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#!scenario

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.

💐 for reebok and sleepy you poor things. I know a restful night is unlikely but I hope you both get a bit of rest
Thanks lucinda yes I am so relieved and doing better emotionally now I know I don't have to go to work or deal with the stress (I'm not a teacher though but have a stressful job in v political aggressive environment). I do believe stress makes HG worse. Consultant said sickness highly likely to continue until delivery and therefore no point in being signed off week to week at this stage.
Focus now is to rest as much as poss and try to get as much food/drink down as I can. Still averaging about 1000 cals a day, feel like I'm on an extreme starvation diet. I've been a bit rubbish with taking meds on time so need to get on top of that - what do you all do? Do you set reminders on your phone?
I'm struggling a little now with (well meaning) ppl saying 'how are you feeling now'/'are you feeling any better'/'hope you feel better soon'. Would very much like to make public announcement that no I'm just the same and will be until baby arrives so please don't ask!!! Today another mum tried to give me eating advice about what helped with her morning sickness, I'm afraid I was a bit short with her and said 'oh did you have hyperemesis then?' And cut conversation short. (For those interested, according to her all I need to do is cut down on carbs and sugary foods. Yep. Unfortunately that is pretty much all I can eat!)

reebok I'm really worried about you lovely. Is there any way you can speak to GP/midwife/whoever your healthcare providers are currently and make them see how this is affecting you mentally? Would someone else like your mum be able to advocate for you if you can't manage the conversation yourself? I desperately want them to induce you NOW, it didn't sound like you'd been given any good reason why not so far. (Apols if this is unhelpful). Please keep offloading on here if it helps you. Xx

Oh Reebok, I am so sorry, and like MrsMonkey, concerned that the HCPs are doing nothing. It seems inhuman to expect you to endure this ongoing pain. Could you try ringing up maternity triage and speaking to them? There's no other medical circumstances I can think of where they would expect you to endure weeks of pain while making absolutely no interventions to help. We're all thinking of you, although I appreciate that's not much help at this stage.
MrsMonkey, I totally share your annoyance at people ceaselessly asking if you're better. I know they mean well but it feels like the question itself exposes their total failure to understand what HG is. As for unhelpful dietary advice - grrrr. In my previous HG pregnancy a friend lent me a CD to listen to, all about having a 'natural' pregnancy and birth. I nearly smashed it to smithereens when the voiceover said something like, 'if you experience severe or prolonged sickness in pregnancy it is usually the result of an unsympathetic diet - make sure you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to avoid pregnancy sickness.'
Sleepy, it's awful that they weren't able to give you any results or information. The waiting must be tough. Hope you manage to get some rest.
I had a long nap this afternoon so now struggling to fall asleep.

I'm so awful remembering replies when I don't have a pen and paper to jot down!
Rocket - going to read about that when I've a chance it looks really interesting! I've no gallbladder and bile reflux and this has been worse hg pregnsncy, like Reebok it's 4th hg pregnancy but 2 were mc.
Reebok - I really do feel for you it just seems to be dragging on :( the oh situation can't be helping, men just don't understand.still sending lots of labour vibes I even wish you'll have baby before me.

And my memory has failed me already aghhh! I'm so sorry! Those who've poorly DC I hope they are better soon.
Thanks for all remembering me and the move, removals been mucking me around, moving sat now, and no internet! Although I shall find a way. I'll have it in hospital so will update of news before I'm home. (Getting induced weds if sweeps haven't worked, 2cm now) feel guilty that I'm coming to the end when so many are suffering.
I'll try catch up again before the move and I'll have my trusty pen and paper.
Love hugs and positive vibes to you all x

well my internet has gone even though not moving tomorrow and limited mobile data. May stay at parents tonight and pinch the WiFi!
wishing you all a vom & nauseous free day (wishful thinking)

Lots has happened on here. I'm on my phone so apologies for limited personal messages. DD is snoring next to me after I sorted out her donkey cuddly toy who lost his cardigan at 5 am.
sleepy Hope you get the results quickly.
mop I know what you mean about the pregnancy feeling like forever. I honestly feel like it has been an elephant gestation this time. My rage is directed at pregnancy apps that I download, shout at then delete. DH then gets ranting text messages when he is at work.
reebok No wonder it is so hard for you. Can you speak to Midwife about being induced? I know it can be a bit of a postcode lottery but they might speed it up. I was offered it at 38 weeks.
icant I hope the sweeps work before you ate induced. I've got my sweep booked in but I'm 37 weeks next week and hoping she just gets a move on!
Can't remember who was struggling with the drowsiness with the medication. I had the same and had to get public transport to work instead of driving. I should have just stayed off work because the longer journey made me more ill. There was pressure for me to just get there until occupational health told me to just not go to work. I'm public sector and "officially" they're a bit scared of pregnancy where I work due to increased risks. I ended up not taking meds in the day because I couldn't take the dizziness and wanted to work for my mental health. On reflection I wish I would have taken the meds and rested at home.

Vomiting is still reduced. It is annoying when people I know think that this means it is better. However the nausea is still bad and worsened by the spd pain. Veg intake has increased to daily, so there are definitely improvements.
Hoping the baby comes soon now. I spoke to DH about hurrying things along. So tired of being pregnant that I suggested sex, urgh. dh did point out that I can barely walk/move, so it might not be on the list of options
Wishing everyone a more bearable day

*not moving until

mrsmonkey I have started being quite clear with people that I don't expect to get better so they stop expecting it to!

squeezed great to hear from you and very impressed with veg intake!

icant good luck with move tomorrow hope all is as stress free as possible! Glad you have an end date on Wed with the induction although obviously hope sweeps help before that!

motherofpearl I'm quite good at biting my tongue but I would be furious if someone told me all I needed to do was eat healthier diet! Sandwich and chocolate biscuits with a side of crisps is my diet!

reebok lots of TV for dd and anything for an easy life for you. I also would like a very long sleep and to wake up once baby is here!

Thank goodness ds slept well last night and first time in months I slept through as well. No builders today so hopefully a calm day with plenty of TV and a long nap for ds!

Reebok I think you said that they don't induce where you are until 40 weeks - it seems inhumane in your circumstances. but rules were made to be waived in exceptional circumstaces. Why can't they do as the medics are doing with Icant? Sorry DH is being so unhelpful; you are very strong to have come so far. For those who suffer througout even without all these extra miseries, the last couple of weeks are very hard to bear. Really feel for you.
Ican't I am being obtuse,and don't understand your message about moving, but I am so glad that you will soon have baby in your arms.
MotherofPearl and mrsmonkey icklekid* and ohters, Grrr, about smug advice on CD's and elsewhere. [angry ] I don't see why these women are so interfering. When I used to be on another site, when I tried to give advice for people with very severe MS or Hyperemesis, there were a group ofmatriarchs who would mark down my suggestions of sweet, fizzy drinks, ice lollies, crisps, cheap ice cream, etc because they were unhealthy and they thought because they had had several children and only mild sickness, they were experts.
squeezed Sorry things are still not good.

Waves to all. I hope everyone's coping today. Back soon.

squeezed well done for the veg!

Reebok I can't believe they're leaving you like this. Can someone stamp their feet on your behalf?

I'm really struggling again, the nausea is reaching unbearable levels though I'm not being sick much. Night time is the worst, to the point where I feel anxious getting into bed. I'm also struggling to let DH comfort me- I've never liked being cuddled when I'm ill or in pain, I just want to get on with it on my own. Obviously this has been going on for over a month though, it's not really fair on him. He's had a really tough week at work and I just feel like the worst wife ever because he then comes home to me and a load of jobs to do

So sorry Reebok surely you should be in hospital and being looked after there???!!!! This is getting ridiculous!

I had my blood test. It was the first of my deja vu appts from last year really and I burst into tears when I went into the nurses room. She gave me a hug and I soon composed myself x

Obviously this has been going on for over a month though, it's not really fair on him. He's had a really tough week at work and I just feel like the worst wife ever because he then comes home to me and a load of jobs to do sad

rae everyone feels like this. But you're doing a really big job - growing your baby, yours and his.

The prevailing assumption is that preg will be easy and it's just not true. Different people find it very different and sometimes very, very difficult.

There's some US forums here with a help section for partners / dads and they can help men understand a bit. www.helpher.org/forum3/. HG isn't a small disease.

Good luck with the move icant
Hoping for baby news soon for all of you very nearly at the finishing line...
Agree HG is really hard on the husbands. I was feeling really miserable last night and asked DH if he could take responsibility for deciding what DD is having for lunch and tea on Friday/sat/sun as I'm really struggling with it, don't want to think about food etc (have asked this before), he got really annoyed and said he didn't want to, he's at work all week etc etc... I think he's being unreasonable but I expect it's all taking its toll on him too, so I didn't bother arguing.

Thanks Meer I'll try to get him more involved and suggest he looks through the forums. He's not complaining at all though- he is very supportive and kind- I think this is all in my head. I'm used to being able to sort everything out, and now I can't. We've always been a team, and now it feels like he's carrying me, and I don't like it! I think you're right about focussing on what I am doing, which is growing a human being.

mrsmonkey hats off to you for being able to prepare food!

Sorry to hear you're really struggling reebok, like others I wish they would give you the option to induce now (if you want to). Fingers crossed baby makes an appearance this weekend.

rae you too sound like you're having a bad few days. You may be overdoing it at work and that's why the nausea has ramped up again. This has happened to quite a few people. Although work have been great it's easy to fall into the trap of doing too much, tablet schedule isn't as good, plus you can't just snack on what you feel when you feel. Hope this weekend you get a well earned rest.

mrsmonkey not sure how old your little one is but we still keep some food pouches in the cupboard so if I'm on my own and struggling he'll go to the cupboard and grab one of those for his dinner. It's not great but is a massive help for me.

I've spoken to the doctor today after phoning for my results twice. Turns out the results will be at least a week even on urgent because of the type of test it is. The nurse should have never said 1 day. Also asked about spotting, again didn't really say much just keep an eye on it and speak to the midwife next week (luckily I have my 16 week appointment on Tuesday). So although I'm none the wiser, I'm trying not to worry too much. Feeling really tired today though so feeling quite nauseous. Having DS on my own on a Friday takes it toll more than work although managed a very small nap when he slept this afternoon.

Hi to everyone else.

Sleepy to my shame after your lovely kind post, I haven't been at work, I'm still signed off and have spent all week watching bad TV and sleeping .

Sorry to hear that your results will take that long, it just be really worrying I hope you can get a decent rest tonight.

Hello, can I tentatively dip my toe in and join you please? Ickle suggested I pop in so I thought I would say hello. Sorry to see familiar tales of general awfulness of sickness and nausea. I never realised it could feel this horrendous.

I am 7 weeks pregnant with DC2, due early Dec. DD is 17 months. Pregnancy with her wasn't amazing but I never felt this ill, I was put on some medication or other at about 10 weeks after going to the GP after realising it perhaps wasn't normal to be sick every two hours overnight and whatever they had me on last time worked wonders.

This time round the nausea and vomiting kicked in earlier at about 5 weeks, DH has been away with work for 10 days and I have been utterly useless at looking after DD (currently a SAHM to her) and after days of tears over the phone from me about the nausea and sickness, DH persuaded me to see the GP a few days ago. I have been prescribed cyclizine which isn't having much effect so far but fingers crossed.

How on earth do you cope with other children with this? I am useless and just want to hide from life for the next 8 months.

Hi all, thank you for your kind thoughts. Another day of vomiting, contractions and general shitiness. Trying to keep to my feet as much as possible to get baby out. Contractions seem to be getting worse and making me cry and scream...but don't get closer than 5 minutes apart. Yes that's right Lucinda...40 weeks. I'm 39 today...midwife on Tuesday. It's my birthday tomorrow and I just feel so down because I feel rotten.

Sorry to hear you're suffering so badly ladies. Those of you struggling to feed other dcs please don't feel bad if they have to survive on frozen food. A lot of the time I've had to resort to that. It won't be forever.

Welcome to any newbies. Sorry I'm
Not in the right frame of mind to give any useful advice but hopefully someone will be along shortly.

Like icant I'm having trouble remembering most posts and using my phone so I won't be able to respond individually. Please accept my apologies.

Icant and squeezed hope you both get induced soon. If I remember correctly think mop is too right? Maybe you will all have your babies before me...then I will really cry! Haha!

Just dashing on to say welcome to Nuttypops. If cyclizine isn't working, don't hesitate to go back and ask for other meds, there are various safe ones they can try. Do invest in kesostix in case you get too deyhydrated. How are ice lollies, flat coke, ice cubes. soda water, or the juice of tinned fruit or the tinned fruit itself, jelly or cheap ice cream nibbles of crisps? These are some popular things that people find more likely to stay down. I don't at all know how people manage with LO's and this myself. Have you any family or friends who could help out?
Reebok I am hoping that baby arrives on your birthday! Or you get some sort of a nice surprise. Poor you, you deserve it. Here's and virtual and and a from me, anyway.
SleeepymrsE I can't believe how blase they are being! This is awful for you. Has the spotting stopped?
Much sympathy to all.

Hello.

Reebok sorry to hear no baby yet. Fingers crossed he makes an appearance soon! I can't believe you're still contracting. Hope you manage to find some way of enjoying your birthday tomorrow (maybe baby will make an appearance!).

Icant how are you getting on? Hope your move goes well. Have you got lots of help enlisted?

Rae I know Dh was very stressed out in the early days if pregnancy. All I could do was sleep and vomit (sometimes together), so he was out doing long days at work where he needed to concentrate, then had to come home and do everything, including getting up with me in the night to make me toast to eat the minute after I had vomited which was the only time I could eat. He'd even have to leave me out biscuits, sandwiches and drinks in the living room because I couldn't go into the kitchen without vomiting. He also wasn't able to cook food because no matter where I was in the house, cooking smells set me off. His Christmas dinner was quiche and salad, poor man! We couldn't go to family because I was too sick, and he didn't feel there was any point cooking because I hated the smell and wouldn't be able to eat it. I am guilty for not appreciating how hard it was for him as well, as he was having to deal with me constantly crying and saying I couldn't cope any more.

It gets better. I know it can feel overwhelming being so sick and needing so much care and help from your dh, but it is temporary (9months, max!). Just go easy, take any time off you need, regular visits to gp and sleep as much as you can.

sleepy hope you're doing OK.

nutty welcome, but sorry you had to find us.

Hello once, Lucinda, squeezed, mop, fresh, ickle and everyone else.

My vomiting is back, but first thing on a morning only which is very manageable (I think more akin to 'normal' morning sickness), and still on 4mg ondansetron. I have, however, developed a fabulous rash all over my body and dh is pestering me to go to my own gp on Monday. Its really itchy and painful and looks like red angry stretch marks all over my body. Pregnancy is such fun.

I'm desperate for a G&T. Only 16weeks 4 days until I can have one!

Really sorry there's so much struggling at the moment. for those that can stomach it!

Hi Nutty, make sure you go back if the cyclizine doesn't work. There are other things you can try! I take it but I also take Ondansetron. Together they just about take the edge off.

Again, for you Reebok and I really hope things get going soon!

Thanks Special. It's just so tough isn't it. You're right about it only being 9 months though, I keep thinking I will never feel normal again when of course I will. DH just said "I wish I could do it for you... For like, a day". Thanks darling, don't fancy doing it for the whole 9 months then?

Do you know what's caused the rash Special?

Welcome Nutty. You've already had great advice from Lucinda, so not much to add except that you should try to go as easy on yourself as possible. If your DD has to watch a lot of CBeebies and eat pre-made food, it's only temporary - just do what you need to to get through.
Speaking of trying not to feel guilty - Rae, you shouldn't feel bad watching TV and lying on the sofa, or having to rely on your DH for help. You are really ill, and you'd do the same for him if the tables were turned.
Sleepy, sorry that you have to wait a whole week for the test results. Uncertainty of any kind is hard, especially when you are not well.
Fresh, it must be difficult not to feel you're 'reliving' your last pregnancy. No wonder you feel emotional.
Ickle, it was good to see you posting at a respectable hour today, instead of in the early hours of the morning! Hope you got some rest today, even with your DS about.
Squeezed, your post made me smile - the bit about even considering sex to get the baby out! My DS was 9 days late, and during those long 9 days DP and I did resort to sex in desperation to get things moving, but it made no difference!
Reebok, will be thinking of you on your birthday tomorrow. Unless baby arrives I know it won't be a happy one, but hopefully you may get some respite from the pain. You've been so strong getting through the last hellish 9 months, you're nearly there. X

Thanks motherofpearl sleeping through the night was amazing although sadly not repeated!!

rae your dh comment did make me laugh...for a day whilst a nice gesture is clearly inadequate!

special sorry to hear about rash and vomiting being back. Am hoping if it's first thing you can then eat and not feel too bad the rest of the day...

reebok happy birthday even if it doesn't feel happy. Have some and if you fancy it! Hope you get spoiled and can rest properly today

Welcome nutty glad you found us! Hope you manage to get some medication that works quickly as does make a big difference. I struggled for ages first pregnancy because medication did help a bit but was still being sick during the day and lot. Always worth trying different medication. This pregnancy I'm on the best combination I have found that keeps sickness controlled so I don't get dehydrated. Not ideal but coping. Having to rest and have time off work is also something a lot of us have had to cope with so don't feel bad if that's your situation too.

sleepy I remember my bloods when thought I was having mc and Dr had told me would be same day but all receptionist etc said it would be a lot longer. I was devastated. In the end my gp rang me once he had the results that day but I was an emotional wreck! Hope you find out soon.

Well ds was amazing yesterday napped for 2 1/2hours which is definitely to be encouraged. He then ran around a park to burn off some energy and played whilst I cooked some food for him. It's definitely the afternoons I feel worse so if we can make it to tea time I'm always happy! Dh wanted takeaway as we had free delivery vouchers so I enjoyed then thoroughly regretted a pizza tonight! Grateful it's the weekend!