Egyptian Twins Get Early Birthday Present

[TexasStooge]

DALLAS, Texas (KXAS NBC5) -- Ahmed and Mohamed Ibrahim, Egyptian twins once conjoined at the skull, checked out of the hospital and moved in to a nearby apartment to live with both parents and one of two siblings for the first time in their lives.

The boys left North Texas Hospital for Children at Medical City March 24 and will return every weekday to continue their physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions.

The twins will have their third birthdays June 2. They underwent separation surgery during October, and first arrived in the United States nearly two years ago. The boys first were hospitalized April 28, 2003.

Specially designed helmets protect the boys' heads and, in part, allowed them the freedom to leave the hospital. Doctors said the twins continue to show progress in their speech, dexterity and coordination.

According to medical professionals associated with Ahmed and Mohamed's care, the family still needs a full-sized van or sport utility vehicle to transport the twins and their equipment between the apartment and hospital. The move out of the hospital required three vehicles to transport the boys, equipment, family members and medical personnel.

Dr. Kenneth Sayler has been the twins' primary physician throughout their care and surgeries. He is scheduled to perform skull reconstruction surgery later this year.