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.

eallison So glad doctor has such a good attitude and you feel better already, and are signed off. So much of how this seems bearable or not depends so much on the attitude of health care professionals, it's a shame they're not all that good.
Melleebacca Congratulations on being further up that list. Baby showers seem like a great idea for those who feel up to such a thing...

Eallison glad you're feeling better! Is Omeprazole prescription-only? I asked my obstetrician for a better reflux medication and he said ranitidine is the only one approved for pregnancy. I'm on 150mg ranitidine 4xday but it isn't doing much. Will ask him for Omeprazole next week.

Mellee I probably won't bother with a baby-shower. Not sure how i'll feel nearer the time, might just gather a few close friends rather than plan an actual party.

Had an ok weekend... got out and about both days... although outings were marred by constant nausea (and SPD pain) which made me snappy with DH. Not that 'about-to-vomit' nausea just a dragging queasy feeling. Tried to go shopping for baby things but found it difficult to get enthusiastic, feel overwhelmed by amount of stuff we need and all the choice. DH is very excited about choosing cot, travel-system etc and gets cross when I try to hurry him. I'm excited about the baby just not the mountains of paraphernalia that goes with it. I'd rather get the essentials only, then shop for everything else when baby is here and I can walk round shops without feeling sick!

I've started vomiting in night again keep waking up very nauseous with feeling of pressure under ribs, then can't sleep until emptied stomach and chewed some Rennies.

eallison glad that you have seen an improvement again now. relapses are so disheartening and can take hold very quickly although a slight glimmer of hope is that they also seem to get under control again quicker than in the early days. Good news that you have an understanding gp- that is half the battle ime and really does take some of the pressure off.

welcome to all the newbies, as always sorry you are sufferering - you will get a lot of support and advice from everyone here- we've all been there x

okla so lovely to hear from you- it's great that you have stopped by to encourage others, so glad you and little okla are doing so well.

waves to everyone.

lilac I totally failed to get excited about baby paraphernalia while feeling rough- it is hard to muster enthusiasm - is online shopping any easier- that way your dh can spend ages looking and comparing and do all the price comparisons etc and you can do as little or as much as you feel up to x

Hi ladies, how are you all feeling?

Welcome to the new ladies! But sorry you find yourself here!

eallison great news about your doctor and glad you are feeling better now!

Lilac we had a similar weekend. We are ordering our travel system this month because of a special offer and had to take my car to check the boot. MIL asked to come and the 2 of them were so excited... me on the other hand just didn't have the energy... plus running backwards and forwards to the loos every 5-10 mins was not helpful!

I'm a little sad I'm back to being sick every day but just grateful its not as bad before, I just can't keep much down before 11am. Back to having very early nights due to nausea. Had an appointment with a consultant today due to having coeliac disease (like a gluten intolerance) and having to have 2 extra growth scans as the baby could be small. She said the HG will definitely not help so it looks like we are in for a bit of a struggle over the next few months to control the sickness as well as eating the best diet I can (and keeping it down!) Feeling like its a constant battle at the moment. Oh how I envy those with easy pregnancies! On the bright side we have a private scan this Saturday to see our little one and we will also find out the gender!

Sorry to anyone I have missed, hope you are all having a good day x

Omeprazole is prescription only, but nhs website says fine in pregnancy and I know a few women who've used it while pregnant. It's amazing stuff!

I too have struggled with stuff. Which has surprised me as I love all that sort of stuff. I'm also struggling to motivate myself to make anything. My last nephew/niece I made quilts for, started as soon as I found out. Not got the same push for my own! Also, years ago I bought fabric to make my own 'diaper bag'... still done nothing about that. And I want to make the christening gown from my mum's wedding dress (she died when I was 15 and my own dress was layers upon lays of lace etc, so no actual material, if you know what I mean?). Need to order the pattern from America - have found it - but jeep 'forgetting' to order it. I think early on I felt so ill that I really didn't feel connected to baby and I felt ill rather than pregnant. Now I'm not sure what the reason is...!

Oh I have been struggling to keep on to of my activities. I just had the embarrassment of being sick in the school car park when collecting my son. I seem to spend most of my day on the sofa. Managing work but don't know for how much longer. Almost 7 weeks now.
When were you at your worst ladies. I can't remember my last pregnancy's it all blurs together know I was hospitalised at about 11 weeks. I had to ignore my 3 year old for most of the day today.

Ahh kayme sorry you're having a rubbish day! To be honest I can't remember! I had a really bad week I think it was somewhere around 11-14 weeks.

I'm really hoping I don't get worse. I don't know how I'm going to cope.

Really sorry that any is back to vomiting in the mornings and lilac at night. ealllison I am not suffering,and reading about your sewing plans made me feel exhausted, but I am terrible at sewing,knitting,etc anyway.
Kayme Really sorry you are struggling. I was racking my brains trying to think of something. The best advice the Pregnancy Sickness Support people could give me about sources of possible help with house, toddler care etc is quite a bit back on the thread now so I've copied it below. Unfortunately it isn't wonderfully helpful. It is so difficult, as sufferers find that they are not only not able to work, but might have to pay for a part time cleaner or childcare too.

The Pregnancy Sickness Support Co0ordinator says:
'Yes this is something that has been coming up through the helpline especially when sufferers are new to the area/have moved away from existing support networks.

Unfortunately this kind of role is outside that of our peer supporting role although some volunteers are happy to help where they can, this however very much depends on capacity and therefore isn’t expected.

Having had a look online signposting to charities such as; Home Start, British Red Cross and Carers Trust or organisations like www.ukhca.co.uk/findcare/

Sufferers could also contact their local church, nursing home or hospital to see if they have any volunteers that could help at home as well as asking their children’s school/ nursery to see if any parents could help with additional childcare etc.

Sufferers can also request an Adult Social Care needs assessment from their local council to get a support plan and also to enable their partners/carer to receive support. www.nhs.uk/Conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/Pages/assessment-care-needs.aspx

There are companies that offer homecare (at a cost) a list can be found here: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/Pages/national-homecare-providers.aspx

Cost can be a huge factor and therefore this option isn’t available for everyone.'

elizabethsum and Meerka waves. I hope Ems Mellee and everyone are managing. Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked.

one thing about HG is that it drains you much more than you realise.

If you're finding it hard to get round to anything, it could be simple exhaustion. it's different from end -of-the-busy-week tiredness, it's a physical exhaustion more than a mental one.

Honestly, take it easy. The baby will be fine with just about anything! -they- don't worry. The special stuff is for you, really, and while it's a very special time - HG makes it all harder. Maybe lower expectations a bit.

kayme im sorry to say that you might well be coming into the worst of it now. Is it possible to plan how to handle the coming weeks? that will help.

take care ...

Kayme sorry you're having a bad day and struggling to get through activities. My worst time was 6-13 weeks, I remember around 10weeks I was vomiting hourly all day. It briefly got better around 13 weeks then relapsed between 14-18 weeks. Mixture of good and bad days from 18-24 weeks and around 24weeks felt a lot better though I still vomit 2-3x day at 26weeks. Everyone's different though, I know many get relief around end of first trimester so you might feel a lot better in a few weeks. Are you on medication to help get through? Must be really difficult looking after other children when you feel so ill, don't know what to suggest other than offer sympathy.

Glad i'm not the only one with low motivation. Feel like i spend all day putting things off and not getting round to them, to-do list is getting longer and longer but no energy to tackle it then I stress about all the things I haven't done yet!

Having problems with the high-dose ranitidine, if I take dose recommended by obstetrician it feels like i can't digest food at all, intense queasiness after eating and pressure under ribs until i vomit it all up (sometimes 6-7 hours after eating which can't be right?) Today I reduced dose to 1/3 and feel better, no pressure under ribs and less queasy, though had bad heartburn this morning instead. I guess it's finding right balance.

Lilac, speak to doctor about omeprazole.

Great advice from everyone. I so agree with Meerka that you don't have to feel guilty about the baby not having frills and fancy things - and if you're like ninety-nine per cent of parents, they'll sleep in bed with you anyway for the first few months.

just dashing on to say kayme am sorry you are suffering so badly. My second hg pg was when dd1 was 4.5yrs and was such a struggle- she watched a lot of tv/dvd's- think she was pretty happy with that tbh but I felt so guilty. I managed to work until 7 weeks but then had to stop and was off work for quite a few weeks (by was very bad until 11 ish weeks - was hospitalized several times - twin pg), it then became a bit more manageable until 15 / 16 weeks when thankfully subsided. I can only say I managed as dh had to take dd1 to nursery on the days that she went and my mum had to help out quite a few times and also one of my neighbours who had previously suffered with hg herself. sorry to say that the worst spell is often between weeks 7-11 when hormones are at their peak. it doesn't sound like you should be working- can you see your gp for some meds and also with a view to being signed off. sorry can't find your original post- so not sure- do you have much family/friend support, can anyone take older dc to school for you at all? it is so difficult at the best of times but even more so with other children to think about. xx

Kayme - I was at my worse between weeks 7 and 10, despite being on ondansetron. Gradually improving since then. Weeks 15 and 18 have been my vomit free weeks, and week 20 looks to be good too.

Just had a fainting spell at the petrol station waiting for them to make me an iced chocolate. Fortunately made it to sitting position with hubby holding my hand waiting for my blood pressure to stabilize. Heart rate sky rockets before I faint, so nausea is always worse afterwards. Hoping I have a vom free day (and that everyone else does too).

for all!

Oh kayme that sounds awful, I am 7 weeks tomorrow so we sound similar stages. I went into hospital over the weekend and into a drip and given anti sickness and an injection of ondansetron. Felt bit better but gone downhill again now, wasn't prescribed any anti acids but was being given rantidine in hospital, want to try and get some of that from doctor tomorrow as just thrown up about 2 pints of acidic water and my throat is burning. So so so fed up just want it to go away! ??
Kayme - also get you about ignoring your child, I just feel like I plan my daughter off on everyone all the time but the reality is I just haven't got it in me to look after her 24/7 whilst like this, really getting me down now. Sorry for everyone else going through hard times xxxxx

Carno - you poor thing, I remember the acidic water feeling. My go to soothers were yoghurt, lemonade iceblocks and water. This week I've discovered custard. Doesn't hurt to go up or down. Try and stay away from anything too sweet or sugary, I found that processed sugar really amplified the acidic burning.
Have they prescribed you ondansetron tablets yet? They don't curb the debilitating nausea, but do slow down the vomiting and that will give your throat a rest.
All the best!

Aww Mellee hope you are ok now x

Carno hope you get the ranitidine from the doctors, I was given it when I was vomiting blood because of HG and it worked very quickly. I also second custard. I would have one of those little pots of kids custard every morning to avoid having to vomit bile, custard is much easier on the throat! Hope you're feeling better soon x

Hope everyone else is well! Having my first vomit free morning in quite some time! Don't feel great but better than usual. Managed to have a hot drink this morning :O fruit tea, with a tiny bowl of cornflakes (barely any milk-still wary!), and since then making my way slowly through a bottle of plain sparkling water.

Carno You poor thing, you must have really been in a state to be admitted. I wonder they haven't prescribed anti acids particularly as they were using it in hospital? Do you think your GP might obliged with ranatadine? I know you feel so exhausted it's hard to fight your corner, but if you emphaisize (even exaggerate) how much the acidity is making you vomit. What meds have they got you on now?
I really feel for you and Kayme and your concerns for managing with lO's. I didn't go for it a second time myself (though I wish I had) but from what I can see on this and other threads and websites, LO's are in no way damaged by the period of 'neglect' and you're giving them a sibling, one of the best presents in the world, someone who will soon be on their wavelength.
Kayme Do feel for you. How are things today?
Mellee That fainting fit sounds awful - lucky OH was about literally to support you. Fainting is less embarrassing than puking, anyway...
elizabethsmum That is so lucky, having a neighbour who had been a sufferer herself. I bet she was invaluable. Fate ought to arrange things so that always happens...
How is everyone today?

Carno and Kayme how are things today? Hope you're both coping ok. Carno Ranitidine 75mg tablets are available from most chemists and supermarkets (main brand is Zantac if you're in UK). The acidic water thing is horrible isn't it. Still happens to me regularly, usually in night.

Mellee hope you're ok after fainting and didn't hit your head? Have you had BP and iron levels checked recently? I'll try custard, hadn't though of that. Recently re-discovered the joys of thick hot chocolate with whipped cream, can keep it down better than thin liquids.

Amy congrats on your vom-free morning!

I'm having a good day so far, had a short walk in sun, feel much better than when I stay cooped up indoors. Going to be brave and sign up for some aqua-natal classes and maybe pilates! A few weeks ago couldn't imagine feeling well enough for classes (let alone in a pool) but obstetrician recommends it for SPD and I'm feeling less sick during day now, so will probably do me good to get out of house!

Thanks Lilac! Glad you are having a good day too! I am going to try and make swimming a regular thing again but am just waiting to see a GP about possible (almost definite) SPD. Did they say if there were certain swimming styles to avoid/stick to?

You should avoid breaststroke whilst swimming if you have SPD. My physio actually recommends just bobbing about in the water with a float rather than actually swimming as the water buoyancy helps take pressure off the pelvis. I think this is why I find baths so soothing!

any Sorry, missed your post. Custard - now, why did I never think of that when suffering?
Lilac I didn't know you could get ranatidine over the counter as Zantac. I still keep forgetting the name of the other anti acid which is so good. The acid water thing sounds really nasty.
Hello Waves. I hope you're remaining vomit free at last.

Lilac - I've always had low bp, and it drops when sick or worn out. Normally sits at 90/60. I'm used to fainting spells, and I know the signs and have never fallen over. Just end up sitting on the floor with my head between my knees.
Go you for signing up to activities outside the house! Let us know how the swimming goes. My in-laws have a heated inside pool, and when they go off to Europe this year, I'm hoping to spend some weekends floating in that. Not brave enough to go somewhere public though.

Hello - it's almost baby time! I'm so excited for you :) hope you're coping with everything well.

I'm feeling pretty good, 8 days vom free (new record), plus have my 20w scan tomorrow, which I think is what's disrupting my sleep patterns at the moment. It's taken a long time, but I'm finally starting to get excited about this pregnancy/baby.

I also ate thick Greek yoghurt with a little bit of honey, yoghurt helps fix the bacteria in your tummy after all the vomiting. And is a similar texture to custard.