso). In some other instance, the twins are thoracopagus, which means that they are joined at the chest but are face to face.
In this case, the survival rate of one of the twin is usually very low since they share the same heart, and the surgery will make one of the twins keep the heart.
Joined Together At The Head
Craniopagus twins are those joined together at the head where they share the same skull, different brains. It is usually a less common phenomenon and is considered as a medical marvel. Craniopagus twins at times may share brain matter, and their chance of survival after pregnancy and birth is even more delicate than other kinds of conjoined twins.
Jadon and Anias McDonald were one of such twins. They are easily the most popular of such twins and news about them moved hearts across the globe. They were fortunate to be successfully operated upon in 2016 after their parents raised a total of 2.5 million dollars through crowdfunding to fund the surgery one month after their first birthday. The McDonald twins were lucky as they survived and now lead healthy individual lives.
The Decision To Separate Or Not
The infant mortality rate of conjoined twins is on the high side, and their chances of death are even increased whenever parents decide to explore the option of surgery. Their reliance on at least one vital organs makes it difficult and risky to separate the two through surgery.
Successful surgeries like those of the Carlsen’s and McDonald’s inspire some parents to opt for surgeries for separating their conjoined twins, especially in the occasion that they receive news that the children will die without surgery.
Pop Culture’s Portrayal Of Conjoined Twins
It is usual for some conjoined twins to enjoy media attention based on their looks. Some became famous after acting in films and other TV shows. In these scenarios, they are often shown as freaks, which contrasts their real-life desire to be called normal.
But, Hollywood is always in the business of providing entertainment irrespective of any political correctness. To showcase this, look at the TV show, 'Addams Family,' where Flora and Fauna Amor were featured. They were conjoined twins who were taken advantage of by Gomez, a character that wanted to get back at Fester, their brother. Darlene and Maureen Sue Levin are examples of normal twins who played the role of conjoined twins in the show.
Freaks of Nature
Are conjoined twins healthy or just freaks of nature? Conjoined twins featured prominently in the TV show American Horror Story: Freak Show. Special effects were deployed in polarizing Sarah Paulson to portray conjoined twins Bette and Dot Tattler.
The use of one actress to act as conjoined twins affected production as they took so much time, sometimes 12 to 15 hours, shooting her scenes because it took lots of takes for each stage to be perfected.
Big Fish
Big fish is a theatre production that involved Ada and Arlene Tai (two actresses) who played the characters, Ping and Jing. They played the role of conjoined twin entertainers working in Korean nightclub, where they entertained guests who were mostly soldiers.
The producers had to use special effects in some way to cast them as being conjoined. This was done by making the actresses put on a custom dress that is designed to be partly divided. However, downward from the hips, the dress was connected.
Daily Struggles Of Any Conjoined Twins
Do not be deceived; life as conjoined twins is a little more complicated than what you see on Hollywood films. Some of the daily struggles which they pass through have to do with the fact that many conjoined twins have only one arm and leg per twin.
Hence, they face various basic challenges like walking and maintaining movement coordination with each other. They also have challenges with privacy because the other person is around at all times. Simply put, there are two distinct people in one body; imagine that you have to eat or use the restroom on the nudge of another person.
Wrong Beliefs And Bad Judgments
When you look, think, or act in ways that people do not understand, it is easy for people to begin to pass wrong judgments and mock you. This is a cruel reality of the world we live in. This can be depressing, especially for teenagers who are prone to bullying from their mates. In the case of conjoined twins, some people are always going to be cruel at times since they don’t understand what is going on.
It is not uncommon to see people staring awkwardly at them or even calling them freaks. These occurrences are not usually nice, especially for adolescent conjoined twins. However, as they grow, they got used to such bad manners and move ahead. Nevertheless, these conjoined twins are simply looking forward to living normal lives free of daily drama.
Siamese Twins
The term 'Siamese Twins' is usually used to describe those individuals whose body parts are connected. However, the right term is conjoined twins. This term is traced to Chang and Eng Bunker who were first to be characterized as Siamese twins after their birth around early to mid-1800. They were from Siam which has since been renamed Thailand.
Hence, the word Siamese is a derivative of Siam (modern-day Thailand). Both Bunkers were connected at the torso and lived a life of entertaining others through P.T. Barnum’s circus. Since there was no means of successfully separating them, they lived this life for many years. It is still dangerous to separate modern-day conjoined twins.
Sharing Body Parts With A Twin
Sharing body parts and organs with a sibling can portend some health risks. But, life can still be enjoyed to the fullest while living as Siamese. Sometimes, it is simply best to just keep on living happily with your best buddy by your side.
However, even though there may be some health challenges, like Carmen and Lupita, it is a better end result than having a failed surgery. With constant practice and patience, the twins can learn to become best buddies and even outdo single individuals because they have the advantage of partnership. In the past, the Bunker brothers successfully lived well and even had wives and kids.