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:
links.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.

Hi shopaholic, welcome.

I know how you feel- if I'd known about HG I would've given it a lot more thought. I (arrogantly) assumed that because I was super fit and healthy, I would be ok.

I second what everyone else has said regarding medication. I had a week where I didn't get out of bed, and ate nothing at all. I was put on cyclizine (which is safe)- unfortunately whilst it helped I was still hospitalised, but am now on ondansetron (also safe) as well, which is keeping things at bay. I'm 12+2 now. It sounds like you're really suffering so I would reconsider the medication. It's far more dangerous for you to be dehydrated, and I was also told that the earlier you start taking them, the more effective they are.

Hope everyone else is ok today! My DM turned up earlier and took me to an out of town retail park to buy some clothes. I now have 2 summer tops (which look like tents) to cover the bump. Found the whole experience really weird- I usually buy things that nip in at the waist, I'm going to have to get used to different shapes! We were out for an hour which was definitely enough for me. I'm shattered and feel very nauseous now.

Scan is tomorrow. I'm worried about being out of the house for a long time, and also really nervous! I hope that everything is ok.

Hi everyone!

Welcome shopaholic, I really hope you get some medication that works for you. I (like many) had to try quite a few before finding what works for me. When you do find meds that work they can be a massive help.

Rae, glad you're feeling slightly better and getting out a little. Good luck with the scan tomorrow. Mine is next Thursday when I'll be about 13 weeks.

Well, I'm now 11+5 feeling so much better the last few days. I still get sick and very tired but it's much more managable and the bad days are fewer. Im eating a lot better now, I'm managing fruit, cereal and small meals- such a long way from where I was but it's been such a slow improvement I've barely noticed it! I'm planning to go back to work next week. There will only be two weeks til the half term so I think I'll manage.

Hi everyone,
rae good luck for scan, will be thinking of you
Welcome shopaholic sorry you're here. I too like our little HG world on this thread as it's very hard to find anyone in real life who truly gets it. Agree with others that MW unlikely to prescribe and may not be sympathetic. In my last pregnancy I wasn't actually diagnosed. There doesn't seem to be fixed definition, although often losing a big % of your body weight in a short space of time is an indicator, or not being able to keep fluids down. You can buy ketostix from pharmacy to check how dehydrated you are (you wee on them) - if there are a lot of ketones in your wee you need to go to hospital for fluids. I know the thought of meds is worrying esp in first trimester, but if you can't keep fluids down then that is potentially dangerous for baby, so there is a balancing act. I didn't start meds til 12w, but in my case the HG got much much worse at 11w. The meds are safe. Have a look at the links on the start of the thread from lucinda, for info
Glad to hear things a little better twinkle, and great news you are less sick too ickle x

Just a quick one to wish rae good luck for tomorrow. I've felt rubbish and nauseous today after a good couple of days. So tired after running round after a toddler and at work. Had a bit more brown spotting yesterday too but not overly worried. Got the next scan in a couple of weeks and on holiday next week so I'm sure it'll fly by.

Hi to shopaholic, sorry you've had to join us. Can only reiterate what others have said about meds. It can take a while to find one that works but it does help. I lost 1.5 stone in 4 weeks at my worst so as others have said rapid weight loss is a sign of HG. Try to get lots of rest if you can too - that really does help (do as I say rather than as I do).

Hi to everyone else.

Rae, hope all goes well with the scan tomorrow.
Ickle, so pleased to hear that you're so improved! Progress can be made, even if it sometimes feels like one step forwards, two steps backwards with HG. Glad to hear Twinkle also feeling better.
MrsSleepy, nice that you have a holiday planned. If you can manage it, having 'events' to look forward to does help to mark the passing of time and makes it feel like time is moving forward.
I'm still relishing the joy of not feeling nauseous, not having that revolting taste in my mouth, and not having afternoon acid voms in the sink! Unfortunately my stitches have been causing me terrible pain - sorry if TMI but the wound has opened up and become infected. It's agony! GP has put me on antibiotics and midwife will reassess on Monday. Frustrating to feel immobilised when in every other way I'm feeling great! Big waves to others enjoying their newborns - Reebok, Icant, Squeezed. Hope Spandau has reached the Pink Castle by now? And I think I'm right in remembering that Madrigal has her C-section booked for next week.
Meanwhile hope all sufferers are managing OK: hang in there.

SleepyMrs not MrsSleepy, sorry! Getting confused because of MrsMonkey and MrsAmerican!

The PC is working a bit better. I hate, hate hate IT! Hadda to getta advice from Mario in the computer shop downtown.
shopaholic Welcome. Sorry you have been so ill, and that you've got a doctor with an old fashioned approach. That's a lot of weight to lose so quickly. I so second others' advice to invest in some kesostix in case of severe dehydration and to try and get meds.Can you see another doctor? If not, the Pregnancy Sickness Support number 024 7638 2020 have helped many women on here to get them. They'll have to ring you back, but they will and there's a great retired doctor on there. I've added your date. The day will come when you are top of the list, then you will be coming back to say, 'I never thought I'd say this, but it was worth it!'
Reebok squeezed and Moherof Pearl Ican't It's sweet you don't want to leave the thread.Veterans are always a wonderful encouragement to current sufferers. Besides, you have all suffered recently and that makes your input invaluable.
Rae Try not to worry; lots of people have good days. I'm glad the scan is tomorrow, which should give reassurance.
SleepymrsE Sorry to hear of spotting. Always anxiety making, but I'm glad you are not too stressed.
icklekid and MotherofPearl I so second all you say!
Reebok I am so glad DD loves baby. How sweet.
mrsmonkey Great advice from you too.
Twnkle Happy news that you feel a bit better.
I hope Rocket Madrigal water and rice and others are OK, and silence from sapndau means she has had the baby!

MotherofPearl induction 4 May
spandau 5 May
Madrigal elcs 18 May
lemonslemonslemons 12 June
amysmum 9 June
Iam 22 June
mrsmonkey 23 July
racheljayne 10 August
Special Stains 17 August
Icklekid 31 August
SleepymrsE 8 October
mrs american 10 October
1MoreTime 19 October
rocket 8 November
shopaholic `10 December.

MotherofPearl Stupid me! How come I left you on the list, after rejoicing over your delivery (in all senses of the word?)

Due Dates
spandau 5 May
Madrigal elcs 18 May
lemonslemonslemons 12 June
amysmum 9 June
Iam 22 June
mrsmonkey 23 July
racheljayne 10 August
Special Stains 17 August
Icklekid 31 August
SleepyMrsE 8 October
mrs American 10 October
1MoreTime 19 October
rocket 8 November
shopaholic 10 December

rae good luck for your scan tomorrow! I too felt anxious when I had some better days, but now I really don't think it's a reason to worry.

shopaholic welcome to the thread. Your sickness is definitely interfering with your life if you are signed off work. I found it helpful to see a couple of different GPs. I found one who had had HG herself and she really helped me with meds. it is horrible but you will get through it! In the coming weeks you'll learn tricks to minimise the horribleness - sounds like you are already doing that! Slightly further on the symptoms do reduce a lot (or resolve completely) for most people.

motherofpearl the stitches sound like a nightmare! Hope the antibiotics start to help soon!

Doing okay here. Had a pretty good weekend (went out and even socialised!) and wondered if things might be improving at 14 weeks but today I threw up everything except breakfast. Holding out for improvement at 19-20 weeks as last time. Things are still way better than in my first unmedicated pregnancy though.

Morning all! Thank you so much for the good luck wishes. The appointment isn't until late afternoon so I've got to distract myself until then!

twinkle so glad you're feeling better than you were. Well done on the food too! I'm always terrified when I try to 'add' something to the foods I will eat.

Sleepy sorry you had a rubbish day yesterday. You must be really looking forward to your holiday! Would be nice if you could have a holiday from HG too though eh.

Mother so sorry to hear about the infection, hope it heals quickly. You must be loving being able to eat whatever you want'

Lucinda hope you get your IT nightmare sorted soon! I once famously freaked out because my laptop had 'broken' and wouldn't switch on. DH took about 2 seconds to realise that it had no charge left

Rocket glad you had a couple of good days, so sorry that yesterday was bad though. What frustrates me about all this is that there seems to be no rhyme or reason- I can do the same things 2 days in a row, feel awful one day and ok on the other. I know that I get worse when I'm tired/ smell meat, but those are the only things I can 'control'.

Hope you all have good days today!

Thank you all for your warm welcome and kind advise. I had a particularly bad day yesterday. After vomiting for the 10th time, I just collapsed in bed and couldn't even get to water. My DH had to rush home from work to help me. I felt guilty, but we've just moved to a new city, and I don't really have any friends or family nearby.

I really just wanted to die yesterday, but feeling more positive today. A different GP is calling me later and I will insist on meds this time. I can't continue like this.

I have my booking appointment next week. How do I manage this if I can't even leave the house?

I hope everyone is doing okay this morning.

*advice not advise

shopaholic glad to hear that your GP is calling you. Are you managing to keep fluids down now?

I dragged myself to my booking appointment, could barely walk. The midwife said then that I could've called and requested a home visit as I'd had an HG diagnosis by then. Might be worth seeing if the same can be done in your area?

FWIW, I had my booking appointment on a Thursday, collapsed at home on the Friday and was admitted to hospital for 3 days as a result. Do not push yourself- it's not worth it! And keep stamping your feet until you get help (or ask someone else to stamp for you if you don't have the energy).

Thank you Rae. I'm just about keeping fluids down today. A good tip about the home visit, but my booking appointment is actually in the city I used to live and still work/live in during the week. I have a train booked to go back, but I don't think I will manage it now. The plan was to have all my ante-natal care near where I work as I would be there during the week. I'm still registered with my old GP too, hence the phone call. It's all so complicated.

Good luck for your scan later. Hope you have managed to find something to distract yourself until then.

Shopaholic, I really think you need to invest in some ketostix, as Lucinda suggested. You can order them from Amazon or buy in a chemist. They measure ketones which are a sign of dehydration, and anything of 3+ or more means you need to go to hospital for IV rehydration. It sounds like you may need to transfer your medical and ante-natal care closer to home? Is there an EPU at a hospital near to you? Some (like mine) allow you to self-refer, and can give excellent treatment for HG.

Thank you Mother. I've ordered ketostix from Amazon, which will be delivered tomorrow. And you're right, I am going to try to register at the GP near me tomorrow. It's a 10-minute walk but I think I will have to get a taxi . My local EPU doesn't allow self-referrals, but I think I will call to explain my situation. Maybe they will be kind enough to make an exception?

Actually, I was wrong. The EPU does allow self referrals but only between 8.30-9.00am. I've left a message for someone to call me back about whether they would see me given my situation.

Update: Lovely woman at the EPU called me back and gave me the number of the midwife. I just need to register at my local gp surgery and then can call them directly to arrange booking appointment and first scan. I'm going to brave going out tomorrow to do this. It will be the first time I've left the house in almost 2 weeks. Am I silly to feel nervous about a 30-minute trip?

shopaholic not at all silly. I don't think I would have managed a 30 min trip without medication during the awful finstead few weeks. Glad you have some ketostix.

Hope your gp phone appointment gets you some medicine I started on avomine (brand name) both pregnancies and then found cyclazine was more effective. This time I'm on cyclazine and ondansetron. Don't feel just because something is slightly better that you can't try something else. I'm glad your signed off work- hope they are understanding.

mop I had an infection too- just keep taking medicine and plenty of rest (as much as you can with a newborn) Lots of people to bring you what you need...

rae hope your scan appointment went well and all good news.

rocket glad you had a good weekend and that sickness isn't as bad as last time.

lucinda hope your it problems get resolved I know how frustrating it can be!

So don't be cross with me ladies however I have been at work all day...and whilst I am a bit tired I really enjoyed it! My first full day since January!!! Crazy! Anyway 2 days to rest now, or rest as you can with a toddler. Shame the sunshine has gone! Sickness definitely only bad in the evenings now and can eat a normal lunch just need to get into the habit of eating properly!

My PC hub thing seems to be settling down! It's too kind of everyone to give me good wishes about IT, when you have more serious problems of your own by far. icklkid That is the sort of thing that would happen to me! -
MotherofPearl So sorry that I missed that your stiches are infected. That is agony, I do so hope the antibiotics work. I hope it hasn't set off vomiting again. That is such a shame, and I was wondering from your description of how painful they were. I got a nasty infection in the stiches - they were cagey about telling me what,I should have insisted on knowing - that made lingering Hyperremesis symptoms much worse (don't worry, everyone; it all cleared up in a couple of weeks). It's sweet of you to give such good advice to everyone with the agony of infected stitches.
shopaholic I hope GP has phoned you back? I'm glad you are getting kesostix, as MotherofPearl says. You could be dehydrated already. Do you have a headache, dry skin, dark urine, blurry vision or feel vague?
Rae Have you had the scan? I hope all was reassuring.
Rocket Sorry fourteen weeks has passed without a great improvement. Let's hope 16 weeks is the turning point for you, and congratulations on socializing.
I hope all is well with SlepeymrsE Water Rice mrsmonkey mrsamerican Special and everyone.

shopaholic I'm glad that you had some joy calling the EPU. Understand what you mean about leaving the house- it makes me very anxious at the moment. Take a sandwich bag to be sick in so at least you're prepared!

ickle well done for working a whole day! You must be exhausted though. I hope you get some rest over the next couple of days.

So, we just got home from the scan! All is looking good. I'm hugely relieved, I was shaking with nerves beforehand. Definitely makes the sickness easier to bear now that we've seen a little person waving back at us. Just need to wait for the blood test results now before we can start telling people!

Rae, that's great news! When do you get the results of the blood test? Thanks for the tip about the sick bag. I'm so terrified of being sick outside that I've ordered some proper ones.

Lucinda, I do have dark urine (not all the time) but none of the other symptoms. I have come close to feeling like that though on bad days. Glad that I can use the ketostix to check at home now.

How much time have people had off work? My work (I'm a teacher) have been very understanding, but I'm worried about taking too much time off.

Thanks shopaholic. It was just the best thing ever! Apparently the test results can take up to 2 weeks- if you're high risk they call you within 36 hours. I've asked on my due date thread and people on there seem to have received the results within a week. Regarding how long I've been off- it's been 6 weeks now

Oh and Lucinda, I almost forgot! My EDD is the 20th of November

That's great news about the scan rae, it makes things much more real. We were told that we would hear in 3-4 working days if there was a problem. We got the letter with risk factors about a week and half later. We had told quite a few friends and parents early on as I was so ill and needed help with DS and apart from work I still haven't told lots of people. Think I'll wait until the 20 week scan. Not sure what it is but this time I keep fearing the worst. Having said that I have been feeling bean happily kicking & moving around since 15 weeks.

Hopefully you'll get the meds you need shopaholic, even if the GP won't, the EPU will be able to if you self refer. Hopefully the travel won't be too much of a nightmare. Sick bags at the ready.

ickle that's great news about your day at work and feeling so good. I've had a good day today and even ate a muffin at work and enjoyed it!

Problem area of today and yesterday has been my ankles and feet. Really swollen already so getting a bit worried about what they'll be like as I get bigger and further along.

mop I hope the infection heals soon. I had badly infected stitches after DS. I left it 2 weeks before I saw a doctor and it was only after 3 lots of antibiotics did it start to heal so at my 6 week check I was still sore. All I would say is if it doesn't feel right, get it checked even if you do now have antibiotics.

Hi to everyone else, hope you've all had a good day.