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, phone them on:
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.

Sleepy was a godsend during the dark times

It did nothing for my nausea though, nothing did. Hope it does for you.

Hello all and thank you.
I’ve tried combinations - nothing seems to work. I’m in Sweden and they are VERY reluctant to prescribe here. Their plan so far seems to be ‘go lie down for two weeks and call the hospital if you stop peeing.’ I think they’d rather sign me off and give me a drip once a week than give me more drugs

Being signed off long term is not what I want at all - work are being arses about it already ( I was demoted after my last maternity leave) and we only get a reduced level of sick pay here so I’m feeling quite fed up. I’m resolved to be much more pushy this time - the health service here has some good points but they are infuriatingly hands off in some ways.

I’m also surprised the meds have no effect. I didn’t expect anything to be magical but I thought they’d work a bit and lift the fog...

Sorry about the spd natsku - I had that as well last time. I’m not normally one for anything alternative but I saw a very non-woo osteopath a year postpartum and she fixed my pelvis (by doing a rather terrifying crunchy thing to it.) spd responds well to specific techniques of manipulation (I can’t remember the name of the bloody technique but I’m sure google will help...)

Thank you ladies and wishing you all strength to get through the day!

Oh that sounds awful ana. Have they tried ondansetron/zofran? Worth fighting for that if not. Much sympathy. It's so hard to fight your own corner when you feel awful.

Your work sound awful. I assume pregnancy doesn't have same rights there as in uk?

Anatidae, you were demoted after maternity??? Seriously that's a disgrace . I'm sorry that happened. It just sounds like a massive nightmare, the stress of it all won't be helping with your HG. 'Come back when you can't pee' it just sounds irresponsible. Massive hugs, I honestly have no idea how you make any of it better.

Shehz both minis are well and Baby is getting more alert, he is dream still so most of the time I'm actually pretty good. We have been stuck in the house the last week due to the weather so entertaining a toddler is not easy. Nat would probably laugh at the snow that's kept us indoors though lol. Haha yeah I'm a poor replacement I just waffle at you all. Sorry. I completely agree with just arrange a consultant app and don't take no for an answer.

Bitzy I didn't take those I don't think, so cant comment but sleepy is good if you have the luxury of being able to go to bed, I'd take it. Good luck with them.

Hi Just & Nat hope you are both holding up. How's the hips Nat?

Hi mustang . You're a great replacement! I'm doing ok but feeling really out of sorts today, think I'm coming down with something. Glad the minis are good

Agree with Just you're a great replacement Mustang and it's so nice to hear of a newborn being a dream - gives me hope!!

The pain is more in my inner pelvis now than my hips which is why I think it's just getting ready for the birth because it's right in my crotch that the worst pain is. I'm trying to view it positively - that'll it maybe make it easier during the birth if it's more prepared now. Bet I would laugh at the snow that's keeping you stuck inside - we've got 34cm here!

Anatidae not sure exactly how the Swedish health system works but do you think you might get a bit more help by going to a private doctor? Or just try and shame your Swedish doctor by telling them how little brother Finland treats pregnancy sickness much better!

I've been getting lots of pain in my belly but it's not coming wave-like and peaking but my belly is tightening at the same time so can't really tell if it's contractions or not. Seemed to have stopped now anyway but making me wonder. I want to take DD to gym club today as it might be the last time I can take her for a while so hoping it keeps away and OH gets back from work in time to take us.

Spoke too soon - another uncomfortable tightening now, though not as painful as earlier.

justtheone and mustang yeah ‘If you dont pee call the hospital’ s not the response I’d hoped for. Because I did go to the hospital last time and they told me no drip until you’re at 3+ ketones and collapse.

I have switched to a private midwife clinic and gone from ‘we’ve booked you in to see the doc, earliest appt is three weeks’ to being seen the next day and signed off work. It’s maddening there’s such a difference. Yes pregnancy is protected, but I work for an American company so we have no ‘extra’ union contract like most Swedish companies so basically, they do what they want. It was a big blow to my confidence. What they did was illegal but they do it anyway. Sexism is alive and well and my last pregnancy has turned me into a bit of a radical feminist! So much for Scandinavian equality, looks like I should have move to Finland!!

Good luck natsku! hope you get an easy ride of it and one of those angelic easy newborns...

They're getting away with breaking the law? That makes me so angry!
I think Sweden isn't quite so good at equality as it claims (though neither is Finland but at least the skeletons are coming out of the closet now)

I know I’m being a total bitch but why do people have to tell me they remember feeling like this or that they know how I feel? No you don’t! You weren’t forced to stay horizontal because otherwise you would vomit! You didn’t feel so nauseous all the time that you were completely incapable of being affectionate or loving towards your partner! You didn’t feel so hopeless that you genuinely spent half the time wondering if maybe you’ve made a terrible mistake and yet spend the other half the time TERRIFIED of miscarriage. So no dear friends you do not know how I feel. You haven’t got a fucking clue.

Yes I am being completely unreasonable and I know that you ladies do know exactly how I feel, I am just in a real grump about it all today.

Didn't I used to get really fucked off with that. Wanted to scream that actually no you fucking don't. Not unreasonable at all. I don't know why people have to try to relate to it when it's so clearly on a different scale. My friend told me early on that "everyone feels bad, not everyone can afford to stay off work. When I was pregnant I just had to get on with it" I didn't speak to her for a month.
Yep I'm definitely choosing to wallow about on drips/throwing up every time I move. I just ADORE that we have to sell our house now as I couldn't work during pregnancy so we can't afford it anymore.

I just stopped responding to anyone who said something ludicrous like "I know how you feel" or "have you tried ginger". Fucking morons.

Wow that was cathartic! You're definitely not being unreasonable!

Ahh justheone so glad it’s not just me!!

just and mustang my sickness reflex is triggered if i bend down or bend over before midday. Sometimes also if I bend too much brushing my teeth. If I try and empty the dishwasher i start to retch, then i vomit, and then the hour is basically wasted. So I have learnt not to bend over at all till the afternoon.
I went back to the doctors (who started me off on vitamin B) and they notice increased white blood cells in my urine ( routine testing). Nothing to worry about, but signs of fighting an infection they said. Or, I said, I'm a bit dehydrated and can't drink much because of the sickness. So I now have a small prescription for ondansetron, for urgent use only. I will take it if the sickness gets unbearable or if I start to get dehydrated again. Am a bit worried about the side effects.
waves to everyone

@Didntcomeheretofuckspiders totally. This is why I'm avoiding everyone I know. Even my mum is getting to me with her 'you need to keep busy' crap.

I wish I could stand up for myself then and there but throwing up as much as in the 1st trimester at this stage is really getting me down. Even when DH tried to fight my corner, they were adamant it's too risky and "impossible" to give at this stage.
Think maybe will have to pay for a private consultant and see what happens?..
Miserable sad day here. Awful nausea all day,vomiting in my mouth every now and then. Can't tolerate anything except a little bit of flat coke and tiny bits of mango... ahh

Lord have mercy

Didn't My MIL who should win an award to be the most unsupportive person on earth had the gut to tell me the other day how despite she suffered from hg whenr pregnant with my DH, she still worked until she was 7 months and I should consider myself lucky that I could quit my job and stay home for the entirety of my pregnancy. I could have smothered her if murder was legal. I don't know from where I would have mustered the courage since it's taking me an awful amount of energy to move from my right side to the left atm but I would have. I felt so much rage and disgust at her at that point of time. How can anybody think I can even mildly enjoy lying down like a zombie and keep crying cus my own body smell can trigger nausea sometimes. I thank my stars my Dh and DM have been bloody brilliant in really understanding HG and supporting me.
I do try and ignore as much as possible but sometimes comments like these just break me.
So sorry you are having to go through this and hope the people who pass these unwanted comments stay away from you for sometime.

Mustang You are a brilliant replacement and I can't think of anyone better to encourage us in these times than you, especially for me personally you are one of those hg survivors whose journey I have witnessed and it makes me so happy whenever one of you posts cus it reminds me of the beautiful end to this horrible journey

bitzy I did try prochlorperazine as well and it did feck all for me. But sleepiness was a bonus. Thankfully I still do have that bonus with phenergan.

Oooo Nat is baby on its way?? I'm hoping so for your sake if you are feeling ready.

Oh no just I'm hoping whatever it is passes quickly.

Yeah at least the midwife clinic is an improvement but still sounds like it's failing you Ana.
*
Didn't*, not remotely unreasonable I think it's quite understandable to feel that way. It's easy to know that people mean well when they are trying to relate but it's infuriating. When I was doing my nursing many years ago one of the first things we were taught was not too say things like "I know how you feel" when people open up to you as it's pretty much a guarantee that they will shut down and not confide in you. This was especially important when working with vulnerable patients that could be subject to abuse from somewhere.

Any way complete ramble there. Rant all the way about the dafties here.

Harebellow, what are you worrying about with the side effects? Ondansetron for me slowed my digestive system to a halt and constipation was unbearable. The risks to baby seem really minimal if any though from recent studies. You sound like you are having a rough time, hugs.

Sweden is a racist, xenophobic, passive aggressive country natsku. The weather is fucking awful and absolutely no eccentricity is tolerated. The UK is a much, much more tolerant and open society, for all our flaws. I miss it deeply. The myth of the Scandinavian utopia seems to be one the left wing press cling to though (and I am a leftie!) They should try living here.

didnt a million times yes. No I cannot just keep busy. Or nibble some fucking crackers. Or try acupressure bands (cheers MIL!) even the doctor tried to start on the ginger thing. I had to politely cut her off with a tinkly ‘yes and gosh people keep mentioning ginger and frankly, last time by five months I was ready to deck anyone who mentioned it... anyway, about the fact my piss is semi solid ?’

My mother is deeply sympathetic though - she was nauseated to the point of illness through all pregnancies.

I also vomit if I bend down. The sphincter at the top of the stomach can be compromised by pregnancy anyway. Add in constant vomiting for nine months and often it sort of gives up. I’ve found ranitidine helps (its a H2 blocker)

Rambling post ends.

harebellow if it makes you feel any better I am a scientist with a background in developmental genetics/cancer genetics and I now work on drug development. I’ve had a good poke through all the primary literature and the meta reviews. I would take ondasetron with not a whiff of worry.

Some antiemetics actually are associated with a LOWER risk of foetal abnormalities, low birth weights and miscarriage. This is probably not because the drug itself is reducing them but because sickness of associated with healthy (well, vigorous) placentation which in turn is associated with better outcomes. But it does mean you can be confident that most of the drugs prescribed have no effect that we have seen so far.

Hope that reassures you a bit and happy to answer any science questions (not a medic so obvs none of this replaces doing what the doc tells you ) ;)

Love hearing everyone else also has totally unhelpful friends and relatives too! That sounds mean but it is very comforting.

Anatidae that’s really interesting to hear about Ondansetron and puts me at ease a fair bit.

Sorry so many of you are having a really rough time right now, wishing lots of strength to you all.

Baby does not appear to be coming, just wanted to make me hurt for a while At least I was able to take DD to gym club and play a little floorball (unihoc)

Mother Hen has come winging back from her visit to Manchester. I was delayed, but am here (I hope that Sweden is, if not good with equality in employment policies, anyway better in its train service). Thank you so much to lovely Mustang for her invaluable help and advice. I do hope she stays around, and justtheone and Shehz and everyone who has been giving such great advice.
Thingymaboob Oh, wonderful news! . Really happy for you, and I am so glad this thread helped you get through.
Welcome to the new people. Anitidae I am really shocked at what you say; that 'not noticing' illegal activities by US companies is bad.
It's awful that the treatment is so different between private and public health treatment - but Norbert's experience is unfortunately a comment on the UK's own health system.
Welcome to Butterfly86. Welcome. If you have been admitted, then it certainly is Hyperemesis. I am glad the meds help a lot with the frequency of vomiting. Hopefully that will keep you out of hospital for the future.
Natsku I am glad the party went OK. We did have 32 cms of snow here in Mid Wales - cars couldn't be used locally for two days, which was quite nice (couldn't be an environmentalist, could I?) in December, but you'd have to go back to 2010 for the time before that! I am so old that I remember massive amounts of snow in the winter of 1981 and - yes - even when very small, the winter of 1962-1963.
LifeofPies How did the doctor's appointment go?
Didn't Did you say that you were back at work today but have a HR meeting on Wednesday? You can guess what Mother Hen says. I hope you didn't get too exhausted. Are they likely to suggest greatly reduced hours or working at least partly from home?
Waves to justtheonethen Sheyz21 and everyone.
Apologies to anyone rudely ignored. Back soon with the due dates list.

...And Natsku I meant to say that fruit flavoured lactulose sounds good. I wonder if it is available in the UK?

DueDates
mrsb87 13 January
Flossyfloss 13 January
1984fs 27 January
Spearo21 24 January
Natsku 27 January
Emu21 22 February
OrangeCloud 4 March
justtheone 9 March
Shez21 22 March
scottishem 22 March
AndInShortIWasAfraid 27 March
Polyfilla 25 April
Poppet1985 28 April
dillydollydarling 4 May
seizethecuttlefish 13 May
Sally Mid May
Bunnyfluffy 20 May
BATMAN 21 May
Greenbeanies 23 May
Elephantgrey 25 May
Meadowhay 18 June
Lifeofpies 39 July
Harebell 13 August
Endorra44 16 August
Didntcomeheretofuckspiders 1st September

I don’t go Lucinda! You proud?
I had a rough weekend (very close to thinking about being admitted on Saturday) and a 12.5 hour shift is just not physically possible for me right now. I’m a midwife and no one wants someone who is constantly retching looking after them in labour, plus I can barely concentrate on a book or a knitting pattern currently, let alone my job. I just don’t feel like it’s safe or appropriate right now. No idea what Occy Health are going to say (if anything) as I can’t think of a way I can do my job lying down and tbh the idea of driving myself to work for 40 mins terrifies me but at least I’ve got some information to give my managers if I go. Tbh I’m half hoping they’ll just say ‘stop being ridiculous and trying to do your job, we’ll see you in a couple of months’ because even though I’m not vomiting a huge amount, I feel bloody dreadful constantly.