Medical professionals - ketones?

[MedicalDrama]

Sorry this is not aibu but I'm currently in hospital and no-one is communicating with me and I'm really stressed out...

Ketones in urine - what is normal and what is worrying?
I came in last night dehydrated and have been on fluids, a nurse told me that my ketones have gone down from 4 to 3 and that's all I know.

Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank-you!

I'm not a medical expert but I thought the ketone level dropping would be a good thing - or at least it is when they have shown up in my DD's urine when she has an infection.

Why were you dehydrated? Was it due to a medical condition?

Not especially worrying, especially as they are dropping. I’d imagine they’ll just keep you on IV fluids for a bit. You’re not diabetic, are you?

No it's because I have Hyperemesis Gravidarum 😔

Ketones are produced when your body is burning fat for energy. Have you had reduced food intake for a few days, or have you been vomiting? What caused the dehydration?

The fact that it's coming down is good. Hope you feel better soon.

Iirc higher ketone levels means you haven't been eating much, or not keeping much down.

With HG that's understandable, as you manage to eat more, the number should go down.

Ah, cross-post -- HG could definitely cause ketosis. Your body prefers to use carbohydrates for energy, but if you aren't keeping enough food down due to the HG, it will start to burn body fat to produce energy. This produces ketone bodies as a byproduct.

Glad to hear you're improving. It's always okay to ask for clarification if a medical professional chucks a bit of jargon at you without explanation!

The ketones are heading in the right direction. They’ll probably want them to come down to at least 2, and for you to be able to eat something and keep it down before you’re released.

I was just about to ask if you have hyperemesis. You shouldn't have any ketones in your urine when you're totally healthy. When you've been really sick/not able to eat cos of feeling sick with hyperemesis then your body starts to break down fat instead of sugar for energy, which produces ketones in your urine. 3 - 4 is normal for hyperemesis from what I remember from working on a gynae ward, it should keep going down as you get more fluids on board. Then you might be discharged in a day or so with antisickness tablets and advice to see your GP to test your urine if you get dehydrated again. Hope you feel better soon!

I was kept in hospital for dehydration in my recent pregnancy. I was kept in until I had 0 ketones. I had several IV rehydration drips and drank plenty of fluids and tried to eat a little. It was during the last heatwave.
Ketones in urine alongside high blood pressure can be a symptom of preeclampsia. How is your BP?
Hope you improve soon.

Contact Pregnancy Sickness Support. They are a Hyperemesis Charity and will be able to explain everything to you. Ketones during Hyperemesis are very common. I had high ketones throughout my first HG pregnancy. You can find the charity on Facebook or they have a website and Helpline. There is also a forum and peer supporters available. You can also get signposted for care in your area to ensure you are getting the best treatment. Good Luck! It does get easier xx

Thanks everyone, I'm going home soon! 😊

I would second the advice to contact the pregnancy sickness support line; they are a wealth of information and support. Really hope you feel better soon. HG is horrendous but it DOES end. Am currently 18 weeks with my third HG pregnancy. The PSS phoneline will really help you.