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.

Hello ladies.

Sorry for the MIA, I've not been well & thought my moping might just bring everyone down. Been really quite sick. EDS & HG are a horrible mix. Home tonight though.

Congratulations on both the babies, ladies, how sweet! I'm quite jealous of those first meals too!

Rae, how's work?

Waves to everyone & to the people that have joined in the past few weeks, I too highly recommend ice lollies, chocolate milk, tinned peaches & above all ondansetron!

P.s. My DD is 22.12, but won't be going past 39 weeks as they are going to evict this boy early. Thank goodness!

Welcome back Lucy, and sorry to hear you've been so unwell. I take it from 'home now' that you've been in hospital? Glad to hear they're planning an early eviction! I was induced at 39 weeks and it was a huge relief not to go overdue (don't get any ideas about 42 weeks BabySleepy!).
Sleepy, sorry your legs are swollen again. Does it help to lie on the floor with them up against a cool wall? I used to find that quite soothing.
Ickle, hope your DD is thriving now she's over the prematurity? Sounds like you've got your hands full. I'm feeling pretty exhausted after looking after my 3 pretty much non-stop for the last 4 weeks and have to admit that I'm looking forward to school starting next week! DD1 will be in Y4 and DS starting in reception. Will be a huge break 'just' having DD2, who is nearly 4 months old already!
Waves to Lucinda and everyone.

Nic I just keep focussing on getting the baby at the end of this nightmare. It's easier to do that now that I have a small human kicking me- I found it so much harder when I was 7 weeks, had lost a stone, and had never looked less pregnant (and more unhealthy) in my life!

Zasp I had mine tested a lot! I was finally admitted to hospital with 4+ ketones- I think the consultant said that they would admit you with 3+, 4+ is the highest the scale goes (I think!) I had to get them down to 0 before they would let me go home, which was easy whilst I was on IV meds, but once they took my lovely drip away, I got a bit anxious about the whole thing! Managed to do it by eating cream crackers- a porter took pity on me and just brought be them instead of cooked meals I also get "like Kate Middeton"- I'm happy with that, makes it so much easier to explain what's wrong with me quickly, in fact it was all I needed to say to my boss to explain my absence!

Thanks for the 28 weeks kudos Mother I hope it will start to go relatively quickly now. I think I joined the thread at 6 weeks, so it's been a while- and I feel like I've been pregnant forever. I honestly couldn't have coped without Mumsnet, and this thread in particular. At the start I thought I was just coping really badly with 'normal' sickness- it would've taken me far longer to get proper help without everyone's support and guidance. And who knows what state I would've been in by then.

Sleepy I hope that toddler duty goes well tomorrow. Not sure if this helps but my Daisy Birthing teacher gets us to flex and relax our toes, then rub our calf muscles (strokes towards your thighs) to help with swelling. I'm not sure if it works because mine isn't too bad at the moment (touch wood). Fingers crossed my bloods will be clear- I'm reassured to hear that yours came back quickly. My midwife said she'd chase the liver one tomorrow in hopes of getting it through the system quickly. Bless her for trying but I'm not sure it works that way!

ickle lovely to hear from you!

Oh Lucy I've been hoping that your silence might mean you were much better. I'm sorry that the reverse is the case. Have you been in hospital? I'm guessing so- in which case you must be living being back in your own bed! Work is ok thank you. My boss was really lovely about a presentation I did last week, she said I was great at my job which has cheered me up no end. I'm hoping that this means that I'm managing to hide how rough I'm feeling when I have to, in front of people who don't know me well enough to know I'm faking it! Boss isn't fooled about how bad I feel- she did also warn me that she's keeping an eye on me because she thinks I'm getting worse again.

Mother you must be looking forward to the schools going back now. Most of the parents I know are so ready for the holidays to be over, and none of them have a small baby to contend with as well as school-age children!

Started my Christmas shopping online yesterday. DH thinks I'm mad but I want it sorted before the baby arrives in November, and I'm thinking that I can browse online whilst laying in bed trying to distract myself from the nausea. Goodness knows what I'd buy people whilst sleep deprived and dealing with a newborn otherwise!!

Thanks, Mother , thanks, Rae .

Yes, I've been back & forth to the hospital & various doctors & consultants. I've managed to not have to stay overnight, which is a blessing as the hospital has been really hot & heat seems to make it much much worse. Been completely wiped though so have a week off this week. Been eating just about everything after losing yet more weight, can't keep it down though. I also performed a rather dramatic fainty turn at the Saatchi gallery where I had to be escorted out to shade by some lovely security guards - so embarrassing! I have a C section booked for 39 weeks, but if he appears before then I'm going to try for a nutural birth. Not up to a full term natural birth (he's big, I'm not, plus I'm very weak & pathetic after all this!) - really hoping I get to 39 weeks as not sure I'm up to a natural birth full stop. My joints are really not good.

Rae , that's great about work. Honestly, I admire anyone who's still working. I've not had much time off myself & that's felt like a huge achievement. As far as I'm concerned, if I'm in work & trying my best, that is enough ! My office has long ago accepted the fact that I'm not 100%, which I'm very grateful for. Glad your boss is at least on your side.

Oh, I too am Christmas shopping! You are not nuts! Nursery is getting there too. Just need to order the cot today & the bedside crib & then it's pretty much done. House is the most spectacular bomb site though!

Lucy Sorry to hear that you have been ill and in hospital. At one point your meds were doing a lot for you - did they cease to be so effective?
Zaspbar Defintely invest in some kesostix to be able to test your own urine. You can get them from a chemists or online.
SleepymrsE I do hope baby doesn't cruelly delay that long, and sorry to hear of once again swollen legs.
Rae I am glad that your boss at least keeps an eye on you.
icklekid It was great that with a toddler and prem baby you found time to call in at all. Lovely to hear from you.
Waves to MotherofPearl and nic LightTripper mummymulb16 and everyone.

Thank you everyone , and thank you so much for the suggestion, just ordering a box off Amazon.

Does anyone else find the 24/7 fatigue worse than the spewing ?

Roll on winter this heat is horrid when your in bed all day.

Zasp xx

Zasp not for me, the sickness is definitely worse. The constant nausea I found perhaps worst of all, more so than actually being sick. Well, except for the day where I was sick for about 20 hours straight - that wins that dubious contest!

Lucinda yes, they are working, I don't feel so sick, but I'm still being sick quite a bit. My consultant thinks it's probably been worse as it's been so hot. Just quite dehydrated.

Which anti sickness do u ladies recommend? My doc has just put me on some new one metocloprimide! Honestly I still feel sick but oh man it makes me sleep for hrs which is ok for today as its weekend but I cant do that in the week! I've had a really bad few days n to b honest the depression is already started! The feeling of no light at the end n all!! 6 weeks n like another 20 to go! Don't think I can do it! My 2 yr old says stop sleeping mummy! Every time I close my eyes! Anybody know how effective these mess shud b? Should I have periods of time where I don't feel sick or is that too much to ask for? Sorry if I'm depressing anyone. Just not strong today and my daughters really poorly with a chest infection! Docs given her antibiotics as its not clearing n when I'm not sick , I'm clearing hers (poor baby) feel so bad for her!! It's aweful of me to say this but i do wonder why I did this again!! Ppl kept saying every pregnancy a different, u prop won't get sick this time!! WHY did I listen!! Sorry again ladies! I also aware how my post is all about me me me and really I do read other post and hope all u lovely ladies feel better soon!!

Sorry you're having such a rotten day Nicnac. I've never had meto before, but I know it does cause drowsiness. A lot of women say the drowsiness wears off once your body is used to it. That was certainly my experience with cyclizine in my first HG PG (cyclizine also causes terrible sleepiness). If you're still feeling/being sick then you perhaps need to try different meds? Ondansetron is the best and strongest, but can be hard to get a prescription as it is very expensive, I gather. Meanwhile I hope your DD is feeling better soon, and that you have plenty of help and support around you.

nicnac what a terrible day you're having, oh I really hope it all starts getting better soon - for your daughter to feel better and for you too. I think motherofpearl is right, once you get used to the medication you feel less tired. First day of my new one and I couldn't stay awake and now unfortunately it's not got the added bonus for helping me get off to sleep at night!

Thinking of you all whilst lying here in a dark room in France trying not to move! Nausea is just awful awful awful. I don't know quite what to do with myself. I'm almost counting the days I can come home back to a cooler UK! Such a shame.

Thank you motherofPearl I will look into that and get bak into doc on Monday! I hope ur having a good weekend.
I have a lovel husband who helps a lot when he's home! I'm very greatful for that. Thanx again for ur advise xx

Thank u Autumnsunshinebaby for ur reply, how far along are u? What meds are u on? and I hope u get some relief soon! I never had any of this (mumsnet talk) with my first and I wish I did cause I reckon it helps with ur mental health! All the best and hoping u some relief soon xx

Hi Nicnac Metoclopramide didn't do anything for me at all, nor did most of the others. I'm on Ondansetron, which stops the vomiting for about 8 hours, so I'm still ill in the morning & evening, but it's not quite as bad as I get a break from the vomiting. I still feel queasy though, I'm just not constantly being sick. If you're NHS you have to try all the other types of meds before they'll let you try Ondansetron. Metoclopramide is one of the first ones they usually try, so expect to have to try a few more (I think I've had 6). The meds should work after a few days, so if you've had no luck by day 3, go back to the doctor.

Thank u LucyHMK appreciate the advise! Im defo gonna go bak as the meto is hopeless! Not helping 1 bit! Yeh I'm NHS n ur right the pharmacist said these are the first on the ladder! ( pharmacist a lot more helpful than my doc) I don't understand because if u read the leaflet it says not to b taken longer than 5 days! I've been using cyclazine before these which have a slight difference but not by much! The docs never prescribed me them I already had some in! (Husband had cancer n we already had them) yes I know naughty but I cannot consider having nothing! I'm going to have to explain to the doc like a naughty child that neither of these are doing anythin! Anyhow it sounds like u have a little relief and I'm pleased for u because us mum need to function! How are u getting on with day to day?? How far along are u?? Wishing u sick free days xxx

Thanks, Nicnac . I hope you find something that works for you. It's not nice being so ill all the time. When I was on the Metoclopramide I was being sick over 50 times a day, I hope it's not like that for you. That was beyond miserable.
I'm 24 1/2 weeks & have so far lost around 3 stone. I do have a (little) bump though & he's measuring 8 days ahead & a high percentile so he's fine! Not a huge surprise that he's tall as I'm 5'8" & my husband is about 6'2-3 ish, but I wasn't expecting him to have a great big plump tummy. Apparently it's just me that's suffering over here!
Yes, do tell the doctor about the Cyclazine. Make sure you take note of the dosage as I'm sure they'll ask. There are various dose options on these things depending on the use.

Hi nicnac I'm about 7/8 weeks and on pherengan (is that how you spell it?!) but have meta to try if it stops helping. I tried cyclizine but it didn't help enough.

autumnsunsinebaby Ii hope you are able to get some pleasure out of the holiday?
Lucy I remember that terrible mammoth session of twenty hours or some such you had in the bathroom. it's not very hot today, at least.
nicnacnooPoor old you! Things will get better, honestly. This is the worst stage. So sorry to hear of poor LO's chest infection and vomiting. I can't improve on MotherofPearls advice about meds.
zaspbar I found the relentless nausea the worst thing myself. How are things today?
Apologies to anyone rudely ignored.

Comment of the week so far... "oh I had terrible morning sickness with my first and again with my second but with your second you just have to get on with it"... In a very pointed manner as there is no way I am able to look after my first child at the moment. Why do people feel the need to a) compare and b) make you feel even worse about not looking after your children in a way you would love to be able to at the moment??!

Autumnsunshinebaby they obviously never had HG then, don't in the slightest take offence as this is complete ignorance. Morning sickness is a symptom , HG is a pregnancy complication with terrible effects!! I'm in the same boat n had the comment " ah yeh it's not nice but I found after being sick it made it better" ha ha if only it did! Don't u feel bad at all , the min u feel remotely well I'm sure like me u'll be doin all the things u want with ur little one! The min I can I'll b taking her to the petting farm enjoying watching her smile with pleasure!! Look after yourself xxx

Thanks nicnac your advice is wise and sensible and I needed to hear it. The comment just upset me a lot on top of feeling grim as it is... And I feel so guilty about not being able to be a good mummy at the moment to my lovely little girl as it is!

Autumn pre Ondansetron I couldn't roll over in bed without vomiting, let alone look after another human. In fact, on one particularly memorable morning, I tried looking after the cat, threw up ON the cat & then had to hose her down. Pretty swift way of getting out of the feeding the cat duties...

Sorry not to get chance to reply to everyone, I can only echo what others have said about pushing for different meds if they aren't working. My GP had a 48 hour 'if it's not working we'll try a different, stronger one' - finally the hospital found a good combination that helped (and continues to).

Feeling very tired at the minute and already in bed. However I did have sausage & mash with actual carrots & broccoli for an early tea (it was a v small portion but I'm very proud of myself!). Was at the hospital again yesterday and in for a scan on Monday. Baby is head down and 3/5 engaged which I guess is good.

Hope rae, light, and everyone else are doing ok. Sorry to hear you're struggling abroad autumn. lucy, nicnac, zaspbar I hope things ease soon.

Hi, Sleepy that's great! When are you due? Can't be long now. Well done on the supper. We had sausage & mash here too, must both be inspired by this fabulous summer weather!

Lucy sorry you've been suffering so much. I know exactly what you mean about hot hospitals making it worse! Really exciting about your nursery. DH is working on ours, but it needs a lot of knocking about, so it's just a pile of rubble at the moment 😁 I'm glad that your work have accepted that you aren't at 100%. Hopefully they recognise that if they don't behave badly now, you're more likely to return after maternity leave, and stick with the job.

Zasp it's the nausea that's worst for me too. I don't like being so tired, but I can cope (most of the time, touch wood). Nausea is just so debilitating and sucks the joy out of everything for me.

Nic, I'm on ondansetron and cyclizine. Cyclizine isn't enough on its own, but does help. I was put on ondansetron in hospital and it's been brilliant for me- it's really improved my quality of life. The first 20 weeks were still not great- constant nausea- but it was better, and I could keep food and drink down.

Autumn sorry you're having such a rotten holiday. Are you managing to keep drinking? The comment you had about being pregnant with number 2 just shows how few people understand HG properly. My Mum was talking about how bad I was in the first trimester today- it reminded me that I literally couldn't function. There is no way I could look after myself, let alone a child, if I had HG in a second pregnancy. If we did then I'd need a lot of support. for you.

Lucy my bump is bang on average. I can't believe it, but I guess they just take what they need. My midwife says that they're "very effective parasites"

Sleepy thinking of you lots. Good news about baby and the veg! I managed to go out with DH for dinner tonight- had a mini pizza (dosed up before I went). I feel ok currently so hopefully it will stay down!