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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Hyperemesis Support

919 replies

LucindaE · 16/03/2018 18:16

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.

Hyperemesis Support
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17
Boredoftryingusernames · 07/04/2018 13:36

Hotchocolate thank you. I hope your off days disappear quickly. Try not to worry too much about work, a lot may change in 2 weeks. If you're not feeling much better but need to go back financially I think the Dr can recommend a change of hours on a sick note so you could ask them to do that to back you up at work?

LucindaE · 07/04/2018 14:44

questabella Really sorry you are still in hospital. I so agree with bored and others, it's well worth asking a doctor if it's thought the best thing.
Sabulous Glad that you are having a better day. It is unlucky that the bad pregnancy sickness you had last time has turned to Hyperemesis this time. You might find the list helpful, as fizzy sweet drinks seem to help a lot of people. The infamous flat full sugar coke, the juice of tinned fruit, Elderflower Water, ice lollies, soda water, fizzy orange, orange squash, Lucoazade, sips of chocolate milkshake, Dr Pepper, lemonade, ice cubes and Robinson's fruit drinks. For solids, tinned fruit, Scotch pancakes, nibbles of chips and crisps, cheap ice cream, slices of melon and mango, cornflakes and jelly. It is certainly worth while buying some kesostix from a chemists to check for early dehydration as hospitals take the readings from those seriously.

hotchocolate Is it impossible to manage without a return for work? As usual, Mother Hen says don't rush back, as it is no good returning when not fit for it, and having to be signed off again.
bored and seize and everyone - great advice as ever.

OP posts:
hotchocolate86 · 07/04/2018 15:48

That’s a good suggestion bored. If I feel like my normal hours are too much I will discuss that with the doctor.

I think I will have to go back but it may be possible for me to take a couple more weeks by using holiday so that could be an option if I feel really rough.

I’m very out of breath today. I’m not sure if that’s normal for 14 weeks. I haven’t been doing anything because i feel rough but my breathing just sat here on the sofa is really heavy.

songbirdnumber1 · 07/04/2018 17:17

Has anyone found stemetil effective?

Aw12345 · 07/04/2018 18:39

@hotchocolate86 that's what i did in the end, Dr wanted to sign me off for 2 months but we can't afford Statutory sick pay followed by statutory maternity pay so instead I asked for adjusted hours. Has helped but not going in is better :-)

Was having a good day until I ate some plain pasta at 4pm and now feel like death :-( meant to be going out tonight and dreading it :-(

RockinRobinn · 07/04/2018 20:20

Hi ladies,
I'm so sorry to hear a lot of you are having a hard time Ive read all the comments but my brain is like a sieve and I immediately forget who said what! But hang in there this group is amazing and helped me get through those moments when I was in complete despair.
@hotchocolate86 I have felt a massive difference since being 16 weeks still getting sudden intense nausea but at 14 weeks I couldn't even sort my washing out without having to sit down as I was out of breath and it would increase my nausea intensely I could just about manage a ten min walk around a supermarket! But today I was out in the garden and have had a lot more energy. I understand what you're saying about work I'm self-employed so don't even get sick pay but the stress of worrying about going back was making my sickness worse. Take it easy and take each day as it's comes, easier said than done I know!
We found out today we are having a little girl so I think that has given me a boost as it now feels more real as well.

seizethecuttlefish · 08/04/2018 13:03

Songbird I could actually throw up and keep the dissolvable ones on my gum. Didn't work for me this time but did help in my first pregnancy.
Hope everyone is muddling through ok?
Hugs to all. It's ds 5th birthday party today. 2hrs at softplay but there is a fab cake to be had and today, I feel like eating!

LucindaE · 08/04/2018 22:26

seize That is one clever trick. But not one you'd liketo do in public...
hotchocolate Sorry about breathlessness. I believe it is unfortunately, a side effect of Hypermesis - but always worth enqiring over with the GP, if you're worried.
RockinRobin Great advice as ever.
Apologies to anyone rudely ignored; PC trouble (once again).

OP posts:
booandbumpp · 09/04/2018 11:32

Does anyone have any advice for explaining the exhaustion that comes with HG? My aunty thinks I'm being lazy and getting out of the house would "do me good" and I should walk the dog and keeps telling my DP as such.
Trying to explain that small tasks leave me breathless which makes the nausea worse because if I start coughing I'll be throwing up shortly after.
I don't know I just find the whole thing frustrating. She's just been round to sort my garage out with my DP and was trying to set me doing tasks which makes me feel guilty for laying down on the settee trying to force down dry toast to settle my stomach. I'm in my PJs was throwing up 5 minutes before she gets here but "I'm being lazy". I love her so much she's one of my favourite people in the world but she just doesn't get this condition at all!!

hotchocolate86 · 09/04/2018 13:06

I’m hoping for a big improvement by 16 weeks rockinnrobin. Fingers crossed. I know on the whole I am a lot better than I was 2 or 3 weeks ago so there has been improvement which is great news.

lucinda I didn’t know that about the breathlessness and hyperemesis being possibly linked so that’s useful to know. It’s not constant and more annoying than anything so no need to contact the midwife or gp at the moment I don’t think.

booandbumpp I remember getting that kind of attitude last time. I never did find a way to explain it, just lots of gritting my teeth and trying not to snap at people! I have lots of sympathy for you though. It’s so frustrating. I am still completely wiped out at 14 weeks and only just finding the energy to get out and about a little. I’m trying to do a bit more to see if I can build my strength up for my return to work.

hotchocolate86 · 09/04/2018 13:07

Is your partner backing you up booandbumpp? Maybe it would help if he explained to your aunt how unwell you are.

booandbumpp · 09/04/2018 13:18

I think DP is! I think the problem (??) is that I am not throwing up nearly as much (only been sick twice today so far!! Hallelujah!) and that's the only "physically obvious" symptom. The rest is how it makes me feel. Some days it's all i can do to get through a shift at work come home and sleep!
I guess gritting my teeth and trying not to snap is the only way to deal with it. I just keep reminding people I'm ill ha. I'll have to grow a thicker skin just wish people would understand a bit more!

hotchocolate86 · 09/04/2018 14:34

I’m glad your partner is backing you up boo.

Does anyone that’s feeling slightly better still have the most awful taste in their mouth? Honestly it’s like something’s died in there. My teeth are generally getting properly brushed now but I can’t shift this awful taste. I’m paranoid I must have really bad breath.

booandbumpp · 09/04/2018 14:36

Is it metallically taste as that can be a side effect of producing ketones? @hotchocolate86

hotchocolate86 · 09/04/2018 14:43

I wouldn’t say it’s metallic but I’ll check my ketones next time I go to the toilet just to be sure. I think the best way to describe it is how I imagine it would taste if you’ve not brushed your teeth for a week.

Boredoftryingusernames · 09/04/2018 15:14

Totally know what you mean about the awful taste, think lots of people have it, I have with both pregnancies and not found anything that shifts it (though some people say boiled sweets help). My husband assures me that my breath doesn't smell as terrible as I think it must! I do think mine has lessened a little bit this week.
19weeks now - scan tomorrow, hugely nervous about everything being ok, can't wait to have it done now.

Boredoftryingusernames · 09/04/2018 15:18

Booandbump sorry for your aunt not understanding, I don't think anyone really gets the dizziness and exhaustion until it happens. Glad DP is being supportive, there is lots of info out there for family members if he could direct her to it e.g. Pregnancy Sickness Support website. Glad the number of vomits is at least subsiding a bit (only on this thread is only 2 vomits in one morning a 'good day!').

BergamotMouse · 09/04/2018 16:41

Sorry, I've not been keeping up. Just been laid up on the sofa being useless for 10 days. Been back to the docs as was being sick every 20 mins and they've now prescribed ondansetron. I've seen a lot here are on it - does it help? I've scared myself as googled it and it says it can increase the risk of cleft palette and heart defects.

booandbumpp · 09/04/2018 16:43

That's what I'm on @BergamotMouse
It helps most of the time if I take it first thing but if I sleep in or something then I throw it up

Prepare for constipation!! And don't google!

hotchocolate86 · 09/04/2018 17:04

Ive checked my ketones and they are ok. Just trace amounts showing.

Good luck with the scan tomorrow bored.

I am on ondansetron bergamot along with a couple of other things. I was on it for the whole of my last pregnancy too. It’s a life saver to be honest. Last time it was the only thing that worked.

Boredoftryingusernames · 09/04/2018 17:11

Bergamot it is the medication that seems to help a lot of people when others have failed, not so much with the nausea but definitely with the vomiting. The constipation can be grim so get yourself some lactulose would be my advice!
I think an early study showed those potential issues, but past larger ones (analysing more women who had been on it whilst pregnant) did not show the same so does seem to be considered safe. Really hope it calms things down for you, it definitely was my turning point with the weight loss and vomiting (though needed 8mg three times a day, so do speak to your Dr about increasing the dose if not effective, as they usually start on 4mg three times a day).

LucindaE · 09/04/2018 17:14

booandbumpPoor you. I think you are being so restrained, and people are so judgemental about this - the same as with migraines, unfortunately. As this a favourite relative , it shows how general ignorance is, as while I don't want to upset you by speaking against her, she might have troubled to do a bit of research. I think as others say, your OH should suggest she reads one of those Hyperemesis websites linked in the introduction. There's Helpher too www.hyperemesis.org/family/
I think the exhaustion must be due to the long term starvation. The little parasite is taking all the nourishment s/he needs, leaving you feeling as if you've lost an argument with a taxi. Can you retain liqiud vitamins or iron? They might help. I hope the turnaround comes for you asap.
hotchocolate I am glad the breathlessness isn't all the time. It does seem to go with the stomach problems, but always worth asking a medic about, for reassurance as much as anything.
BergamotMouseGoodness, that sounds awful. What on earth did your ketones measure? As bored says, do get some pre-emptive treatment for constipation as it is an almost inevitable side effect, say Lactulose. On the risks, I can only say that if you look at the Hyperemesis advice sites, you will see that large studies have said that the minimal risks are weighed by doctors against the dangers of long term dehydration for both the baby and you, which are worse.

bored So true. 'Only' two vomits a day would be seen as debilitating and severe sickness elsewhere!
questabella I do hope you are out yet?
I hope everyone is coping today.

OP posts:
eallison88 · 09/04/2018 17:16

booandbump if you're barely eating then it's no wonder you've got no energy! No one would expect a car to run without fuel... perhaps say something like to her?

hotchocolate even during my peaks in pregnancy I had the vile taste - do mints help
bergamot I was on ondansetron for almost my entire pregnancy. I now have a completely healthy 2.5year old who was a completely healthy 9lb baby. Not everyone has the dreaded constipation -i didn't. I hope you find that it helps pretty quickly, it certainly did for me.

Hope everyone else is coping.

Foodylicious · 09/04/2018 17:45

hotchoc I had this on and off a few weeks ago.
Felt like and tasted like awful coffee/morning breath and I wasn't even drinking coffee.
Also kept thinking 'oh, I haven't brushed my teeth ' only to remember that I had done not long ago.
Sucking on mints did help.

Well after feeling worse with each day last week, I was a lot better yesterday.
Went out for the day to a national trust place with LO and a friend's LO.
Had a lovely day but over did the walking and I'm knackered.

Worryingly though, I've not felt too sick today and had the motivatiob/energy to clean the bathroom after work... and am convinced something is wrong...
Have booked a scan for tomorrow.

Gah...!!!

Aw12345 · 09/04/2018 17:58

I have honestly never been so tired in my whole life as I am with HG, even after major abdominal surgery i didn't feel as tired as with HG!

Also the awful mouth taste... Literally the grossest thing ever in the history of the world!!

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