Hyperemesis Support

[LucindaE]

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.

MOH's wonderful website is full of useful information on this illness:
sites.google.com/site/pregnancysicknesssos/
Another invaluable website is:
www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/
If you need help in obtaining medication, this phone number is
brilliant:
024 7638 2020

Lastly, the NICE guidelines on treatment are useful:
cks.nice.org.uk/nauseavomiting-in-pregnancy#!prescribinginfosub

I would like to thank 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.
So many women on this thread have thought they couldn't get through this, but they did.

Morning Freckle sorry things have got worse but the ladies on here usually say you feel a good bit better after an admission so look forward to that. This won't last forever. This won't last forever. Keep saying it :)

Elizabethsmum thanks for the reply, I've probably had 4-5 weeks of feeling better now, just relapsed a couple of times in that period when attempting to lower meds. I upped them again straight away the last two times, I'm thinking if that happens again I might try and power through for a few days in case it's just my body adapting rather than the sickness coming back?

Feeling a bit low this morning as someone commented on a snap of me on Facebook, saying my god look at the size of you. As in huge. I find so many people are being so rude, there's a lady at work who keeps telling me how close to giving birth I look. I'm 19 weeks with twins and last time bump was measured it was only 3 weeks ahead of a single pregnancy. Why do people think they can be so rude at a time when you're feeling more sensitive than usual?!

Freckle sorry you went trough a traumatic night but glad you are in the right place now. Are you still on fluids?

Emsy I said similar to a friend that's a bit further on than you the other day. It was a bump compliment but I fluffer it. They seriously won't mean it in a bad way!! Don't get down about it.

Morning everyone freckle sorry you have been admitted but it is also a relief when you have got to that stage and the iv will hopefully make you feel a lot better. hope you manage a bit of toast.

emsy was just thinking is dr wanting you to reduce as that is one of the stronger meds?? sorry it is not one I am familiar with unusually for me as have been on most! is it one you can take alongside something else that is milder - cyclizine for example. just a thought that if dr is so keen for you to reduce- maybe have a backup plan- I tolerated cyclizine a lot better once it was in my system as is cumulative so maybe you could run both alongside for a few days and then reduce the stronger meds while keeping on with the cyclizine (if you have any still stockpiled ) I guess I am a bit cynical about coming off the meds 'to order' - it is so awful if you relapse as you know! just an idea anyway- obviously if it doesn't go to plan then you can start taking them again but am not sure about powering through- just would hate for you to end up ill again iyswim?

as for people's rude comments- ime such opinions fall into the 'ginger biscuit catgory' and are best ignored

Freckle Really sorry things were bad enough for you to be admitted. I hope you are feeling better now, with the fluids going in. This stage is the worst; things will get a lot better, honestly, as elizabethsmum and Emysmarie know.
Glitterbug How are you this morning? How did the night go?
Everyone?
elizabethsmum Great advice re meds, as ever. I can't believe how many twin pregnancies we have at the moment. Is it three?
Also, Everyone We have so many new people, that I wonder if we ought to start a new list from scratch. I have Oklahoma's due date (though I hope she pre-empts it) and Kalidasa's and Georges and a few others, but most people's now,I don't yet know. Of course, some haven't been given one yet. 'This Too Must Pass'.
xx

Morning all, Freckle I am so sorry things got worse, at least you're getting help now and resting.
Emsy I used to hate the bump comments. I used to get asked if it was twins/octuplets all the time, despite me never measuring big with the midwife at all, although I am quite short and have a small frame so I did look like Mr Greedy. However afterwards I did the exact same thing when faced with a pregnant woman...said 'your bump is so small!' Felt like a right twat. I guess our bumps are pretty obvious so it's the first thing people comment on. I would much rather a bump comment then someone touch it, or as I had at a Christmas party, a drunk male colleague kiss it!
Today is the first day in a week that I will have had to look after DD on my own. Slightly worried how I will cope, I haven't been sick in a few days because I have been lying down all day. She's 17 months so on the go constantly. We've just had breakfast so I am lying on the couch trying to keep it down while she watches cbeebies. I have to walk the dog too later, sigh. The cyclizine has been great at stopping the vomiting, it doesn't stop the nausea though and just compounds the fatigue so I still don't feel like I have my life back.
Hope everyone else is ok, Glitter how are you? X

Hi all, you're right I must ignore these people, they would probably be horrified if they knew they'd upset me.

Elizabethsmum I tried cyclizine at the beginning but it had no effect on me at all, not good or bad. I've thrown them away now oops!! The GP was suggesting that the meds are supposed to be short term so if I'm ok I should try coming off them. I'm only going to go down from 3 a day to 2 to start with. I know what you mean, I'm so grateful to feel normal again I'm keen not to interfere! The GP did suggest I discuss with consultant next week too so I'll see what he says. Feeling ok so far today!

Lucinda I think I gave you my due date as 19 March but that changed to 15th. Then again they take at least two weeks off anyway so I'm planning on a vague February due date!!

Emysmarie I'll make a note of that date. Sorry, I missed your comments. How much weight did you lose? I think that emphasizes it. Even if you did look huge, what do the idiots expect with twins, and you say you're measurements are small, so really...
xx

Thanks for the kind words guys! Lucinda where can I get ketostix from? I'm feeling better this morning. Went to bed very early and have only just gotten up. Don't have the dizziness I had yesterday so that's a positive!
Will defo be going back to the GP tomorrow to see if there's anything else they can do. Problem is I'm also breastfeeding so that rules out some meds too.

Hi ladies. Hope you don't mind me joining in but just looking for some advice. I'm 13 weeks today and have been off work since week 6. Doctor has said I have hyperemesis and just starting to feel really down. I'm a teacher and currently on two week half term break and I'm supposed to be returning to work next week. Although I'm only being sick about once a day I'm still feeling horrendous. It is the constant nausea that I can't deal with. If I don't eat I feel ill and if I eat too much I feel ill, I just cannot seem to manage it and feel so useless. I get the impression from work that they think I'm being pathetic. I'm on cyclizine but it makes me very drowsy and doesn't take the nausea away. Going back to the doctors this week but not sure what to say? I think it's the work thing that's getting me down so much, the longer I'm off the more stressed I feel about going back. My job is stressful enough and just don't know how I'm going to cope. Sorry for moaning, I know some of you have it a lot worse than me. Just looking for some friendly support xx

Dolly hi! I am on cyclizine too and it has stopped the vomiting but not the nausea and it too makes me drowsy. Based on that, I am not happy working (I work for the police in a front line role so would be putting people in danger). As a teacher, surely you're in a similar position? Feeling drowsy and in charge of children can't be a good thing? On top of that rest is so important in managing the vomiting and sickness. You should see a huge improvement in your symptoms now you are starting the second trimester so you might not need much longer off. You're not useless, you are trying to cope with hg and its hard. Work can lump it! I would definitely look at the pregnancy sickness support website above and call them if you have any trouble getting what you need from the doctor or aren't getting support from work. X

Dolly Welcome, there's other safe meds they can try so don't hesitate togo back. You can get a lot of information about meds on the links but in Meerka and others we have excellent people coming on this thread who know a lot about them, too. Try the 024 7638 2020 PSS number, too, they'll have to ring you back but a sympathetic doctor will give you good advice about meds.
PretzelPrincess You can buy kesostix from a chemist or online.
Muddy Good advice. Hope you feel slightly better today.
Hope everyone is managing, both in and out of hospital. Oh dear, we have a lot of people suffering badly at the moment.
It's odd that ToAvoidConversation and I used exactly the same phrase to Glitterbug at exactly the same time. I've long believed in synchronicity, though! However, I'm sure nobody wants my metaphysical ramblings when all they can think of is their stomach...
Usual apologies to anyone overlooked/with whom I've cross posted.
xx

HI dolly

stemetil (prochlorperazine) might be a good alternative. Or promethazine, which is like a stronger version of cyclizine, but it will probably make you even sleepier, you shouldn't try that if you have to drive.

Metoclopramide is another possibility, though that can only be used for short periods.

Ondansetron is the best but it's also sadly expensive so they probably won't give it you.

It is probably a good idea to ask for stemetil.

We know how you feel, all too well, the sickness is unbearable

and hello eveyrone

Hi all, I've been a bit stupid today. Decided it was time I ventured out, 15 minute walk to meet DP and DS who had gone out earlier, try a bite to eat and get a few bits of baby shopping I've been putting off. I ended up locked in a stall in the supermarket toilets for about 20 minutes vomiting non stop and then again outside in a hedge. So embarrassing, people probably thought I was drunk. Now back home in bed.

31 weeks today, can't see it stopping now until the baby is out.

Sorry for those suffering and in hospital xx

Afternoon everyone. I have finally been discharged from hospital with a combo of ondansetron, metoclopramide and prochlorperazine (plus cyclizine if I need it), I feel like a walking pharmacy!

I have vomited only once today so far but still feeling a nauseous, though nowhere near as bad as I have been feeling. I was told to return to hospital again if things got worse again.

I am so sorry to hear so many are having such a rough time at the moment. Gentle hugs to all of you.

glad you are home durham fingers crossed for continued improvements. try and continue to rest as much as possible as easily tempting to overdo it when feeling a little better.

you poor thing bas- hg is so blardy unforgiving. back to hibernation then?! Xxx

waves to all xx

Hi everyone, I was hoping to get home yesterday because I still feel dreadful and thought what's the point in lying in a hospital bed feeling like this when I could be lying in my own bed feeling like this. They have been giving me cyclizine via the cannula which makes me feel very woozy and drowsy (anyone else?). Had a frank discussion with the dr last night telling him whilst it's fine to give me this via a drip right now, cyclizine alone didn't work at home so I wanted to discuss options. He said his advice would be cyclizine and stemetil together which I agreed to go with and have now been taking. I asked if any other better options and he said there was one other med which could be tried but he wouldn't recommend as "it's not that great". He didn't really want to tell me the name but eventually let slip it was ondanestron. I'm now wondering if he doesn't want to prescribe that because it's expensive? I will try his recommendation but if things don't improve I'm going to push for the ondanestron I think as I can't go on like this.
Best wishes to everyone x

Oh I should maybe have added that I didn't get home so I'm still in as struggling to take fluids orally and food not staying down. Have tried a fortisip but didn't go well.
For anyone struggling with that horrible nauseous taste have you tried peppermint oil? A really nice midwife gave me a little cup of it last night and advised to take a tiny but and swirl it round my mouth and it really does help the taste for a little while anyway. It's a peppermint syrupy oil thing. x

In haste - ondansetron is bloody brilliant but expensive. So yes, he was probably afraid of the cost. It's actually one of the relatively few that have massive studies done on 'em in pregnancy too.

Actually though cyclizine and stemetil isn't a bad option at all to see if it works. If it doesn't then cyclizine n ondansetron will probably be the best option, but (sorry) it does seem an idea to try cyc. and stemetil first. Give it 2-3 days.

cyclizine does make some people woozy yeah. Be careful if you have to drive!

Peppermint oil - brilliant idea!

Morning all

Will catch up properly later but looks like Meerka, Lucinda and E's mum have it covered.

Sympathy and hugs to everyone suffering.

Still pregnant and still puking over here. Come ON baby.

Just deleted a long post, as elizabethsmum did the other day.
basgetti So sorry about that, that sounds horrible. Hugs. Those Public Puking Performances are the worst. I'm sure though,at this stage your belly is big enough for people to know you're not just hammered. It's awful that for you and for Oklahoma Hyperemesis just hangs on and on, like an unwanted guest. Cyber hugs on offer to both and for all feeling low, if required.
Freckle It's tiresome they are so reluctant to prescribe Ondansetron, it does seem to be the last one they try because of the expense, and if it doesn't work alone, then a cocktail wth it and then steroids. You may well get a lot of relief from the stemetil added and if it does make you woozy, at least you can use that for napping, and everyone says it does decrease as you get used to it.
DurhamRed So glad you are out at last, and as others say, do rest as much as you can.
No sign of Glitterbug and that makes me anxious she's been admitted, but if so I hope she's getting some rest and relief.
MuddyLettuce How are things today?
Meerka Waves. We'll have to do without lovely Meerka for a bit, as she's off on a much needed holiday.
Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked.
Hope everyone is coping today.
xx

Happy holidays Meerka have a fab time.

Happy holidays Meerka.
I have been wondering where Glitter is, I hope she's ok. Hope Freckle gets to go home soon.
I am ok, still keeping food and water down, cyclizine plus a lot of rest is getting me through. I am so so fed up of the nausea and the fatigue now. I don't have the energy for anything. I can just about feed and water DD and the dog but that's about it. I have no life.
Although it could be worse, some people in here are suffering much more. Bad day I guess.
I called the doctors this morning in an attempt to get a sick note sorted but as usual they make things difficult, waiting on a call back. I can't imagine they will say no, I don't plan on accepting a no either. I feel I am only keeping things down because I am resting, take that opportunity away and I suspect I will be back to square one. Not to mention the fact that I will be putting people's lives at risk going to work off my tits on cyclizine (I am very sensitive to drugs, ended up in A&E recently after a reaction to cold and flu tablets! Very embarrassing!) and ultimately I am not willing to put my livelihood on the line, it'll be me hauled in front of psd if anything goes wrong. So, I am stressing about that anticipating a fight.

freckle sorry you are still in but hopefully you will soon notice some improvement when enough iv fluid on board! I posted on the cyclizine issue the other day- I couldn't tolerate it iv- if you are dehydrated when they give it iv can make you feel very 'spaced-out' / room spinning sensation- I believe it is not advised to be given iv when you are very dehydrated for this reason. the intramuscular injection of cyclizine is literally a pain in the bum however it never had the same side effects for me as iv cyclizine. iv ondansetron was the best thing ever but I didn't get that until about second or third admission in second preg

Have a great holiday Meerka.

Sorry baby is staying put Okla, and you are still being sick. Hope you get some action soon!

I've been puking all morning. My stomach and throat so painful again. The meds just aren't working, I'm taking everything I've got and its not staying down. So fed up.