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.

Hi everyone,

Did anyone with a previous hg pregnancy find the pattern was different in a subsequent pregnancy? Last time I had severe all day sickness and nausea til 12 weeks and then it was just in the evenings so more manageable.

I called Pss as I just got a bfp and they recommended starting meds now but my doctor wants to take a 'wait and see approach'

Mine was very similar Twinkle. Started a bit earlier and more severely, and has got a bit worse at the end (which I didn't have last time) - but better controlled with drugs this time. So different but not "better" as a base line.

My friend with very bad HG had it for all 3 pregnancies.

Can you share the RCOG Guidelines with your GP? They cite a Canadian study which found that starting anti-emetics before symptoms start can really improve effectiveness. If you find that the symptoms never come then lucky you and you can stop taking the drugs again: it's not as if any of these drugs eliminate the sickness/nausea completely, so you could hardly be unaware if the symptoms don't arrive!

Here is a link to the Guidelines: you want the top of page 17.
www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/green-top-guidelines/gtg69-hyperemesis.pdf

These only came out last year, so your GP may well not be up to date.

Good luck!

Oh, and congratulations on your BFP!!!!

Yes my sickness started earlier and felt more intense this pregnancy, sadly. I'd be keen to nip it in the bud early. I don't know about anyone else but psychologically I think once it takes hold it's difficult to shift it, with all the associations etc.

I was sick twice already today, because I jinxed myself last night. FML.

Hello, I am new to mumsnet and keen to hear from other people who are struggling with HG and worried about coping with it during labour. I am 29 weeks and on meds around the clock to keep the vomiting at bay. I am still nauseas all the time, some days are better than others but it's always there. I also feel completely exhausted and worry that this will make coping with labour harder. Your thoughts/advice welcome!

I was sick once in labour, but apparently that's quite normal and anyone without HG might have done so. I think the pain gave me enough to worry about TBH.

hurry up I'm at 36 weeks and have been wondering about this. However I've seen that they can give you anti emetic injections even during labour, so that's put my mind at rest a bit. Just make sure your midwife knows and put it in your birth plan perhaps? On the exhaustion front, I was also worried about this but it's been solved for me by being signed off again and then starting maternity leave at 35 weeks. I've now had a good few weeks of doing very little under my belt and I feel like I'll get through the birth. When I was still working in week 28 I think I'd have just ended up being given c section because I'd have been too exhausted. So I'd recommend starting your maternity leave a few weeks before due date to give your body a chance to recover in time for the birth. However this is of course entirely pointless advice if you've already got kids and home is not restful

TwinkleLittleStar1 and HurryUpApril17 Welcome. It looks as though you have had great advice already, from LightTripper Peaceloveandbuiscuts , MamaErmintrude, and others. . HurryUp I've added you to the due dates list, anyway; Einstein, eh? I was able to work out your due date. Most women on here are amazed how easily they cope with labour. I've only one tip - do not let them give you sleeping pills! They did that to me after induction, saying that it wouldn't get going properly until morning, but it did, and I went into the labour room really confused which is not the best way. That may have gone out of fashion, anyway...
Twinkle I gather that medical opinion is veering towards pre-emptive meds for a neurological reason as well as the associations one peacelove mentions. It seems that some neurological reaction is set off in the brain if frequent vomiting occurs which is much more difficult to correct once it has started. I can't remember where I read it but it may be mentioned on the links in my introductory post. It is worth phoning Pregnancy Sickness Support 024 7638 2020. They will have to phone you back, but they will, and they give great advice about obtaining meds and when. They've helped many woman on the threads. As you are a veteran, I don't need to ask you the normal question about have you got kesostix to check for the early signs of dehydration.
Castlefeck I hope you are not suffering badly.
LightTripper You are such a for advice.
peacelove Phlegm is so sickening anyway.. Much sympathy.

Blondes Poor you. It isn't fair. It is very hard on those who vomit throughout. As I know you've recommended anti acids I'm assuming it isn't caused by acidity, so unfortunately, there seems little chance of a massive relief by changing one anti acid as happened to MotherofPearl on here a few threads back.
Due Dates)
LightTripper 3 March
Mama Ermintrude 3 March
Blondes 30 March
HurryUpApril17 17 April
NerrSnerr 18 April
Castlefeck 19 April
moonoverthewater 10 May
user1477 14 May
IAmSeriousAndDontCallMeShirley 20 May
Robber Bride 29 May
LHReturns 1 June
PeaceLove 3 June
Boobs 6 June
South London 6 June
fourcorneredcircle 7 June
Pastiemaid 12 June
squeezypeasy 13 June
Babyand 23 June
Captain Warbeck 24 June
HollyHop17 20 July
whoate 1 August
HaichM 1 August
SociallyAcceptableCookie 5 August
JimmyJay Early August
SickRose 18 August
Pip1982 20 August.
Melleebacca 22 August
MagnumAddict 1 September

Lighttripper: I'm glad you're so close and I'm sure you're looking forward to some rest and extra time with DD before due date.

Twinkle: mine this time is very very different to 1st time around. Not sure yet whether I'll get the relief the same as I did last time as only 15 weeks. I'm not holding my breath though. If I had known about pre-emptive meds I would have camped out at the GPs until I got them.

Castle: yes, I am always convinced I'm going to have a horrible day or two if I have a good day or two.

Atm, even if my nausea is bareable, my dizziness and headaches from the vertigo still keep me tied to the sofa. I did manage a driving lesson today which is a big win but I'm going to end up in bed early wanting the dark and the quiet.

Question, does anyone else struggle to find the urge/will to eat and drink sometimes? I'm still not really eating much but I'm not sure if I could manage better if I tried more, especially when it comes to drinking...

Hurryup & mama - with DD, I went to hospital when in labour and feeling like I was going to throw everything up. Got to the delivery suite and hurled everything into sick container in front of the nurse so was given IVs with anti emetics immediately. Just make sure they're aware. Bringing up bile in front of the nurse really helped. I had no more nausea after that, and only lost the cold toast after giving birth due to the pain meds. I was always confident that 24hrs of active labour was nothing compared to HG (although was only in active labour for 7hrs).

Had a really tough weekend. Spent yesterday in tears, all day, wishing it was over.

Mellee: I generally have one of those moments at least once a day. I'm going to bring it up with my mw tomorrow as I don't want to end up with full-blown depression again. I'm not sure how much more I can take but I've arranged a lunch out with a friend for Weds to force me out of the house. I'm finding it all too easy to hide at home.

I was lucky last time. No sickness in labour.

Thanks mellee that's really good to know! I'm so sorry you're feeling rubbish. I wish there was more we could do but know that you're not alone and here's some

Sorry Mellee, that did the turn out as sympathetic as I'd hoped. I second what Mama says and add that it's OK to have a good cry. With what we suffer, it can be cleansing. I hope you got some rest and nice cuddles with DH to DD (they seem to be what are getting me through). I also hope there are people there you can talk to about how rubbish it is, as well as us.

Here's some for you all.
Melleebaca Sorry to hear about tears. That's awful. I am so glad they gave you anti emetics during your last labour, you clearly needed them.

HaichM That vertigo sounds awful - is it the particular way the scourge is affecting you? And headaches, too. They are the last straw. Amazing you managed a driving lesson in such circumstances; well done. I think anyone who manages to do even a few normal things is really doing well. Of course, there is Blondes for inspiration -'irrepressible' is the word that springs to mind.
I hope MamaErmintrude and everyone is coping. Very quiet on here atm, which hopefully is a good sign and not one that everyone has been admitted or unable to raise their heads from the couch or the orange bucket.

I attempted going back to work yesterday. Figured I'm not going to know unless I try. Had thrown up 11 times before 11am so ended up coming home! I've had an exciting morning though, had my 12 week scan and everything is looking good with baby! Struggled with keeping all that liquid in me though. Felt like I was sloshing around. Much better now I'm on my sofa! Hope everyone is doing ok.

Hi all hope everyone is having a bearable day, similar to rose, I went to work yesterday and thought I did really well but am home again today feeling awful. Had a viability scan yesterday and got to see a happy bean and a tiny heartbeat so makes it all a tiny bit better knowing I feel this bad for a good reason. Recently discovered the joys of ice lollies and now can't stop myself

Hi everyone, sorry for my absence lately. I am feeling particularly low at the moment. Im 16+6 and it really isnt showing any signs of easing up. I also suffer from chronic, idopathic urticaria which pregnancy makes so much worse. When I'm not throwing up I'm scratching myself to death. I can't sleep as I scratch so much and the nausea is really bad. I have been feeling so low that I feel like I want it all to end. I am not thinking of harming my baby but I feel like I cant cope anymore. Just back from the GP who was not sympathetic and hasn't been able to give me anything to helpc with the itching. I just cant remember the last time I felt well and am petrified that it will be like this for another 22 weeks. I'm not a very strong person and just feel like I cant possibly go on. Sorry for the self indulgent post. Hooe today is a good day for as many as possible.

Hollyhop could you ask to see a different GP who may be more willing to help? You sound very down, understandably. I know it seems like this constant suffering goes on forever but don't worry about pestering doctors and those who are meant to help, one day all this horrible crap will be a distant memory x

Holly - I'm aware that there's creams and pills for the itching. And if super bad, an early induction date. Please try another GP, or pregnancy support people.

Mama, Haich and Lucinda - thanks for all the flowers and love. Managed to get midwife to bring my appt forward to this week, and she says she will give me a referral to maternity mental health. Also found a new OB led midwife center, so going to see if I can get under their care. Feeling down still, but not in tears anymore. Haven't been sick for 2 days, so I might finally be turning a corner, but the nausea is still debilitating.

SickRose - don't go back to work too soon if you can help it. It's unbelievable how much just getting ready and getting to work takes out of you when you're this sick. Let alone actually doing work. With DD, I went back at staggered return at 26w and after 4hrs on day one, I threw up for the first time in about 3w.

Sprite - I'm so glad you've found something that gives you joy. I think that's a key part. Finding a silver lining in the blackist of clouds. Hope the ice lollies continue to work.

I've just had a call from my midwife, apparently my booking in bloods have clotted and can't be analysed. When I went to hospital for dehydration they took blood there too. That blood also couldn't be analysed due to clotting. They're now chasing up the blood I gave yesterday after my scan to see if that has clotted. But I'm still concerned that it's at least 2/3 recent samples are unusable. I was wondering if anyone here has experienced the same thing and maybe it's hyperemesis related? I'd be really surprised if two separate nurses screwed up.

Hollyhop That sounds so dismal. I had never heard of that - a form of chronic hives? How infuriating that the doctors can't prescribe anything. But surely, as you need your sleep, it is no good for you or the baby not to sleep. I'm amazed that they say there's nothing - I hope it is likely to settle down, as even women who don't normally get rashes seem to suffer from them in the first tri- but I think the best thing is to ring the good old Pregnancy Sickness Support people and ask the retired doctor on there on 024 7638 2020. He will return your call and be really helpful.
SickRose That does sound odd - I'm sure if it was anything to worry about they would advise you to 'discuss it with the doctor' or whatever. It certainly seems worth asking how this has happened and if it is related to dehydration. I'm not knowledgable enough about chemistry to say, myself.
sprite25 That's why I always recommend ice lollies - they help so many on here. I suppose it is the sweetness and the coldness? Also, I swear by letting coke go flat and making ice cubes out of it.
Melleebacca I am so glad that you can see someone.
Waves to all. Back soon...

I'm starting to think that the constant acid from vomiting after brushing my teeth is worse than if I just didn't bother in the first place. Maybe I should retire from tooth brushing altogether and accept that I'll have dentures by age 40 (not long away).

Phew! It has been such a long week - lg had chicken pox, so many spots poor thing, although for her by far the worst thing was being stuck at home. I was very relieved to drop her at nursery this morning & mostly for her sake - I have hardly managed to look after her.

I am feeling quite down at the moment, at 9 weeks and cannot see past the hg atm. Saw my fave gp yesterday but she still wouldn't prescribe me anything with the cyclzine, but did try chasing the mw to get her help. No joy there tho, mw was supposed to ring me yesterday but nothing and won't see me before 17th as she will only do first appts on a Friday but only works 2 or 3 in a month. It's such a frustrating system.

Peace in my first pg I ended up not brushing daily as it was making the sickness non stop and I thought worsening it - my teeth are shot tho. Tips would be I found electric toothbrush easier and also to try just mouthwash if you can manage that as at least it's something. But definitely visit the dentist soon after baby is here - you'll get good value with the free dental treatment! (Not sure that really counts as a perk tho ;-) )

Hi to everyone else, I haven't the energy to catch up with all missed but hope everyone is hanging in there

Hi every one, I posted this elsewhere and didn't get a reply so hopefully here will be better .

I'm 9 weeks with my second and have HG. I'm a 30 times a day vomiter and was admitted to hospital at 7 weeks for severe dehydration.

They put me on Cyclizine but it made me horrendously dizzy and knocked me out, then I got moved to Ondensetron which has been ok so far but last few days I keep being sick again, 5 -10 times a day.

AIBU in thinking this is too much and I shouldn't really be being sick any more? Or should they put me on something else? My gp is little help, she had no idea anything other than cyclizine was prescribed

Thanks all. I was told that prednisolone, which I had have a short course of in the past to give me some relief I couldnt take in pregnancy, nor any of my usual medication for it. However, the NHS websie says it is safe, so it is quite frustrating. They did give me an anti sickness tablet that is also an anti histimine, hoping to solve both issues at once, but I am dubious as to whether it will help either. I am definitely going to speak to my midwife about being induced early or at least on my due date if this continues. It just seems so unfair to have to deal with this on top of HG as well. Waves to all.