Emetophobic.. a few Qs about MS.

[freneticfox]

I got my BFP this morning and I'm utterly thrilled; we've been trying for just four weeks. It's a bit of a shock!

I also recently finished undergoing a course of therapy to address my phobia of being sick - emetophobia. While I feel confident that I have overcome the worst of my phobia, I'm suddenly very apprehensive about what might be in store for me over the next few weeks - especially since I have quite a busy job!

If I was able to just take time off and look after myself I'm 99% sure I'd deal with any MS just fine at the point. But there's a period of work at the end of June where it would be hugely inconvenient for my workplace if I were to be off. I'm massively worried about having MS around the clock and turning into a fountain of vom, throwing up all over the office...

Please tell me I'm just over-dramatising it in my head?!

Congratulations!

I have no experience of emetophobia but I just wanted to reassure you that I was not sick at all throughout 2 pregnancies (okay, the second one's still going, but I'm out of the woods puking-wise). I felt quite nauseous and was completely knackered, but was not actually sick. My SIL is 20 weeks now and said she hasn't even felt sick at all. So it doesn't happen to everyone.

Perhaps some relaxation mp3s or natal hypnotherapy might help with the general anxiety? I found the latter great for dealing with my anxiety about giving birth.

Thank you mummybare

I've learned how to deal with my anxiety in positive ways, like I say my main concern is missing time off work! It's all so new!

I'm not sure this is what you want to hear, but I was sick every day up until late morning with both pregnancies. I was sick in the office toilets quite a lot - that's how my colleagues guessed I was pregnant.

I managed to get to work every day though, and there certainly won't be *a fountain of vom, throwing up all over the office...". You'll have plenty of time to get to the toilets.

Work will be sympathetic. I'm sure you're not the first pregnant woman to throw up at work.

Would you be able to work from home for a bit, if it gets too bad?

My tip would be to have a Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. That should stop you feeling nausea as you'll never get really hungry. Even just a dozen whole almonds or a small banana should do the trick.x

Best thing you can do is get plenty of good quality rest (exercise is fine, too, but get your rest). My MS was much worse when I was tired.

Hi OP.

I could have written your post 14 weeks ago. I too suffer from emetophobia and when I found out I was pregnant, suffered from the same thoughts and fears that you have.

I was still having cbt when I found out and I found talking through all the scenarios with my therapist helped. I also found that being pregnant made me more determined to be able to handle my anxiety.

As my gp was aware of my emeto, I was prescribed anti-emetics from the beginning but only took them as a last resort. Buy some travel sickness bands, eat little and often and most of all listen to your body

And please believe me that it can and will be easier than you think to handle it. You are stronger than you realise. The first time is the worst but after that it does get easier.

Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

Thank you all; definitely feel a little less overwhelmed. My husband is wonderfully supportive but unfortunately he works quite a distance from me!

I told my boss a short while ago, because of the hectic few weeks we've got coming up, so at least it's on the table now. Working from home might not be a problem.. here's hoping. Fingers crossed I don't suffer too hard!

Do bear in mind that vomiting round the clock and all over the office is at the extreme end of morning sickness. Most people who have it have some nausea, maybe throw up a few times. So you are really thinking worst case with your scenario (short of actually getting HG).

I've never been sick in three pregnancies, and just nauseous a handful of times. That is more common than you might think, especially since in films and tv copious vomiting is always the first pregnancy sign!

I had MS with all my pregnancies, but never vomited at all. Just felt dire!

Things that helped:

Taking naps whenever possible, because being tired made the MS worse. At its peak, I had to have a nap between coming home from work and eating supper, otherwise I could not eat at all.

Never skipping meals. Being hungry or thirstymakes it worse, so I always had bland snacks and drinks to hand.

Never over-eating. Better to stop while slightly in satisfied and have a snack later, than to stuff and feel over-full.

Having a cracker/biscuit and a small drink of water as soon as I woke up,before I even got out of bed.

Things that helped when I was feeling nauseous:
Ice cubes/ice lollies, black pepper, ginger biscuits.

Enjoy your pregnancy!

In 3 pregnancies I've never had nausea or vomited, no symptoms at all except for discomfort in joints. You might be ok.

Thank you all for being so supportive.. out here in the 'orrid real world when I've explained my phobia to people they've scoffed and said 'well NO one likes being sick', but I assure them it's a very real anxiety disorder!

I'm much better now though. I think it's still just my biggest concern of the first trimester (after mc of course).

Eeek, so excited!