TLC Show
Even though Abby and Brittany Hensel’s parents wanted their girls to lead normal lives, they took TLC up on their offer for an interview in 2006. Well, what they didn’t realize is that one interview would turn into a hit television sensation documenting their personal lives. Americans tuned in and in no time, fell in love with Abby and Brittany Hensel.
TLC Show
Who Are They?
Of course, they had a remarkable birth, but besides that, these two come from a pretty average Minnesota family. Their mother, Patty, works as a nurse while their father, Mike, works as a landscaper and carpenter. The Hensels grew up in a Minnesota town called New Germany. Abby and Brittany Hensel also have a younger brother and sister. Despite all their challenges, they have persevered and even graduated from college in 2012! No, they did not simply opt for online college degrees. Actually, they graduated from a Minnesota university called Bethel University. Now, let’s find out more about these miraculous conjoined twins!
Who Are They?
Surgery Was Not An Option
Naturally, you are probably curious about the anatomy of conjoined twins. So, yes they do have one shared body but you may be surprised to hear they have separate organs. Abby and Brittany each have their own lungs, stomach, spinal cord, spine and heart. Despite this, they share a reproductive system. Unfortunately, surgery to separate them when they were born would have been very risky and dangerous because of this.
Surgery Was Not An Option
Unique Case
Of course, it’s quite obvious that this particular case is unique, but you are probably wondering just how rare it is! Firstly, there’s just a one in 189,000 chance that twins will be born conjoined. As far as Abby and Brittany Hensel go, they’re actually dicephalic parapagus twins, and this means they’re conjoined twins with one body but separate heads. Out of all the conjoined twins, dicephalic parapagus twins make up only 11 percent.
Unique Case
Who Does What?
As far as control, each person controls their respective side of the shared body. Thus, everyday things like walking require a team effort. Just think about it…each twin has control over just one arm and one leg, yet they have to synchronize movements to get simple tasks done.
Who Does What?
Early Struggles
Clearly, early developmental stages were a lot more challenging for them. Even their parents spoke out about how hard just crawling was for Abby and Brittany. If crawling was difficult, imagine walking! Starting from the very beginning, the two needed to coordinate in order to move. Eventually, the toddlers figured it out and learned to walk!
Early Struggles
Walking To The Beat Of Their Own Drums
Now, that they’ve mastered walking, they truly walk to the beat of their own drums. Actually, each twin does have her own walking style. If you watch a video of them walking very closely you can see this. Abby prefers to walk flat footed, while it’s more comfortable for Brittany to walk on the tips of her toes. Since they use these different styles of walking, it appears that the twins have a limp. Take note, this isn’t a real limp, but simply their walking pattern.
Walking To The Beat Of Their Own Drums
Too Risky
As we discussed, a separation would have been way too risky! Although, the doctors did initially offer to attempt one when the girls were born. Actually, the Hensel parents chose not to go through with the operation after hearing about the dangers. Experts predicted there was a very high chance that both girls would not survive the surgery. Thankfully, the parents played it safe, and now, their daughters are leading happy lives!
Too Risky
From Documentary to Show
Just when the twins turned 16, the network TLC requested permission to film a documentary on them. Of course, we know they agreed. This amazing documentary about the Hensel twins showed them in their daily lives, as well as discussing future plans. After its amazing success, the girls got their very own show on the network. Sadly, the show was only on for one season.
From Documentary To Show
Everyday Tasks
Despite any preconceived notions you may have, the twins are able to do everything daily that average people do. Seriously, they do everything from swimming to bike riding and even driving, but we’ll get to that soon enough. Truly, they have mastered many different things. Yes, it took them a little more time than others, but they worked hard and proved others wrong. It’s remarkable to see how they learned to coordinate together to accomplish things we often take for granted. Over the years, they have seemed to have figured out quite a lot!
Everyday Tasks
Driving
Even though Brittany explained they needed to take the written drivers test twice, they were able to pass! As for the driven supervised test, the twins passed it both times. You’re probably wondering about the mechanics of it. Well, while Abby controls everything on the right, Brittany manages the left side. Yet again, the twins have figured out the perfect system to stay in sync.
Driving
Complimentary Strengths
Another thing to know about these twins is that Abby and Brittany enjoy different things. In fact, these respective strengths and interests mesh together nicely. For example, Abby loves math and Brittany is a proficient writer. Even though the two excel in completely different subjects, they obviously figured out how to work together really well. They even graduated from a college close to their home.
Complimentary Strengths
Emails
Let’s go back to the subject of writing for a minute. You may be interested to hear about how they construct emails. While the twins are individuals, they write all emails as one person. Abby and Brittany are deeply in tune with one another and can communicate their feelings with little spoken communication, thus, this process allows them to write much faster.
Emails
Individuals
Put the single person emails aside because now, we need to tell you about how distinct their two personalities are. The two have totally different likes and dislikes and interests. Even their clothing demonstrates their differences. In fact, they hired a seamstress so they could each maintain their individuality and have a custom neckline. Not even clothing can hold these amazing women back!
Individuals
Education
As far as their goals go, education always comes first. Again, they did not let obstacles stand in their way or force them to pursue online college degrees. No, Abby and Brittany Hensel graduated from Bethel University! Initially, they wanted to have the same major but separate concentrations. However, all that extra work proved to be a bit too much. Thus, they graduated with their degree in education instead. However, a college degree is still an amazing accomplishment none the less. They continue to amaze people with their achievements.
Education
Major Milestone
After graduating from college, Abby and Brittany Hensel moved into their very first home. Naturally, this was a huge milestone for the twins, as it would be for any other person. Thus, TLC centered the show on this transition. In their show you can see the two not only setting up and decorating their home, but getting ready for their first part-time job working as teachers!
Major Milestone
Hopes Of Families
Surely, you have thought about the possibility of romance. Abby and Brittany do hope to find love one day and even get married and have kids. Yes, they know that having a conjoined body like theirs makes for one big obstacle, but they have faith they will find the perfect two men.
Hopes Of Families
Photo Ops
Perhaps, you believed that Abby and Brittany Hensel loved being photographed and taped because they were on TLC. However, they are not really delighted to always be caught on camera. One of their biggest pet peeves is when strangers stare and take pictures. Well, they do not mind if fans ask for pictures, but they hate when people snap pics without permission. The two just want a simple request, so can you really blame them?
Photo Ops
Oprah
Does this surprise you…Oprah actually invited the twins onto her show back when Abby and Brittany were only six years old? Even though Abby and Brittany don’t remember too much of their appearance on Oprah’s show, it’s still really cool for them! Actually, it marked their first public appearance to the world. All over the world, fans watched with admiration and curiosity.
Oprah
Sporty Twins
Honestly, Abby and Brittany Hensel never cease to amaze fans! Oh and to be fair, they might even be more athletic than us too. Both girls really love sports and especially bowling and volleyball. In fact, sports have helped them immensely with their coordination skills.
Sporty Twins
Interested in Music
It’s not just sports they love and excel at! Both girls also have a love for music and one of their hobbies is trying new instruments. In their lifetime, they want to master many instruments. Clearly, there is nothing that can stop these determined girls! Honestly, they make us look pathetic for quitting piano many years ago.
Interested In Music
When it Comes To Food
Hey, maybe you thought they could save some money on food with one body. Sorry, that’s not the case. If you recall, we told you that Abby and Brittany each have their own stomachs. Thus, the girls need two dinners. Even though they have one body, the two girls actually have different preferences and tastes in food.
When It Comes To Food
Birthdays
We all know twins that hate sharing things. Well, we can guarantee you that Abby and Brittany don’t lose out on their birthday cake just because they share a birthday. Each year, the twins get two cakes! Come on, they are individuals…plus, maybe one wanted vanilla while the other wanted chocolate. Actually, that looks to be the case for this birthday!
Birthdays
Separate Systems
Maybe you have wondered about what happens when they get sick. Does Abby always get sick when Brittany does and vice versa? Turns out, the two do NOT always get sick together. Now remember, they each have a separate body system. So, Brittany got pneumonia twice while Abby never had it. Lucky for Abby!
Separate Systems
Compromising
Even though we focused a lot on how amazing and incredible their lives have been, the Hensel twins have been through a lot. Also, you have to try to imagine everything the two need to compromise on daily. From sleeping schedules to eating, everything must be agreed upon. Of course, they have had years to perfect their compromising skills. Honestly, just coordinating sleeping schedules was hard enough in college with roommates, so that alone amazes us!
Compromising
Doctors Worry
Even though the girls have thrived in life, doctors still have concern for their future. Doctors worry that their health will deteriorate with age. Luckily, they have been in good health until now. Yet, it’s scary to think that only four conjoined twins with shared torsos ever made it into adulthood.
Doctors Worry
Growing Older
To get a bit more specific, the doctors fear heart failure. Another worry is that organ defects may develop with age. Thankfully, Abby and Brittany have been in excellent shape all of their lives. Now that they’ve lived more than two decades, we hope they have many more happy years together.
Growing Older
Social Butterflies
Abby and Brittany Hensel have been lucky to be close with a very caring group of friends. In fact, the twins are very social. Perhaps, if you saw the TLC show, you remember their friends. The girls hope that by being open and sharing their personal lives with others, they can educate others and lead more normal lives.
Social Butterflies
Teaching Together
As you can tell by now, the twins surpass expectations all the time. From graduating from college to securing their first job! Abby and Brittany teach math in an elementary school! Actually, teaching together has been lots of fun for them. In addition, they have advantages other teachers do not, like, multitasking. For instance, one of them can answer questions while the other monitors the kids.
Teaching Together
Leading Private Lives
Now, they’re 28 years old and living more low-key lives. It’s not the same as when they starred on a television show. Actually, they want to live their lives in peace now and out of the spotlight. However, this does not mean they have any regrets about their past. In fact, they believe all the media appearances gave the public accurate information about conjoined twins and fought stereotypes. Clearly, the girls are now both living live to the fullest.
Leading Private Lives
Passports
Of course, Abby and Brittany each have their own passports because they are separate people. That’s only logical. However, the twins only ever need to buy one airline ticket! Hey, that’s one good part!
Passports
Caffeine
Something interesting to note is that each twin reacts completely differently to certain things. When it comes to coffee, it has a different effect on them. Brittany’s heart rate will increase from caffeine, but Abby doesn’t even seem to be affected.
Caffeine
At Birth
Surprisingly enough, the girls were born with an additional ligament. Out of their necks there was an additional arm protruding out! Luckily, the doctors were able to surgically remove this arm and leave only a shoulder blade behind.
At Birth
Musically Gifted
Something that blew doctors away was their musical talents. The doctors were stunned to see how the twins coordinated together to play piano. Abby used her right hand to play treble while Brittany uses the left to play the bass keys. Honestly, piano is hard enough to coordinate as one person, so that’s incredible!
Musically Gifted
Motherly Concern
Like any mother, Patty Hensel was nervous for her daughters to drive. Of course, she had a bit more to worry about than your average parent. She explained some fears saying, “I don’t know what would happen if they got pulled over for speeding. Would they each get a ticket or just Abby because it’s her foot on the accelerator?” Since it’s a very unique case, we totally sympathize with her worries.
Motherly Concern
Two Degrees, One Salary
Now, here is something a bit tricky. Although the two each have their own personal degrees from university and teaching licenses, they get one salary. That’s because their teaching job is usually done by only one person. Sounds a bit complicated and perhaps, hard for them to budget on one salary.
Two Degrees One Salary
Health Complication
As we have emphasized, things are not always easy for Abby and Brittany. During their childhood and adolescence, things were a bit complicated in relation to their health. When Brittany’s spine growth stopped prematurely, the doctors quickly needed to also stop Abby’s spine growth. At 12 years old, the two went into surgery at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare to fix their scoliosis, in addition to expanding their chest cavity to prevent any breathing issues.
Health Complications
Balancing Act
Even though the twins have mastered quite a lot, riding a Segway was challenging for them as seen on their show. It’s still amazing they can ride a bike and play other sports, so we totally understand if there’s one thing they cannot do. Since Abby has the longer leg and is a bit taller than Brittany, riding the Segway was almost impossible.
Balancing Act
Unlike Planes
Even though they share a seat on flights, that doesn’t mean they always share seats. I mean with how expensive airplane tickets are today, that sounds ideal! Anyway, the twins do buy separate tickets when going to the movies.
Unlike Planes
Stomach Pains
As we spoke about, just because one twin gets sick, does not mean the other automatically gets ill too. Of course, this can be somewhat mind boggling. As far as stomach pain goes, the stomach aches are actually felt by the twin on the other side. Wow, that’s wild!
Stomach Pains
Style Choices
Over the years, the twins have really emphasized their differences too. Especially when it comes to clothes, you can see how they each have distinct tastes. Occasionally, they even choose mismatched leggings with different colors on their legs and mismatched shoes. Brittany goes for neutrals while her sister loves bright colors.
Style Choices
Easy To Tell Them Apart
Sometimes, it’s nearly impossible to tell twins apart. However, it’s fairly easy with Abby and Brittany since they have different tastes and interests and styles. In addition, Abby is taller and has a height of 5 ft 2 inches, while Brittany is only 4 ft 10 inches.
Easy To Tell Them Apart
Dominant Personality
Even though they spend all of their time together, they get along really well. Actually, it’s rare that they fight or argue. All of those close to them know that Abby has the dominant personality. Apparently, she always wants to be in charge and even her mother agrees. Their mom said of Abby, that she wants “to rule the whole house.”
Dominant Personality
Body Temperatures
Another interesting thing about the twins is that they have different body temperatures. Even though they share some vital organs, they have distinct body temperatures of their own. Between the two, Abby will warm faster than twin sister Brittany. We can see how that may create some conflict when choosing an outfit.
Body Temperatures
Separation Talks
Remember how we spoke about Brittany getting sick from pneumonia? During that time, Abby got sick of bed rest and brought up separation. This made Brittany cry because she never could imagine leaving her twin. Of course, Abby reassured her sister that this wasn’t going to happen. Aw, so cute!
Separation Talks
