- HubPages»
- Health»
- Diseases, Disorders & Conditions»
- Cancer
Identical Twin Sister Feels Pain at Exact Time Doctor Inserts Chest Tube into me.
Physical Intuition/ESP between Twins
Definition of Twins
According to Wikipedia: Twins can be either monozygotic ("identical"), meaning that they develop from one zygote, which splits and forms two embryos, or dizygotic ("fraternal"), meaning that they develop from two different eggs. In fraternal twins, each twin is fertilized by its own sperm cell.
Sister Feels Pain as I undergo Surgery
Identical twins like Laura and I, have an uncanny connection and relationship that many find intriguing. I can honestly tell you that my life has been cholk-full of great opportunities and fun because of it. In later hubs I will share some really exciting stories about some of these great opportunities.
This special relationship does come with a price because of the very nature of our intense connection. Here is one of my many stories of the down side of twinhood. It is a phenomenon referred to as "physical intuition." This occurs when one twin feels the other twins pain.
As I shared in an earlier hub, I went to ER in 2004 complaining of symptoms similar to a heart attack. The x-ray they had taken, showed a spot on my right lung. She (the doctor) wasn't very concerned because I was forty-one and a non-smoker. She told me to make an appointment with my primary doctor, just to be safe. Long story a little shorter, after doing another x-ray, it was clear that the spot had grown. I was told to set up an appointment for a biopsy. I could not believe this was happening.
Biopsy for Right Lung
The morning of the biopsy, Laura, the kids and I, said a prayer that the procedure would go safely and smoothly. We got the kids off to school and hesitantly left for the hospital. I checked in at the front desk and filled out all the necessary paperwork. She handed me a pamphlet on the possible complications of having a biopsy. It basically said, that in rare instances, there can be lung collapse. This is mostly seen in the elderly or people with emphysema. Having read that, I was feeling confident that there was nothing to worry about. I am forty-one, I've never smoked, so no emphysema. Ok, I am ready to do this, let's get the dreaded biopsy behind me.
I am rolled down to the operating room after hugging my sister to pieces. I said, "Laura, this is gonna be a piece of cake." It's always harder on a loved one and I could see the fear in her face. They gave me a Very Mild sedative from what I could tell. As the needle was approaching my chest, I prayed it wouldn't hurt too bad. I found myself letting out a big scream when it penetrated the lung. It really hurt! Anyway, they wheel me to a recovery room where they monitor you closely. They keep listening to your breathing to make sure it sounds right. The nurse tells me after about twenty minutes, that my breathing sounds a little labored and I will have to go get x-rayed.
Laura and I are now waiting in the hallway for the doctor, to let me know the results of the x-ray. He says, "Linda, your lung is collapsing from the biopsy and you will need a chest tube put in to re-inflate it. We need to do it now before you are no longer able to breathe." Poor sis is now crying and I put on my brave face. I told her that this was just a little bump in the road and I would be fine. She didn't tell me until after I left the hospital, but she knew how painful it was gonna be. Our highschool buddy was the x-ray tech and told her that getting a chest tube was one of the most painful procedures you can have. He should have known better not to say that to Laura. He was right though, it was excruciating!
Laura is out in the hallway waiting very anxiously for the surgery to end. She clutched her bible close and read the whole time I was in surgery.
Again, I was given some kind of sedative. You don't sleep with it, just relax a little. The surgeon's instructed me to breathe out when they said go as it would help reduce the pain. I was given the green light and took a deep breath. It felt like someone was stabbing me with a knife. I let out a very loud groan. The surgeons who were downplaying the procedure earlier, were now congratulating me on how tough I was. I guess I know what it feels like to be stabbed with a knife. Yes, I would agree I am tough!
I guess in my groggy state I kept asking for my twin sister. The surgeon's were cool guys and knew it would be to my benefit to see her right away. As Laura tells me, the surgeons snuck her through the doctor's tunnel so that she could console me A.S.A.P. The minute I saw her I cried like a baby and she held me in her arms. She gave me that sisterly love I needed after such a traumatic procedure.
Twin Sister Feels Pain of Chest Tube
I told you that the twin connection in all it's joy's, has a down side. When I was released from the hospital and feeling better, she shared this story with me...
My twin sister was in the waiting area, reading her bible. Seemingly out of nowhere, she felt intense pain at the moment a chest tube was being inserted into my lung. She felt as though a knife was piercing through her chest on the right side. She clutched her chest and prayed..."Lord, I love her so much but please take away this pain."
Have you ever had to undergo a biopsy
Lung Cancer
- How physicians or oncologists diagnose lung cancers ...
Oncologists use various forms of patterns to diagnose cancer such as mesothelioma. As in all types of cancers, early diagnoses of mesothelioma tumor is rare because of the latency period between contraction...
Lung Cancer Treatment Guide
© 2010 Linda Rogers
Comments
- Author
Hi Bobbi and thanks for coming over to my hub. Yes, our sisters are our earth angels. It's really nice to talk to someone else that has such a deep connection with a sister.
Dear Minnetonks Twin,
Thank you for sharing--I felt your fear, pain, and the great love you both have for each other.
You both are twice blessed, with love, strength, and the joy of having each other to walk down the path of life hand in hand, together.
What a great life you have to be able to rise above it all, and triumph over cancer.
Angels do walk on this earth--and our sisters prove it.
Your Hub Friend,
Bobbi
- Author
Hi Earthly Mother-You are right-cancer does suck but you will get through it. I am the biggest health chicken, wimp, that you'll ever meet, but you'll learn to deal with it. I am here if you have any questions.
I've always been interested in twins and indeed used to feel like I should've had one (I am left handed and there is a theory that left handed people may be one of a pair of twins and one died in the womb) Who knows? May be clap trap but may be true. I love hearing stories about twins having this connection so please keep them coming. Congratulations on being seven years cancer free - I've just been diagnosed with breast cancer and it sucks!
- Author
Oh my gosh, I can't imagine having a hole drilled into my head with just this sedative. What a brave man he was. I bet it hurt and he just didn't want to upset you. I am so sorry he lost this difficult battle. Thanks for the congrats and God Bless you :-) Hope your doing ok.
I've never had a biopsy but my late husband, who had a brain tumor did have one. He was awake with only the mild sedative that you mentioned. They had to keep him awake to monitor him. He had a hole drilled into his skull. He never said it was painful though. I read your recent hub and saw that you are fine. I'm very thankful that you are! Congratulations and God bless!
- Author
Thanks for reading my story MsHoliday, I really appreciate it.
- Author
Your too kind JB. Yes, being a twin can be quite interesting at times. Even my twin sisters daughter, who is a teen, thinks this stuff that happens with us is really cool. I would rather not inflict pain upon my sister or she to me but it's all worth the love we have for eachother.
This was AMAZING!!!!!
- Author
Hi Shyla's Nana-Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. It was a very scary time but my twin sister helped me to get through it. I moved in with her and her two kids and they took great care of me. Although cancer-free, I don't plan on moving any time soon and the kids wouldn't let me anyway. I am a blessed woman. God Bless you:)
- Author
Thanks for your kind words azure_sky.
I have many hubs about this uncanny connection with my twin sister. Thanks for taking time out to read this one:)
What a beautiful and yet touching story. Cancer is not a pretty word. So thankful to read that you have been cancer free for seven years now. That in itself is a miracle worth rejoicing in. The closeness you share with your twin is awesome, yet painful at times lol.
Although not a twin myself, I wonder how many of us would take on the pain of another that we loved or cared about? Would we give up one day of our pain free lives to someone so they could live a day without pain? Thank you for sharing. May God continue to bless your life and the lives of those you love. Take care.
So glad that this frightful story ended so well! And so happy that you still remain cancer-free to this day :) I can't wait to read more of your hubs about the "twin connection"!! Voted UP, Useful, Awesome, and Beautiful!!!
- Author
Polly-Ya, the jelousy thing with my older sister is much like you have experienced. My older sister was really jelous of me and dad's relationship too. To burn me, she would say we we're co-dependent. She did many hurtful things to me and dad would always be there to wipe away my tears. Wow do I miss that man. Again, thank goodness I have a twinner. God knew what he was doing when he put us both here together. You can be Laura and my triplett:)
It must be so wonderful having a twin, my sister was so much older than me she doesn't even really feel like a sister. But my sister-in-law (passed away now) was a year older than my sister and felt like a sister. My sister was always jealous of me and Mom because we were close because I helped Mom so much and when I was real young she would really hurt me every chance she got. Mom had four babies after me and all were boys, I wanted a baby sister so bad.
You know I have always been able to tell Identical Twins apart just seeing them a few times.
- Author
Susan-How old are your boys? I know that Laura and I always had this amazing connection because we always relied on eachother after mom died when we were nine. I have seen other siblings have this connection even if their not twins. I guess it's a lot about how much your together. Van the man is one of my very favorite artists of all time. His music is so amazing. Thanks for all your support here on hubpages. It's so nice that your reading so many of my hubs:)
Amazing story. My twin boys are fraternal and after reading your story I almost wish that they had the same connection that you and your sister have. Don't get me wrong they are very very close. Have I told you lately is one my favorites by Van. Take care!
- Author
Thank you for your kind words toknowinfo. I am truly blessed to have someone on this earth that loves me so unconditionally. God Bless you too:)
What a moving story. How fortunate you are to have such a close connection to your twin sister. Through the love you share, and the bonds you have together, you have a wonderful future. Good luck to you, God Bless You and stay well.
- Author
Dear DeBorrah-So great to see you here. I have learned so much about God's love through twinship. I know what it feels like to know Unconditional love and that is a blessing. Laura and I try to take this twinship and love that God created and use it to uplift others. I did feel bad that sis had to feel the pain of my chest tube being put in but it goes with the territory and neither of us would have it any other way. God Bless friend:)
Minnetonkatwin, What a beautiful story! I think that the Lord has blessed you with such a stunning nurturing relationship with your twin sister. You share a special closeness that you have experienced from birth! How comforting to know that you are so connected that she can truly share your pain, sorrow and JOY!
“She was in the waiting area reading her bible. From out of nowhere she felt like a knife went through her chest on the right side. She looked up from the bible and prayed..."Lord, I love her so much but please take away this pain." And just then, the pain was gone.” How beautiful that she was able to intercede at that precise moment and pray for you knowing just what you needed!” Praise God!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful and inspiring story! So glad it all worked all so well... In HIS Love, Grace, Joy, Peace & Blessings!
- Author
Hi my new friend-I like anyone who knows Van is the man. I am awesome and will be cancer free for 7 years on st. patty's day/March 17. They gave me a 20-25% survival within 5 years.
I showed them~Thanks you for stopping.
How are you now? Has everything resolved with your lung? What a touching story. Thanks so much for sharing -- I especially like the Van Morrison link/video!
- Author
Hi Micky-My connection with my twinner is such a gift, even when it comes to feeling eachother's pain. It is All worth it. Unconditional love is an amazing thing to have with someone. Great to hear from you friend:)
Thank you for this great write. Connections! Life is more than the surface.
- Author
Hi UlrikeGrace. I just wrote you a comment and I somehow hit a key that erased it. Anyhoo, I want to thank you for stopping by and commenting on my twin story. I am wondering if your fraternal twin lives near you. Just curious because hanging out with anyone makes a deeper connection. On the bright side of your relationship with your twin, you don't have to go through all her pain and struggles the way I do. Blessings to you.
- Author
Epigramman-You are such a lovely person and you always make me feel so special. Thanks for reading more about the twin relationship. It can get kind of weird some time but it's worth it. You too are hubdelicious and I don't know how I would make it without you here on hubpages. You are very special to me and your great writing is just icing on the cake. Hugs
- Author
Hi Fetty. Thank you for stopping and saying hello. Yes, I do remember you saying your husband is a twin. I am sure that isn't always easy for you. Laura and I have had some problems in the past with men getting jelous or irritated with our close relationship. The men in our lives have to be strong because they have to know that the other twin is part of the package.
- Author
Hello Stars439. Every time I read one of your comments I just have to smile and say, "oh stars, you are so sweet." I am so glad we are friends on hubpages. You are right, we have had a lot of struggles in our lives but it has made us who we are. We are very grateful for everything. Bless you stars.
- Author
Thank you akirchner for your nice words to me. Yes, the twin relationship has ups and downs but I'll take the downs that come with it for sure. She is the most unconditional person in my life other than my 2 doggies. Hee hee. You know what I mean. :)
- Author
Hi Bobbi-Thanks as always for your very kind words. Three sets of twins in a family is pretty crazy. We have two as my older sister has girl/boy twins. Have a great day.
- Author
Hello Pollyannalana-I am sorry to hear you and older sister are not kindred spirits. Truth be told, I thank God everyday he gave me my twin sister because I do not get along with my older sister either. She is an angry, bitter, competitive person who finds joy in cutting down others because of her insecurities. Without my twin, I would be very lonely. I pray some day you and I may find some healing with our older sisters. Bless you Polly and thanks for visiting me. :)
- Author
Hi K9keystrokes. I always love you visiting me as you say the sweetest and kindest things that make my day better. I am sure this story brought you some memories of your own struggles. You are my idea of one of the strongest women I know of. You too are a survivor and impressive person. God bless the love of family and partners. Love is the best thing God has given us. Have a great night dear hubber friend. :)
- Author
Hi Jane@CM-Thanks for visiting me and reading my story. Too kind of you to say it was amazing but it means a lot to me. :)
- Author
Sylvia13-Thanks so much for your loving and kind words to me. I am so blessed to have a twin sister that loves me so much. I love hearing that you believe in the number 7 and 13. My birthday is Jan 13-Good stuff, huh?? Blessings to you hubber friend.
- Author
Hello lifegate. Thanks for reading my story about the sometimes icky twin connection. Thanks for the compliment about putting it together well. That means a lot to me as I do try to write to inform and teach and hopefully people will enjoy. Peace to you.
- Author
BennyTheWriter-Bless your sweet words to me. Glad you like the Van Morrison song too. His music touches my soul to the very core. Thanks again for visiting one of my hubs Benny. I am so glad we are hubber friends. :)
How awesome...as I told you earlier I am also a twin but we are faternal twins and do not have this kind of connection. I'm a little sad about that...but at the same time having read your story, maybe I am glad as well...at least where pain is concerned. Thanks for sharing your story...Blessings
..well Van the Man just beat me to it - but here goes anyway - Have I told you lately how much I love your hub writing - and your hubdelicious persona - you are the icing on my cake!
A moving story with a great ending. My husband is a twin. Congratulations on being cancer free for so long.
So very sad that you and your sister experienced so much. Both you and your sister are as lovely as angels. God Bless You Dear Heart.
Bless your heart - so glad you are cancer free. Fascinating really about your twin and feeling so close yet it being so aggravating at times. I can't imagine but the connection must be truly remarkable. Thanks for sharing such a great story!
A wonderful story. There are three sets of twins in my family, why I don't know, it just turned out that way. They all say they can sense things too. It must be wonderful to be so connected to someone. Beautiful write.
It would be wonderful to have a twin, I have a sister but she is older than me and we have never been like sisters, in fact I probably will never speak to her again but that is another story. I am so glad you have her and I envy you. I hope you both live long long lives until you forget you are twins, so one going won't kill the other. Half kidding but sure it would be that way.
You are powerful and so impressive. The connection between twins has long been an interesting topic. My grandfather (paternal) was a twin. But, no others to date. I continue to be amazed by the courage women display when the one's they love struggle. This story has wrenched my heart. I wish for you and your Minnetonka Twin a smile and a warm heart; if just for today.
K9
This is an amazing twin story.
I was wondering what it would be like to have a twin sister and I think that after reading your hub I know exactly! That must be an incredible relationship and I wish the best for the two of you! I believe in number 7 (and 13), so I am happy you have been cancer free for seven years! Keep on enjoying life and keep on hubbing for all of us to read!
That is an incredible story--not just the facts, but the way you put it together. Hope all is well.
Minnetonka Twin, you're a trooper. I really mean that. Your sister's love and empathy for you is just as impressive.
Perfect song for the occasion, by the way. There is truly no kind of bond that is stronger than love.
- Author
Bless you Prasetio-You are such a kind soul. I so appreciate that you voted up on my story. You are so right that family is everything. I am fortunate that I was put here with a twin. Double the fun and double the joy.
- Author
Hi Delores and thank you for visiting me. You poor thing, crying for the lone twin huh? I am in a twin club and I see many twins that have lost their sibling. Tears me apart as they are definitely not the same exuberant people without their soul mate. Sweet of you to ask how I am doing. I am awesome and will be seven years cancer-free. Life couldn't be better. After this behind me, I wake up every day really excited and grateful.
- Author
Thank you martie and so much more where that came from. I love hubpages because we all learn things that we don't know and it can hurt to educate ourselves. I appreciate that you read my story.
- Author
Hi HT/Twinner-Yes, "to connect or not to connect, that is the question." I say yes yes yes. I am the weakest link anyway which means I go through the icky surgeries but you can feel some of the pain. Sounds fair to me. 50/50. Love you Laura
- Author
Susie-I'll hop over and see the hub you are talking about to Drbj. What were dinosaurs like??? just kidding, we are probably the same age. Peace
- Author
Hi Drbj-All is well now and life is even sweeter after going through this.
I see you and sweetsusie have some things in common. You are both from the dinosaur age. LOL-
Thanks so much for reading my story Drbj. God Bless
- Author
Hi eovery. Thanks so much for reading my story. I will be seven years cancer-free this St. Patrick's Day. The luck of the irish is obviously with me.
- Author
Hi Lilly-I love all these stories of people's uncanny connections. I know you don't have to be a twin to have this. I said it to susie and will now say it to you that I think it says a lot about your connection with your daughter and that is a gift. God Bless for reading my story. ESPN, I love that term.
- Author
susie-Wow-The fact that you felt pain with your mother says a lot about your deep connection. It's great to be connected but the pain thing is not fun. Thank you so much for reading this. I am so glad those dark days are behind me. Have a great night.
- Author
Thank you carolinamuscle-That means a lot to know that my stories are appreciated.
Nice story from you. Very inspiring hub to know your life experience with your sister. You have to grateful was born as a twin sister. There's no big gift except the family, right. Thanks for share with us. I hope the best for you and your twin sister. Vote up as usual.
Blessing
Twin - I hope you are okay. Thanks for sharing this story. Some years ago, paging through a book of photography all about twins, I came to a page with a picture of only one person and burst into tears right there in the store. The beauty of all those other pictures, the obvious closeness was so beautiful, but that solitary photo just tore at my heart.
You have given a lot of relevant info here regarding an unfamiliar (to me) medical issue as well as love and telepathy between twins. Greatly appreciated! I hope your are fine.
Dear MT- Wow, You wrote the episode as I call it. I loved your write on this. That was a tough one. Oh well, To connect or not, I choose connection.
Love you twinhead
LOL@ drbj - Pleistocene era... hehehe I think she must have missed my Hub on power outages and teenagers (the last paragraph).... I'm the one who lassoed the first Dinosaur(well at least my kids think I am)
Hi, Linda. That is a very special connection that you and your twin, Laura have. When I was a youngster, back in the Pleistocene era, I thought it would really be fun to be a twin. Now I'm not so sure.
Thanks for the interesting and well-written story - hope all is now well with you both.
I hope you are doing well,
Take care,
Keep on hubbing!
Thank you for sharing your story. We have no twins, but my daughter and I have what we teasingly call ESPN, it is eerie and uncanny. Bless you for what you have gone through together, and again, thanks for sharing!
Oh wow, what a story! How painful, I am so sorry that you had to go through that. I shared the strangest connection with my mother, when she would feel pain, I would to. I would hurt and call her to ask what she had done to herself. She would then tell me about a fall she had or whatever she did that caused her pain.
Great post.. a fascinating read!!
69