Hyperemesis Support

[LucindaE]

We need a new thread.

I hope everyone suffering from the Horrors of Hyperemesis will find this thread useful as a source of support and information.

There's no TMI on here - can't be by definition - and nobody should feel ashamed of moaning as much as they feel the need to.

I used to include extracts from MOH's wonderful website
sites.google.com/site/pregnancysicknesssos/
but I think that makes this link less visible so am merely putting the link. The information on this site is invaluable.

I would like to thank MOH MOP Ovaltine Caramellokoalalover (I think she's changed her nickname) Fluffy, Horsey Kali and Everyone who has given such invaluable support and advice on previous threads.

Remember when you are at your worst, 'This Too Shall Pass'. It really will.

[missJ30]

hi,

haven't posted for ages as the last couple of months have been one long, dark blur! but have just been scanning through lots of messages and sobbing with the relief of a whole bunch of people who are saying all the things i'm feeling.....thanks for posting, even the really bad stuff. I have felt so unbelievably isolated and alone with all this....if only i could have been reading this stuff all the way along!
am staying at my mums now getting extremely well looked after and am definitely experiencing some little mini breaks in the nausea and a combination of lots of drugs are helping to reduce the sickness. am hopeful at staying out of hospital and aiming for 16/17 weeks which is when my sisters started to feel a bit better. but along the way have come across doctors who told me 'you're not ill, you're pregnant - your symptoms might feel bad to you, but they're not really bad', dozens of people who reply with 'oh yes, i had quite bad morning sickness too....it eases off at 12 weeks' (this one drives me mad the most!), and have constantly doubted myself - am I just being weak or is this really bad? reading your posts, makes me feel so much better!

the thing i am mostly struggling with at the mo is my lovely husband and the guilt at turning him into a carer. He is great but has found this extremely difficult. he has taken a long time (still not sure he's there) to really admit that I have an illness - he keeps asking if i've actually been diagnosed, or just think i have HG. He just cannot seem to understand why I don't just make myself eat/drink instead of getting dehydrated and is often quite angry when I end up back in hospital dehydrated. And most of all, he just misses having a wife i think, instead of the blob of nothingness i have become. am not criticising him at all - he is brilliant and I totally can understand how hard it must be to understand HG from the outside. But it has really only compounded the isolated feeling I have. And I so miss feeling connected to him. Does anyone else feel similarly?

Anyway, sorry for the enormous message. Really I just wanted to say thank you for posting all the things I am feeling....it is so comforting. Hope today is a good day all round.

• ooh, also something I have learnt in the last couple of weeks - I am significantly less nauseous if I seriously restrict the time i spent looking at screens - tv and computers. It has really helped. Don't know if that might help anyone else. Audio books are the way forward for me!

[Littleplasticpeople]

Missj sorry you have been suffering, how many weeks are you? 16 weeks seems a sensible target for beginning to feel a bit better, I think most people on here have had some level of improvement at around that stage.

I've had a better few days since going back on the Ondansetron, although I've been militant about sticking to my 'safe' foods too so that's probably helped. I can't wait to be able to scoff chocolate again! And cereal for breakfast, my god it's starting to get tedious making a boiled egg every morning!

[Littleplasticpeople]

Forgot tay, sorry nothing helpful to add on the ondansetron constipation. I'm back there myself after just 4 days back on the pills . I'm also meant to be taking the iron supplements but not even attempting it at th moment tbh. I'm going to stop taking the ondansetron in a couple of weeks in the hope that it gives my system chance to get moving again before the birth.

[goldie32]

MissJ I think you have summed up how it feels to have HG. I also have a very supportive DH and family and friends generally, but if you haven't ever had HG yourself you cannot begin to understand just how down right awful it makes you feel. I had some improvement at 16w and haven't been sick since 20. I still take cyclizine as I still feel the nausea and am very tired, but I'm on the home stretch now and have suffered much less than some I read about. But, while I was suffering it was the worst thing I have ever had to deal with. But, it does go, sooner for some than others. I hope yours is sooner. This thread is a huge comfort to so many of us. Take care. Love to all. xx

[wdobbs]

Thank you, your all very kind unfortunately I ended back in hospital, twice in 1 week is never good :( just not managing to cope on cyclizine alone at all, I get zofran(IV) & cyclizine in hospital & manage fine, if I can convince the hospital to prescribe me zofran home once then my GP will have to give it to me as he won't at the minute - too expensive as you know - otherwise I've discovered if I drink coke once I get into that constant vomiting cycle it stops the vomiting, I feel like hell but it buys me a few hrs- I've only 1 good vein left so I need a few good days!

I hope you are all feeling well or managing to cope its a very mentally exhausting illness, I remember about 10 minutes after my second child was born thinking whoa I don't feel sick anymore, what a feeling that was, we will get there in the end.

One of the things I find hardest is listening to everyone who meets me tell me how sick they were, or their sister or friend was & having to just nod knowing that they have no idea

[LucindaE]

"WDobbs" Poor, poor you, twice in one week, oh no! Are you in the states, as you mention Zofran, which I know from another thread is the UK's Ondansteron? Surely there won't be a question of their NOT prescribing it, if you have been readmitted so soon? Hugs. The ignorance can be awful.
MissJ Oh, no! About dark blur, poor you. It is awful that doctors are still taking that line after increased education on this. It is NOT your fault you get dehydrated, might it help your OH to read MOHs wonderful website? I'll come abck with the link. The puking makes it unavoidable. I did an experiment when I had a migraine recently. I was 3+ ketones within twelve hours from zero, though after each vomit I drank half a glass of water. As I wasn't pregant, there was no medical emerency, but it just shows how easy it is to get severely dehydrated when trying to fight it.
Tay I so know what you mean about tea, you're not allowed any comforts with this thing, I think. Kali used to home bowel rinsing out thing, not nice, but she was desperate, and it worked. There's those gel pessaries, which work for some, available from chemists.
Plastic Glad Ondansetron is helping.
Goldie You are very brave, I'm so glad it's the home stretch for you now, it's been a marathon. The Pink Castle awaits at the end, like on my old Snakes and Ladders set. Hugs.
Washngo Calamity and Kali and Everyone else I hope you are coping.
Apologies to anyone I've rudely ignored...
Lucinda
xx

[LucindaE]

MIssJ and others about uncomprehending relatives: - sites.google.com/site/pregnancysicknesssos/
Lucinda
xx

[wdobbs]

LucindaE - I'm in northern Ireland zofran is just the brand name ondansetron is the generic name it just depends on who you talk to how they call it - can anyone recommend any other drugs worth trying? I had metroclopromide (Maxalon) in the last pregnancy but don't want to take it this time as the side effects can be bad, I've been offered phenergan by the hospital which is now apparently the no.1 drug choice in the uk for hyperemesis but I can't do drowsy ... I'm a lost case :(

[BarmeeMarmee]

Hi Everyone! Wow it's been busy on here. Sorry there are so many suffering at the moment.

Wdobbs I'm on cyclizine along with ondansetron, don't know if that might be worth a try for you?

How is everyone doing today? Thinking of you all.

I'm still feeling hideously nauseous (seems to have got worse again) and getting occasions of fighting the bile that feels like it's rising in my throat, but so far haven't started actually vomiting again, despite also seemingly getting the coughing fits back that I had at the beginning. Have also now been put on calcium supplements (I have thin bones) but they taste like chalk and are huge things that have to be chewed which I'm really struggling with. Also have been summoned to the GP on Thursday morning as my Vitamin D levels are low so she's going to put me on a supplement for that too! I can't believe I'm having to take so much! On the plus side the GP has certified me "fit to travel" (lol, goodness knows how/why!) so we are off on holiday on Saturday for a week. I'm not sure how I'm going to manage a 3.30 am start followed by a flight and bus transfer (this was all booked before I was pregnant, I haven't gone totally insane!) but will have DH and inlaws with me to keep an eye on DS so I may have to just be very selfish and concentrate on getting myself there in one piece. We're off to Greece so I'm slightly concerned about how hot it will be, but we're staying in a hotel with it's own beach and several pools so if need be I shall wallow in the sea/pool for the week! By the time we come back I will be 32+1 and will have only about 4 weeks until I finish work. I can't wait now.

Hugs to all.

[Littleplasticpeople]

barmee I went away at 29/30 weeks too, I found the heat difficult but was ok as long as I took it easy, have a lovely time

wdobbs I think you should request ondansetron on prescription, given you have already been on it in hospital it seems perfectly logical that you should have it at home too. It is expensive, but my GP explained that they are allowed to prescribe it once they have tried a 'cascade' of other drugs. So over the course of about ten days I was given cyclizine, metaclopomide, domperidone and then ondansetron. Hope you are managing ok at the moment.

So I had my last growth scan and consultant appointment today. The consultant basically offered to induce me anytime after 37 weeks if (in her words) 'you reach the end of your tether'. Sooooo tempting to do it, but it would mean no home birth. Also I would never forgive myself if I ended up needing interventions affecting the baby just because I couldn't hack it for a few more weeks. So, I'm back in tomorrow for fluid and iron through an IV drip. Apparently last week's relapse has taken my levels too low for me to get back up myself, and they need to be a certain level for the home birth.

[take3]

Hope it's ok if I pop my head in on this thread.... 7 weeks now and feeling dreadful dreadful. Had 2 previous pregnancies with severe hyperemesis, thankfully only up to 20 weeks though. The good news is that this pregnancy seems 'better', not sure why, perhaps a 4 year break has made a difference. Anyway, now on Cyclizine, not keen to go on Ondansetron after my last pregnancy when I was so sick from hyperemesis and the constipation - just can't go there again.
Anyway, cause for a little celebration as not been in hospital yet and that is a record. Struggling though with 3 children.
Finding coke helps... any other tips?

[missJ30]

thanks so much for the links. I can totally get on board with how quickly you can get dehydrated. I was tested in hospital at midday and had 0 keytones and was discharged. By half past 7 I had to be readmitted and was plus 3. It can happen so quickly! I think what has been hard for others to understand is when I'm not vomitting but still can't bring myself to drink because of the extreme nausea. Almost every bloke who tries to "advise" just says, 'just drink loads and see if you vomit'. I just can't explain that I can't make myself do that. Ah well! Will take a look at that link, thanks very much.
Might forward it to my aunt and uncle-in-law who emailed yesterday to sympathise that 'morning sickness can be horrible, but don't worry, it doesn't last long'. Grrr!!!! (sorry to grumble!!)

Take3 - i think 7/8 weeks was my worst point. Just keep ticking the days away - they will pass. Am 14 weeks today and whilst still definitely not right, things feel very different to how they did when I look back at where you are now. You'll get there. This is my first and I take my hat off to all of you looking after other children at the same time - you are heroes.

[BarmeeMarmee]

Take3 welcome. Thinking of you and hoping things improve for you soon. I am taking comfort from you in knowing you've gone for it for a third time. This time has been far worse for me than first time round but I still would like more children and it helps to know other people have done the same.

MissJ30 - Grrr how annoying! Very frustrating isn't it?

How is everyone else? Kali? Goldie? I'm "doing a Lucinda and fussing!

LittlePlastic thank you - good to know you did the same and survived. I think I'll enjoy it when I'm there, just so worried about the flight and getting there in one piece!

[Tay1981]

Hi everyone

take3 I echo what others have said - 7/8/9 weeks was the worst point for me too. I'm 14 weeks now too and although not back to normal i feel a lot better than I did back then. Take one day at a time. Don't have any tips really - I kept finding that things worked for a few days then I couldnt stand the sight of them.

missJ totally get you about the sympathy. I'm sure even some of my good friends don't really believe how I feel. I was talking to one of them yesterday and she was like well I was very nauseous until 16 weeks but I decided not to take medication!!!! I was thinking but did not say that for me medication is not a choice its absolutely necessary if I want t be out of hospital.

barmee I live in Las Vegas which is HOT I find I can spend a short time outside without too much problem - is easier with a cold drink in hand and I have a big floppy hat which I swear helps. Just have to be careful not too much - I have fainted a couple of times which isnt pleasant and scared DD1 half to death. I also brought DD1 home to the UK at 9 weeks cos I couldnt cope at home anymore - I found the flight surprisingly ok even on my own. I had a plan for DD1's activities and such which helped. And packed my bag full of snacks I knew I could eat so didn't have to look at plane food and also mints and a hanky with lavender so I didnt have to smell it either. It'll it be worth it when you get there have a great time.

[take3]

Thanks all, actually had quite a good day until around 4pm - and the Cyclizine made me so drowsy I actually slept well for once. Feeling awful now so this will be short - the screen makes me feel worse.
Encouraging to know that 7,8,9 weeks have been the worst for some. This pregnancy is def better than previous ones but I still feel so dreadful. Feeling guilty too after being very impatient and unloving towards our 3 children today - they don't even know I am pregnant.
It does pass - one positive is that you can't pause time...so this does come to an end. I also keep thinking of all those poor women around the world with no hospital near, no medication and nobody to help out. That keeps me going. There are things to give thanks for, however awful this is.

[wdobbs]

Take3
You are right I always think that with my last pregnancy if I had lived somewhere without basic needs I would not have made it, I often think of charlotte bronte who is said to have died from what we now know is hyperemesis. I had a midwife who told me that her sister suffer HG throughout the entire pregnany but she wanted 4 kids and refused to let it stop her i thought if she can do it, I can do it, it helps that I know this will be the last time I have to do it, it's a short time in your whole life to me it will be worth this. We are lucky to have such medical support & also emotional support via these feeds, I'm just trying to take
Each day & week at a time il be 9 weeks on Friday and that sounds amazing to me compared to 6 weeks! I just have to get I 12 & even though I don't see it until after I know il start to improve I'm hoping if history repeats itself I should be ok by week 18, my
Daughters 3rd birthday week. Keep treading

[horseynewmum]

Hi all

I'm sorry not been on but life is so hetic with Lily. She now 15 weeks. I'll tell you ladies these 15 weeks have gone quicker then first 15 weeks of pregnancy.

I'm shocked how many new names are up here. I'm so sorry to hear so many you are suffering. I've not read all your posts but my thoughts are with you all.

One bit advice I can give is moisturise. Yes I know its the last thing your thinking off doing but please try to do it or get someone to do it for you. When your dehydrated your body saps moisture from your skin making it dry and itchy. I believe this is why I've ended up with really bad stretch marks on my belly, thighs, inner thighs and boobs, as my skin was so dry from dehydration that when my bump started to appear it didnt have the elasty(sp?) it needed to expand nice. I'd recommend Bio oil, expensive but worth it.

thoughts are with you all

x x x

[washngo]

Hi all, sorry haven't posted in ages. Had been doing relatively well and seemed like meds working quite effectively. Had the most horrendous night last night though. Up for six solid hours diarreah and vomiting (sorry tmi!) and the most agonising stomach cramps. It was so painful. Phoned midwife and described pains and she has moved my 12 week scan to tomorrow (will be 11 weeks) just to check things. Feel so horrendous today after no sleep last night.

Hope others are feeling better than I am!

[goldie32]

Barmee thanks for the mention. Am ok thanks, been for another GTT today and awaiting a scan to measure bump as they think I am too big for dates. Feeling fine though thanks, just tired. Hope everyone else is well today. Love to all. x

[LucindaE]

Hello Everyone Goodness, we are busy at the moment, you poor things all, but you will be the lucky ones soon enough.
Take Welcome, sorry things are so bad, poor you, I agree with others about being at the worst stage, do ice lollies or jelly help at all?
TaY I hope not too hot.
Horsey Lovely to hear from you, so nice of you to come on and encourage people.
Barmee How awful about those supplements when you are still nauseated, how disgusting to take. Good luck for holiday, role on ML.
Washngo Sorry abot awful blip and never worry about tmi here, there can't be any such thing on here. I hope you are feeling a bit better now?
Kali I hope coping?
MissJ Oh no, about such a horribly early re-admission, surely they could have prescirbed drugs that worked a little bit better than that?!
Plastic So agree about Wdobbs and Ondansetron (or Zofran).
Goldie Good luck with tests. How awful tests are when you feel awful anyway.
Hugs to any who want them. Sorry if I've rudely overlooked anyone.
Lucinda
xx

[Littleplasticpeople]

So I went in for fluids and iron IV today, at nearly 36 week damn it! Anyway, on the antenatal ward in the bed opposite was a poor girl chucking up to point of dehydration still at 17 weeks. The doctor came round and actually said to her 'are you sure you haven't eaten anything dodgy, morning sickness should have stopped by now' poor, poor girl just gave him a look that only a fellow HG sufferer would understand. Of course doc then came to me- that stumped him, still vomiting at 36 weeks!

Keep battling x

[LucindaE]

Plastic Poor you, I'm sorry I didn't put in that bit of my message for you. Hugs at still suffering at this stage - I didn't know you were still being sick, that is truly awful! I am speechless about that doctor's ignorance. It's outrageous, what did he mean by hectoring the poor girl like that?! I hope he comes back in the next life as a snail for that (and is accidentally put into a mug of fresh mint tea by a Hyperemesis Sufferer as happened to me!).
Lucinda
xx

[wdobbs]

After a few very bad days & vomiting blood I have managed to get zofran from the GP so the mix of that and cyclizine have made a great improvement and I think will keep me out of hospital until the worst
Is over - they are 8mg melts I need to take 2 during the day but now I'm really worried about the constipation you have all been talking about but it can't be helped its that or throw every 45 mins and be in hospital for the next 3 weeks & I can't face that. Hope everyone is feeling ok & managing, it's sad but thinking about planning Christmas is the only thing keeping my mind off nausea and looking forward, whatever helps right

[LucindaE]

Wdobbs Thanks goodness for that, but how barbaric you have had to suffer so long. What were the doctors thinking of? How many times were you in hospital? Sorry about the nausea, and hugs to you. 'This Too Will Pass'.
Plastic How are you after such a dismal experience?
I hope Everyone is surviving (goes of clucking).
Lucinda
xx

[CalamityJ]

It's fascinating to read everyone's interpretation of how they are feeling. It all resonates so strongly that you know you must all be experiencing the same thing. It's so interesting to hear comments from doctors like "it should have passed by now" (mid wife said that on Weds & doctor who prescribed the cyclizine the week before said the same thing). I KNOW WHAT THE BOOKS SAY! BUT TRY TELLING MY BODY THAT! And interesting about blokes saying "just try & drink something' like if it was that easy you'd have been doing it all along! horseynewmum thanks for the advise on moisturising. My lips & legs have been so dry but they were the least of my worries! Will pay more attention to them. I've discovered a sneaky way of getting liquid which is good(ish) for me & stays down. The tinned fruit cocktail goes down very easily & the light syrup it's in is delicious. DH is off to Sainsburys to stock up!