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

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.

Wow it suddenly got so busy on here again! Thanks for all the encouraging comments. The weird thing for me is that the absolute worst, most unsympathetic and judgmental comments I have had have come from a female gp who was just back from maternity leave and from my 2 female bosses who have 2 children each. I feel like there is so much condescension and this horrible competitiveness about who has toughed it out best. I'm so glad to have found a supportive network of ladies on here to balance out my real world experiences!

Sorry for everyone who is suffering with hg, spd and crappy gps / colleagues / bosses. It all sucks! mirabal I totally agree about work - I feel more happy being busy and around people but it does take a toll physically. I'm not being sick at weekends at the mo but mon-fri I am back to puking every day and have started getting awful headaches. I'm 12 weeks tomorrow and I think I'm going through a bit of a dip. Thanks for advice all - will try going back to little afternoon naps when I get in from work and see if they help.

Who asked about ondansetron dosage? At my peak the consultant told me to take 8mg 3 x daily. I did that for a week but stressed out about the high level, so dropped to 4mg in morn, 8mg on afternoon (in prep for the worst bit of the day for me) and then 4mg before bed. Gradually dropped the second 4mg tab in afternoon (knowing I could take it slightly later in day if needed). And then over course of following months dropped doses as and when til now when I take one 4mg a day or so - had hoped I would be off them by the time I have birth, but now pretty much okay with idea that I might still be using til the end.

With regards my spd, I am seeing a chiropractic twice a week at the moment and I'm sure she's keeping me on my feet and without crutches. I'm coping it's just frustrating. Yesterday was better, had more of a mix of resting and being on my feet doing stuff (final started the baby blanket I've been wanting to wait for months!!!).

I'm hoping a new born will be easier than pregnancy... at least I'll be able to eat normally again!!!

MOP Mirabel Mrsm14 Meerka and everyone, I think there is no doubt that Hyperemesis is underestimated because it is a female pregnancy complaint, you are all so right. I don't believe any man could be half as brave as the women on these threads when suffering so badly. I am really about the silly attitude of the bosses and female GP that Mrsm14has the misfortune to have. So ill informed. I wouldn't wish this on them, but . And as for that lecture from BarmeeMarmee's GP, words fail me...
Laura Sorry about awful day. I hope the wedding at least was nice and this is a glitch from being overtired. How are you today?
SkiptonLass Thank goodness that dr was understanding, but it's awful work have been so bad, in a Scandinavian country, which I have always thought would have enlightened workplaces compared to the UK. However did you manage to battle in all but one day? I am in awe of people who keep working. I'm still horrified by RubyReins's account of vomit breaks at court, and Lilac's horror story of the smelly parrot, and Laura's tales of puking in classroom sinks...
Daffodil Happy news. Congratulations on scan and successful move.
Much sympathy for those suffering from spd and relentless nausea.
MotherofPearl and others thank you for good wishes.
Meerka I am hoping Confused is relatively OK, too.
eallison How is spd?
Still astonished by the energy of women on this thread, what with trips to zoos and weddings and dinners out .
Apologies if I've rudely ignored anyone.

eallison Silly me, I missed your post, which answers my question!

Hello ladies!

Been reading through the thread and I truly believe we are total badasses. So much suffering and insensitive treatment, not to mention the reports of SPD and other horrible ailments, but so much compassion and good humour. Have a virtual Virgin !

Had my scan today (judge adjourned case - he is very embarrassed by my condition! He has asked me through his clerk if I am holding up. Someone up thread asked and yes, cross examining witnesses and making submissions etc. It's knackering when I am well!). Baby was having a fabulous time and seemed to be "playing"! He or she was balling up and then jumping with arms and legs akimbo. Was amazing!

ruby which scab did you have? My favourite was my 12 weeks -we could see arms, legs etc but loads of room for all the dancing and wriggling - which it did a lot of!

Did an aqua natal class today. Had to take it quite gently with my spd (but did all the arm stuff at full pelt!!!) but loved it. Getting out of the water at the ends was a shock, I very big and heavy!! What was really nice was most of us stayed for half hour after and had a brew and a chat - chatting to real pregnant people about normal stuff was a nice change (not that you aren't all invaluable!!!).

It was the 12 week scan. Had one at 9 weeks as my dates are all to buggery. Wee tot was really spinning around and having a rare old time. Really cheered me up no end.

Glad the aqua natal class was good!

Quick question... has anyone had Physio for SPD and if so did you have to undress? I have my first appointment tomorrow (after rescheduling twice due to vomiting)... and wondering if I need to shave my legs or whether they'll let me keep my leggings on!! Getting trickier to reach my legs in shower due to bump!
Had midwife appointment today, found out I'm anaemic despite the iron-rich Pregnacare I've been taking every day. I've been feeling extra tired and breathless recently and a bit dizzy at times, but thought it was just normal pregnancy symptoms.

Lucinda welcome back, hope your trip went well. Yes it was me who posted about the smelly parrot, it was in a cage in a client's house and the smell tipped me over the edge... I dashed outside and was sick on her path! Went on long-term sick leave soon after that!
Only having a couple of vom-sessions a day now which is a big improvement.

Daffodil congrats on your scan and house move! Glad you're feeling better.

Laura sorry you had a tough time at the wedding. At least you got through the day!

Ruby congrats on your scan too Makes it all feel worthwhile when you see baby wriggling around on screen!

lilac thought I'd replied last night, sorry. I've had physio for spd and fully dressed. I found it made the pain worse, but know it works for some people - here's hoping you're one of them!

Lilac You are certainly not letting go, worrying about hairy legs for spd appointment. Glad things are better overall, but that spd sounds awful. You may be sure I will not forget that horror story about the parrot; I hope it didn't talk, perhaps recommending ginger?
RubyReins I so agree about the baddass women on here. It was me who asked about cross examinations etc when suffering; I don't know how you managed, but thank goodness the judge has made an adjournment; is this a legal precedent?
eallison Waves. I hope everyone is coping today.

Midwife told me to iron tablets with orange. So remembered to buy some yesterday and did so this morning. Literally 2 mouthfuls. This was at half 7. Within minutes I felt sick so went to sleep. Woke up about half 9 still feeling sick so went back to sleep. Woke up half 10 ish to rush to loo to be violently sick. Now curled up clinging ti the bloody loo with no energy to move and still dry heaving. In less than half an hour I need to be showered, dress and out the door for my chiropractic apt. I'm not even sure I can get off the floor on my own (combination of bump, spd and zero energy). Hubby at work on a late one today, an hour away on public transport.

eallison I hope you made it ok and are feeling a little better?
lucinda I was feeling much better yesterday but had to go into work and do some marking which wasn't fun! I'm feeling sorry for myself today though as I have a sore throat and what feels like the start of a cold. I imagine it's a combination of being out in the rain on Sunday in a one shouldered bridesmaid dress and the end of term :( I'm hoping it passes as we go on holiday on Monday.
I hope everyone else is managing to get through the day ok :)

Still being sick. Had to ring and cancel chiro apt. Which is frustrating. Now curled up in bed with Cinderella and a sick bowl. Hoping it's all down to the orange juice and not a sign of the days ahead

eallison I'm so sorry you're suffering and alone. Hope you managed to at least crawl back into bed?!

Daffodil Congratulations on your news! A little girl - how lovely!

Lilac I've been catching up on posts as you can see, & only just seen your one about not taking cyclizine with metoclopramide - this has worried me somewhat as it's precisely what I've been prescribed!

NHS Physio was great! She was v.kind and helpful, also knew a lot about HG. She did a full examination plus specific exercises and testing of muscle groups. Oh and she let me keep leggings on for the exercise bit! (I shaved legs quickly in shower this morn but used DH's super-sharp razor... which resulted in lots of razor nicks, grazed areas and stripy bits as was hard to reach around bump! Won't be shaving them again in a hurry! Was worried my sore skin would stick to the couch/gym-ball so explained what had happened ) She also wrote a programme of daily exercises for me to do at home as apparently strengthening certain muscles can take over from the stretched ligaments to some extent and help support the pelvis. And she gave me a giant tubi-grip-compression thing to support bump and hips. Apparently I've been overcompensating for lower back pain by using my abs too much, which has pushed my pelvis out of line. I'm seeing her again in a month. I'm still hoping to have an active birth so she said next time she'll teach me special positions and techniques for labour that won't make SPD worse.

Eallison sorry you're having a bad day and had to cancel your chiro apt. So frustrating when you have to cancel things... this was my 3rd attempt at getting to Physio apt! Sounds like you've reacted badly to the orange juice. Has it caused heartburn or just nausea? I find most fruits make me vomit and juice gives me heartburn. Hopefully this is just a one-off and you'll feel better after a rest.

Lucinda luckily the parrot didn't talk, just squawked and jumped around a lot

Laura how are you feeling now? Hope you shake off the cold quickly. Where are you going on holiday, is there much travelling?

TwoDrifters about cyclizine and metoclopramide, I took both for a few weeks as I had some cyclizine leftover though I didn't check with doctor at time... so I asked my friend (a doctor) who said it can increase the risk of palpitations, rapid heartbeat, twitchiness etc to take both together. I then asked my GP who looked it up and said she's right, and switched the cyclizine for promethazine (Phenaragn) which is apparently a safer combination. Probably best to check with your doctor (and get him to look it up) just to be on the safe side. How are you feeling in general now?

ealli what an awful day :( I hope you can rest and it passes off soon. Just in case it was the orange juice, might a stomach settler help like Gaviscon or something?

lilac very glad to hear the physio was so good.

Hoping everyone is surviving ...

It was definitely the orange. I have a track record with orange juice from when I was in my teens. So I should have known better! But I literally had 4 or 5 mouthfuls and so many things that used to make me sick pre pregnancy (including actual oranges) either don't make me sick now or actively settle my stomach (like fuzzy drinks!) So I thought I'd be alright. I wasnt. So no more orange juice for me! I'm feeling loads better now. Managed a jacket potato and plenty sleep and now feeling a bit more normal. Normal for this pregnancy, that is. I can't wait for this baby to arrive so I don't feel uncomfortable all the time, so I can eat normally again,so sickness happens when I've eaten dodgy food/got a stomach bug/drank too much! As well as all the other reasons like wanting to meet my baby!!!

Sorry you've had such a wretched day Eallison. When you've mainly been a lot better it's dreadful to have a setback like this. I loathe orange juice at the best of times and it was a total no-go with HG. Hope you feel much better now.
Lilac, so glad your physio session was helpful. Sounds like you got someone who really knows what they're doing.
Laura, hope you manage to stave off that cold. Cold + HG is really miserable. I think it was Mellee who was suffering with this a few weeks ago. I'm sure not being able to eat the usual range of food means lowered immunity and a greater chance of colds. The joys of HG!
Lovely to hear about your scan Ruby. It's great motivation to keep on keeping on, when you've been so ill.
Hope everyone else is managing. I wonder how Barmee is getting on now? Cheery waves to all.

MoP - it was I who suffered recently with the cold + HG. It was awful. The additional phlegm increases the vomiting. And as ealli found out, vit c also increases nausea. I can drink small cups of orange juice now, but when I had a whole cup of hot lemon and honey when sick, I couldn't keep anything down for the rest of the day. I recommend warm baths, hot water bottles and vapor rub to keep the sinuses clear. Also found it took twice as long to heal from the cold as I would normally.

Hi all. MoP thanks for asking after me. We're on holiday this week and so I've been religiously taking my pills on time (have alarms set on my phone at 4 hourly intervals) and in the main I'm managing to do things and get out and about but nowhere near enough. Feeling very guilty that my current two are suffering as a result of having another one.

My sympathies to you with the SPD-had it in both my previous pregnancies and I know how miserable it is. Hope you don't suffer too badly.

Thanks for asking Lilac I am feeling a little better (though a bit scared to say so out loud in case I "jinx" things!)

Hello everyone! I've been a bit quiet on this thread for the last week or so, had a brief catch up just now.

So glad to read skipton and others saying Scandinavian countries are good on the sympathy for sickness! We're moving house in about 2-4 weeks to Oslo and it's only just hit me that I'll have to ask for medicine there rather than my repeat prescription here!

I feel a bit of a cheat being on here which is why I haven't really been posting. I'm on 50mg cyclizine 3xday. It's working so much better than it did with DS! I've avoided hospital, keystones have only be about 2+ once or twice and that was weeks ago (10 weeks now). Nausea can be 24hr but I can also forget about it. And I'm only sick once or twice a week.

I think the worst part of the day for me is the morning. I can almost feel the build up of acid in my stomach. It's such a delicate balance in the first 30 minutes of being awake - not moving too much, not talking too much, not drinking too much or eating too much. But equally I need to get some food down as quickly as I can (and keep the horrid cyclizine down too!), in order to settle my stomach.

How does everyone else cope in the morning?

I hate this nausea so much! I graduated from uni a short while ago, professors, lecturers and friends were chatting to me and all I could think was "where is the nearest bathroom?" I probably looked really rude I'm also fed up about not enjoying eating out.

Anyway I hope you all have a sick free day!

eallison Poor you, that sounds truly awful. I hope you feel a bit better this morning. What a reaction; it's acid, of course. I'm no expert, but suppose they recommend orange juice because iron tablets deplete vitamin c? But aren't they often given in a form with vitamin c included? Iron tablets used to make me puke anyway, so I can't give proper advice about them. Are you are OK with the iron if you avoid orange juice?
Laura Sorry to hear about marking blip. It's a thing you think they'd let you do at home; or was this to do with exam rules or some such? Sorry to hear about cold, too, that's so horrible, as Meleebacca says, it makes the sickness worse. That dress sounds lovely, but oh dear, for the consequences...
TwoDrifters I am so glad you feel a bit better.
mygreeneyedboy I was wondering how you are doing. Of course you are not a fraud, by the sound of things you are feeling bad enough, but I'm glad you've avoided admissions etc.
Lilac Lol about stripey legs! I'm so glad the physio was helpful.
Meleebacca I'm glad it's generally good news from you.
Waves to all. I hope I haven't rudely overlooked anyone.

Stupidly forgot part of my message. BarmeeMarmee I hope it's as nice a holiday as possible. People on here are so tough, what with trips to reptile houses and flying and going on holiday. I'm in awe.
MotherofPearl Great advice and support as ever, and others.

Thanks for the concern, I seem to be at the terrible mucus stage which is making me very sick even at times when I wouldn't usually be. I'm wondering if I can handle some lucozade but that might be hideous coming back up! Apart from that I do think the cold is on the turn and I've reached the worst of it, fingers crossed anyway!!
As for my marking lucinda it's more a case of not being able to lift the heavy boxes of books to my car which is why I've been going to school to do it. I was going to go in today but I'm not well enough. Oh well they'll have to wait for another day!!
wishing everyone a vomit free day xxx