There will still be medical battles for them to fight but for now the former conjoined twins from Sheboygan are doing well, considering.
The next week will be crucial for Mateo and McHale Shaw. Doctors will look for infections and make sure the 4-month old boys are recovering from their rare separation surgery complicated by the fact the two shared neurological functions.
Chief surgeon Dr. Robert Keating compares the successful surgery to the exhilaration of reaching the top of Mt. Everest only to face the reality of getting down again with all the obstacles. The infants both have spina bifida, a congenital condition that can cause partial or total paralysis.
Dr. Keating says the surgery that made two conjoined boys individual people could only be done with present day technology, equipment and education of the staff involved.
For now, the boys are sleeping in separate beds for the first time. Doctors are optimistic.
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