Carlsen twins could go home in weeks

The girls, separated for one week, probably won't need more surgery, their lead doctor said.

By Maura Lerner, Star Tribune

Last update: May 19, 2006 - 9:33 PM

ROCHESTER -- A week after surgery, the once-conjoined Carlsen twins were upgraded to fair condition Friday, and their lead surgeon said they could be ready to go home in a matter of weeks.

The Fargo twins, whose story has captured national attention, are "right on course," said Dr. Christopher Moir, who led the surgical team that separated them May 12 at the Mayo Clinic.

Moir said the girls, Abbigail and Isabelle, "are making excellent progress," in spite of their discomfort from what he called "life-transforming" surgery.

"That course has been going very well, but not without its rough spots," he said at a news conference Friday. "They still have a long row to hoe."

The girls' father, Jesse Carlsen, called news coverage of their story "unbelievable." He also called the outpouring of support "even more overwhelming," and said "it really helps us get through the day."

In addition to extensive coverage in Minnesota and North Dakota, the family's story was featured this week on the "Today" show and is scheduled to be on Sunday's "Dateline NBC," which airs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on KARE-TV, Channel 11.

Asked how he felt holding his daughters separately for the first time, Jesse Carlsen, 29, struggled to explain: "Most parents get to feel it right away. When I was holding both girls individually, my heart literally ached with joy."

The girls will be 6 months old at the end of May.

His wife, Amy, 26, said she felt blessed. "Now seeing my two little girls side by side in that room, it's great," she said. "I miss them when I go to sleep."

Moir said if all goes as planned, the girls should not need any further operations.

Maura Lerner • 612-673-7384

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