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 for sufferers, with information about medications, coping strategies, hospital admissions, useful links, advice for family members, and much more.

I would like to thank MOH and Everyone who has given such invaluable support and advice on this and on previous threads.

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

[Hyperhelpmum]

Feekerry that is total horse shit!!! What the hell is wrong with these GPs???? Promethezine did zero for me and consultant prescribed cyclizine and ondansetron once I was admitted. Its true that my GP point blank refused to give me ondansetron despite having had a prescription from consultant. How can medical recommendations change in 10 weeks (when I was prescribed ondan) it's coz it's expensive and local trust won't pay only acute care trust ie hospital will. I feel so angry on your behalf. Cyclizine is also an antihistamine so GP can shove it with that advice. Go back and demand cyclizine if I were you. Grrrrr!!!!

[Sally8655]

Hi feekerry, I'm so sorry they didn't give you what you'd hoped for. The first drug I was given was promothezine and it didn't do a thing for me. I tried it with vit B6. It made me vomit more. From my research it does work for a lot of women, but I think it's more for mild sickness and not HG sufferers. I could be wrong though.
I would try and speak with a different doctor. I had promothezine, metoclopramide, procloperazine, cyclizine and now finally ondansetron. I did however have to beg to be given some to try as your all aware. I don't know why every doctor seems to have such different opinions regarding the matter. Surely there should be some sort of up to date guidelines for all doctors to adhere to.

I thought that these drugs were becoming more widely known to be safe. If they are not ive really given my baby bad odds. I shudder to think and feel so guilty. But talking with my husband last night, he told me the risk of me carrying on the way I was would have been worse for both of us.

Is there any way you can call your local maternity department. I did this for advice a few times. Maybe they will arrange a prescription for you. I'm sure they would rather that than you having to be admitted.

I hope it works out for you soon xx

[LucindaE]

Feekerry Caitlin Dean (head of Pregnancy Sickness Support) advises either phone the number and a medic called Tony will get back to you, or email her direct on [email protected] and she'll advise you asap.
Hyper So agree, it's weird. How are you doing?
Lucinda
xx

[Sally8655]

Just to add, I don't know if anybody else has had problems with their pharmacy or not but they have been horrendous with my husband. When he went to collect my ondansetron. She took my husband to one side and asked why I was taking it. If I knew the risks and how harmful it could be and wasn't going to give it to him to begin with. Luckily, I've kept hubby in the know, and we have discussed each prescription at length. He was able to tell the pharmacist that we knew it was a catagory b drug and that we were informed it was fine to take for my HG. He said he had to be really forceful with her.
Who she thought she was, I mean, I had a flippin prescription. Surely a doctor knows better than a boots pharmacist!
Sorry ranting alot lately x

[LucindaE]

Feekerry do follow up the message from Pregnancy Sickness Support as below, just cross posted withSally Sally Don't worry at all, they are safe, any number of women have been on them and they don't do any harm, it's to do with some medical protocol Ondansetron hasn't been cleared,it's routinely used in the US as Zofran for Hyperemesis. As your OH says, the dangers of chronic dehydration, which is the alternative, are very severe.
Baby will be fine .
Lucinda
xx

[RNJ3007]

Sally Don't worry - I used all but ondansetron with DD, and she's a giant, healthy almost 4y.o who made up for being a tiddler very quickly (2nd centile at birth for weight, now a slim but healthy 20-ish kg! Bear in mind she's now 116cm!)

And my pharmacist was the one who suggested ondansetron, followed up by midwife when I was an in patient. GP refused on cost grounds, but hospital demanded they make it a repeat prescription and they caved. Please do follow up, the alternative of no meds/no effective meds don't bear thinking about.

I've not kept down food in 30 hours... But tolerating fluids, so trying for litre #4 as I type this.

My daughter (nosey Parker who asked who you all are!) says 'thank you for being kind to my mummy. Sicky makes her sad.'

[Tallyra]

Fee I am fuming for you. What right does that gp have to withhold recommended drugs that will help you? They are basically torturing you for being ill.
Don't let them do that. Make a fuss. I know you feel like crap but they need to change their mind.
Sending you hugs!!!!!

[LucindaE]

FekerryI hope you got hold of Pregnancy Sickness SOS emergency line or emailed Caitlin, re my post below?
Hyper RNJ and Tallyra I so agree. The pieemeal approach to this scourge is all wrong. I think new guildelines are being drawn up, and they're needed.
Lucinda
xx

[feekerry]

Hello all. Thank you for your helpful advice. After some calls and pointing people in right direction i have got a prescription for both ondansatron and cyclzine. Phew.

Its just stupid when you know what will work and they refuse to give it to you. Your advice was all v helpful and when i spoke to the doc again she couldn't really argue her point. She did try the old "it'll pass by 12 weeks" hmm i know it won't!

Off to get my prescription x

[Sally8655]

So pleased for you feekerry. Hope you feel better as soon as you pop them pills :-)

I'm still feeling completely drained and stuck in bed. The nausea is pretty bad at times, especially the evenings, even with the tablets. Not throwing up though.
Currently trying to rack my brains thinking of something I could eat. Most things once I've tried it, I can't eat it again. Really running out of options.
Although its not completely tempting, strawberries and popcorn are still the safest by far. They usually help keep the hunger at bay without making me feel more nauseas.

I'm also finding it really hard to drink fluids. I'm trying my best but just don't feel thirsty at all and although trying to sip throughout the day there's no way I'm managing 2 litres. I'd be lucky to get down one. I know this is really bad but it's not without trying.
I'm gona ask my dad to make his hearty broth. Might try some jelly too. Yuk I know but I suppose it's fluids in a round about way.
Gosh I digress when i type, sorry. It's the only contact with the outside world for me right now. Lol

Counting down the days till this is over and I'm able to get out of bed! Xxx

[feekerry]

sally have you actually been to hospital? Maybe if you are still no better it might be worth getting admitted? At least they can top up your fluids via a drip? I always felt better once coming out if hospital. Might give your body a kick start?

[LucindaE]

Feekerry Great news, I'm so glad.
Sally Really sorry you are suffering like this. It's very hard to take in enough liquid, did you come by those kestostix to check? I so agree about jelly, and I found the juice of tinned fruit helpful,besides the flat full sugar coke. Iron bru and Lucozade (often left to go flat) and sometimes Dr Pepper were helpful for me, but a lot on here don't find that. I used to make mint tea out of fresh mint, though once I included a snail (envy].
waves How are things?
RNJ Loub Hyperand Everyone?
Lucinda
xx

[Sally8655]

Had IV fluids a couple of weeks ago but not been in since. Really didn't want to go back as I didn't have the best experience.
Think I must be at my peak with the sickness as im feeling really yuk today. Was just trying to think of something for lunch when I wretched a few times resulting in full blown being sick :-( i really thought I was really over that part as I hadn't thrown up since last Friday.
Will get some ketostix off my mum later as we have type 1 diabetics in family so I'm sure they'll have some.
A little bit worried due to seeing stars and muscle pain in arms and legs. It's not constant but annoying. Can't go back in to hospital, it's really not the best time for being a burden on family having to take me etc. if it doesn't let up ill call my GP.

[RNJ3007]

Hi all.

Lucinda - having some not so fun times and it is showing. My grandmother is in hospital and not doing well. Having lost my maternal grandmother during my first pregnancy, it has me freaking out. Emotionally battered, still not eaten as feel so awful, but have managed 2.5l of water, 1l of lucozade sport and 1l of various fruit juices.

Trying crutches due to SPD, waiting for physio appt.

3w2d until end of term...desperately hanging on. Still not even in maternity clothes at 31w...

Pleased for you feekerry, thinking of you Sally. Hope waves and everyone are all surviving.x

[Sally8655]

Rnj, so sorry you've got worries on top if being so poorly. That must be terrible for you. Well done for your fluid intake, hope u can manage some food soon too.
Just think it'll not be long till your holding your baby and the end of sickness is in sight.
Hope your grandmother is ok, thinking of you x

Still feeling like I'm dying, been sick a few times today and not eaten much either. Dreading the next few days when ill be left to fend for myself while hubby is away each day. He works from home usually so I've not had to do much at all. Then next Thursday he is away to Australia for 2 weeks with work and I'm still stuck in bed all day everyday. Need to get better soon or I'm stuffed.

[Reebok]

Hello ladies, just checking in. Not been on for a while due to the stress of work. Sorry to see so many are still suffering. I really hope it calms down for you.

I started my maternity leave...finally...however unfortunately despite being 36+4, the vomiting and nausea has returned again and I've had a severe case of projectile vomiting. Feeling awful and been in bed all day. Also getting pretty bad period pains so midwife has said its possible I may go into labour early. Hopefully if I do, little one will be ok.

[feekerry]

Hello all.
Hope you are okay sally?
I am currently feeling much better on ondansatron and cyclizine cocktail.
Just trying to work out the most effective quantity and timings to maximise the benefits....can't remember how i worked it last time.
I have already lost half a stone in 10 day so no one will guess i am preggers. Lol.
Due back to work on Monday so hoping i can regain some strength by then.
Q question.....
I was given a repeat prescription but the review date says last year. Does this mean if i drop this in they are not going to prescribe as the review date is overdue?
I bet they want me to see a doctor before they prescribe again. Gits

[Sally8655]

Pleased you got your drugs and they're taking effect feekerry. Not too sure about the prescription.
I'm still not too clever. I've resorted to downing prune juice today as fibergel and other remedies havnt quite worked and look more like 6 months pregnant rather than 9 weeks.
Managed to eat some frosties and a packet of salt n vinegar squares today.
I've got an awful taste in my mouth which nothing will get rid of. It's been like that for days. Has anybody else got this problem. It's like I've eaten metal! I'm sure it's making me gag more than food. Sorry tmi.
Running out of things to watch and listen to in bed now. Rather bored, which Im sure is making me think more about how I dreadful I feel.

[LucindaE]

Sally Never worry about tmi on here, no such thing - I remember the metallic taste, foul. I used to suck old fashioned barley sugar sweets from a funny sweet shop but nothing really shifted it. Is the seeing stars due to low blood pressure? Can anyone come in while DH away? I remember now how horrible you said it was waiting and in the ward you were in.
I'm anxious you're dehydrated already. Does your head ache?
RNJ Sorry about your Grandmother, that is very sad [hugs], and having to sue crutches is a bit depressing. Not in maternity clothes, goodness.
Reebok Glad ML has started, but how depressing the sickness is worse. It doesn't ever seem to have gone properly away in your case for more than a little while. I don't know how you kept going. I think I have heard that at thirty six weeks the baby's lungs are fully developed so it's OK if they are born from then on?
Feekerry Oh no, did someone make an error, surely it is obvious that it is one...Going back on Monday seems a bit early, mother hen thinks...
Sorry to anyone rudely over looked/cross posted.
Lucinda
xx

[wavesandsmiles]

I second advice not to go back to work too early. I kept trying and ended up completely signed off (and then made redundant but that's another story)

Weird day for me. Still bein sick obviously, but had a package of gifts for me and the baby left on my doorstep by exH, and also a long letter emailed from him, being v apologetic and now my head is spinning. Also getting v frequent BH and praying nothing is yet imminent as I want my little boy to stay inside as long as possible to get the weight on.

Confusing times.

[Sally8655]

Hi lucinda, I've used the ketostix and no ketones so I can't be dehydrated. Have had the dizziness for a good few weeks now. Stars is a recent thing though. Each time my bp has been taken its been high so don't think it's that.
I've tested my sugar levels with sisters monitor and its normal.
Good news is the prune juice was amazing at its job, a little too good. Feel so much less bloated and sore now.
I've got nobody to stay with my while hubby's away, at least nobody who would be of any help anyway.
Going to have to go it alone I'm afraid. I'm normally the most independent of people, you'd never of thought do now as I get upset being alone for and hour.
I have turned into a bit if an emotional mush lately, these hormones are evil and I worry at every twinge or pain.
Found out this afternoon I'm being made redundant in August after 11 years with the same company since leaving school. The redundancy package better be good as ill not have my maternity pay now :-( how's that for timing x

[LucindaE]

waves I am glad he is sorry, he ought to be! . Fingers crossed BH doesn't lead to anything.
Sally Glad no ketones, but ]oh no, you too made redundant, waves was only a short while ago, really, it is too bad for both of you. Really sorry there isn't anyone to look after you. I think you can get a volunteer in from Pregnancy Sickness Support if necessary, but you might not like that idea.
Lucinda
xx

[LucindaE]

Well, I hope Everyone is alive, ketones not too high, no murders have been committed over ginger biscuit recommendations, or suggestions to 'get on with it' and OH's are showing 'slavish devotion' (I got that phrase from an old novel...
Lucinda
xx

[feekerry]

Hello all.
Still being bit sick despite ondansatron but it is a vast improvement.
I will never never never be having another baby by the way. I will never go thru this again. I am so looking forward to having this baby and knowing i will never be doing this again.
Anyhoo.... Off to buy salt and vinegar squares after reading sally post a few up. Sorry to hear re job.
How far gone is everyone on here who is expecting? I am about 8 weeks me thinks...

[Sally8655]

Hi, I'm still alive and suffering. I've been surviving on kids fruit juice cartons and mango sorbet today.
I've even ordered an Indian specifically for the salty popodoms and onion salad. I'm sure hubby will manage the rest. It's very random and weird the things I think I can eat. I even woke last night thinking on aniseed balls from the old fashioned sweet shops.
I'm not too worried about the job as I'm so ill, couldn't even think of having to go back to work. I'm a travel agent so I'm sure when the times right it'll be easy enough to find work again.
Still have the yacky taste in mouth and can not get rid of it.
So glad you've had some improvement feekerry,I'm 9 weeks and it feels like its been forever already. I also am never going to put myself through this again! As soon as I can, ill be getting some sort of implant or coil and will never temp fate again. This wasn't planned for me right now, sure I wanted it at some point and I'm really warming to the fact that we've been given such a precious gift when so many people can't. However, never again after feeling like this. Once will be enough for me. It really annoys me when people say to me, they never had sickness at all and they don't understand what the fuss is about. Yesterday I felt like pulling her hair out.