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.
On my image of a pink castle: that is an image I use because when I was little, my family had a Snakes and Ladders board with an image on the last square of a pink castle in the clouds. As Hyperemesis is so like a grotesque version of Snakes and Ladders - eat a meal, go up a ladder, first thing in the morning bile run, down a snake - I have used the image of that pink castle on the last square of that Snakes and Ladders board as a metaphor for the happy end of Hyperemesis.

I am still on the Lucinda. Just having to increase the dose. And that’s ok because at least I know they work. Today is more nausea than vomiting so hopefully making a difference already

beanhunter I'm glad you've found a positive impact already. I've had steroids mentioned to me twice now but been told that either it's too early for them (about 8 weeks) or they bring their own complications so best not. I'm getting close to insisting on trying them tho. I can't do another 8 months of puking and feeling sick like last time.

lucinda the eggs stayed put . Only one dry heaving session today, after I fastened my son into his car seat for my dad to take him out. Confirmed I'm right to ask GP to sign me off for 2 weeks at my apt tomorrow. I've spent the last 2 hours since eating dinner (mashed potato and veg burger) battling to keep it down. Tbh, I have now decided that the relief that will probably come from puking is worth it, so am off to puke then bed. I'm hoping that the metochlopromide will have meant that a lot of the goodness in watch ate has been absorbed.

Feeling pretty low about the whole process today. Tomorrow's another day... wishing all a peaceful night.

It’s hard. I’m told there are more concerns using them pre 12 weeks. I started at 11 when I literally could no longer stand up or even sip water and had been in hospital for a week and hadn’t eaten anything for all that time. I was anxious too but for me they were the only option. I’m now 15 weeks so the risks of steroids are felt to be lower than the risks of getting so unwell again.

I got my ondansetron from doctor and he also gave me folic acid and said I just take I honestly couldn’t keep this down last time are you all able to take it and keep it down? X

I think I managed about 30 folic acid pills across entire pregnancy last time. About about 15 of those were before I started puking. Do what you can, don't stress about it or beat yourself up.

Some interesting facts for you. According the the NHS website, the NHS will "usually fund" vasectomies, whilst they "don't usually fund" female sterilisation. Which costs £2-3k privately (admittedly my source for cost is the Sun, so not the most reliable...)

I was prescribed liquid folic acid - I only have to take 0.8mls a day and can usually manage a quick sugary syringe after my meds. My doctor was the one who suggested it as I went for meds at around 3 weeks (though in hindsight it was 4 as dates moved) and he asked about folic acid and I told him last time it made me vomit more.

mum folic acid tablets seem to be worse than most things to keep down ... which is saying something!

re sterilization, I asked my gyne at week 6 if I could get sterilized =) She said yes, bless her! (not UK mind you). It did give peace of mind tbh.

Hello all, may I join you?
I'm suffering at 10 weeks. I required iv fluids yesterday for dehydration and am sick at least 2x a day, sometimes 6. Finding fluids harder than food tbh. Any advice welcome. Feel nauseous all the time. I've just been prescribed ondansetron to take along side cyclizine (which I'm already on but seeing nil good effect from)
Feeling very lonely on this journey, my other mn thread are just ignoring me as I wallow in self pity 😩 hope I find some sympathy and support here?!

Hello kisses, it’s utterly miserable isn’t it.

I’ve been to gp this morning, she’s prescribed me ondansetron. The dose she’s give me is 4mg 3 times a day. She said the advice from the local resitrar is they have never had to go above 4mg but the official advice I’ve read is 4-8mg.

So, I’m already on cyclizine 3 x a day and I know from this site that that has a good build up effect and I took it the day I found out I was pg. should I be taking ondansetron 3 x a day regardless of how I feel or is this more of a reactive drug that I take when I feel I need it rather than allthe time?

@kisses4u I know how you feel. It does get easier, although I have been in the place where I thought if one more person tells me it gets easier if cry. I'm now 22 weeks, I've been taking ondansetron, cyclizine & ranitidine since week 6. The hardest thing for me has been mentally accepting how I feel and needing to rest. I've been off work and basically spend most days either in bed. I've had hospital admissions for dehydration and have had probs with low BP.

Over the last few weeks the vomiting & nausea has reduced. I see a dietician who helped me find fluids/foods that worked. I've not been able to tolerate water at all. We found thicker drinks (milk/milkshake) were more tolerable, dietician said it's something to do with the weight of the fluid which passes quicker through stomach.

I was prescribed fortisip and scandishake drinks (they are high calorie drinks) as lost about 2 stone initially. Eating wise - plain foods worked for me...mash potato, plain toast, plain pasta. I've slowly been able to introduce things like cheddar cheese, jams, peas, carrots, beans, nuts & more recently ice cream and stewed apples.

One thing I would say is if your taking ondansetron, make sure your given something for constipation. I've had an awful time with it so take laxido and fybogel every day. With not eating properly (little or no fiber) and the antiemetics constipation can be really problematic. That's why I've been trying to eat things in the last month which has more fiber.

Hope your feeling better soon, find some good box sets & movies and get as much rest as possible if you can. x

Re ondansetron: from what I remember from my last pregnancy, it's a reactive drug and will have an impact on taking, as opposed to cyclizine which needs to build up in system (but this only take a day or so). Also re dosages of ondansetron; my GP prescribed 1 or 2 4mg tablets up to 3 times a day. They are fine that I am taking 8mg 3x daily (tho one of those doses is split between 4mg pill and 4mg IM injection. The injection is much, much effective than the pill).

Interestingly, I enquired about being prescribed some fattening shake things this morning to be told that they aren't allowed to in this ccg. He apologetically explained that the theory is that if you can shake did , you can keep anything down and thus dont need the shake. He suggested I have a chat with pharmacist about buying some. Which I don't think I will due to cost- just imagine if we didn't have the nhs and all medication decisions were based on how much they cost!!

I've been signed off for 2 weeks. I learnt my lesson from last time that the one consistently helpful thing with hyperemesis is rest and SLEEP.

kisses welcome. You will find understanding and solace here. It's miserable. But this too shall pass.

Hi everyone, hope you’re all doing ok and I’m glad to see the thread is still running. I haven’t been posting as the sickness has been under control as long as I don’t do much. I’ve been able to eat pretty much normally and not had food aversions for quite a few weeks now, just still felt bloody awful and nauseous as soon as I do anything.

However this week (29 weeks) I feel permanently sick again and am struggling to function. Still on cyclizine three times a day. Is it worth asking for something else?

Thanks so much for the welcome, I'm so sorry to hear your stories! Sound much worse than me. I think running around after a toddler is what makes it harder for me. Sleep is most defiantly what I want ALL THE TIME! I just don't have the chance in the day as my son has just passed the needing a daytime nap stage sadly 😩 so no rest for me! However DH does help lots when he's home from work, I still have to prepare the dinner - I've found cooks ready meals have been my saviour. I'm then just heating up food instead of putting myself through making meals from scratch with all the nausea!
I did loose quite a bit of weight with my previous pregnancy but was back to pre-pregnancy weight once I got to around 20 weeks.

Quick question re. Meds. I've been advised to take ondansetron 4x a day and cyclizine 3x a day... I'm just not sure when to take them? What do you all do timings wise? It would be more ideal if they were both 3x so I could take at same time...

It's interesting that you been yold to take ondansetron 4 x daily; ive mot come across that before. 4mg each time I presume? Ìf I were I think I'd take it 3 times, 6am ish, 2pm ish and 10pm ish. I'd probably take 2 x 4mg at one of those times- the time nearest my shittest part of the day. And cyclizine at the same times. Alternatively take cyclizine at those times and ondansetron at 6am ish, 11am ish, 4pm ish and 10pm ish.

kisses can you arrange got some help with your toddler? O work part time and my son (3) is with family on the days I work. Normally. Currently in off work, family ar3 doing the days they normally do plus Tuesdays. And we've put him in nursery on Fridays, starting next week. All means that I'm able to get the rest I need. Even one day off from running round after him will help.

Oh and troika it's definitely worth asking for different meds. I think it was about 30/31 weeks with my last pregnancy that things got worse again So my ondansetron dose was upped.so definitely ask for new meds

Thank you @eallison88 that's really helpful, I think for ease I'll just do it 3x a day with the cyclizine like you said. I'll set up reminder on my phone.

Re. Childcare, I've just had a really unlucky couple of weeks with family being away. I normally get help on Thursdays and one other day of my choice, plus DS is in nursery 2x mornings a week and it's still half term here for another week 😬 so I have basically had to get on with it. We've not been out much and I've had to put the tv on way more than I feel comfortable with just to get to sit down for a bit 😩

I have tried and failed to go back to work several times, I keep needing to supply doctors certificates which is frustrating, but doable. I just feel so bad not being at work and don't think ppl really understand how debilitating hyperemesis is... I guess only you guys who are also going through it really understand. It so much worse than just a bit of morning sickness. The other mn thread I'm on nobody even commented when I mentioned I'd been admitted to hospital for fluids! It feels like I'm so alone. My husband is pretty unsympathetic too 😢

Welcome to kissese4u. I am sorry that you are suffering, and being ignores on your other thread. Is there no help forthcoming with your LO, relatives, friends or a bit of childcare? I really admire those who manage to survive with a toddler You've had great advice on meds. An anti acid can really help. Have you got a laxative as Ondansetron does tend to cause bad constipation? As you lost a lot of weight in your other pregnancy, did you have bad sickness with that too? Some fluids that might help:flat full sugar coke, ice lollies, the juice of tinned fruit, sips of chocolate milkshake (maybe soya), Lucoazade, fizzy water, soda water, Edlerfower Water, Elderflower cordial with tonic water, Iron Bru, Robinson's fruit drinks, Dr Pepper, orange juice (if not too acid for you) orange squash, fizzy orange, lemonade and ice cubes. For solids, nibbles of crisps and chips, baked potato, Scotch pancakes, cuppa soup, slices of melon and mango and tinned fruit. Have you invested in some kesostix as while they may not be the best indicator of dehydration hospitals take the measurements seriously.
eallison I do hope you feel better today. It is an endurance test and hard to get through the days, even taking one day at a time.
SassehMonsta Interesting.
Priscilla I am glad things are bit better than they were, anyway.
beanhunter I am glad they kept you on them.

Troika Nice to hear from you,and I am glad that the sickness is generally controlled.
Waves to Reastiepeace SeaEagleFeather foreverblues and everyone.

kisses4U Sorry, I missed that about the childcare you have.
I do feel for everyone coping with half term.

Your husband needs to suck it up and realise that you are growing a whole person, his child, and you are suffering whilst doing it kisses. I'm sorry he's not being supportive. It's unacceptable. A bit (or lot) of extra telly isn't going to ruin your child! Be gentle to yourself

Criss posted lucinda! Hope you're ok today!

Hi I posted about 6 weeks ago but I'm mostly a lurker dragging myself through each day reading the excellent advice on here. I'm now 12 weeks (due 10th May) which feels like a milestone but had a bad day today. Yesterday I had the flu jab which has sapped the very little energy and appetite I had. It's also the start of half term here too @kisses4u so where I would get three days break to stay in bed I've got over a week of caring for my 18 month old. Went back to the doctor last week to try and increase my meds but doctor said I was doing well on the cyclizine, she wasn't concerned about my weight loss and signed me off for another 3 weeks. She was lovely but no one except my DH understands how hard it is to go from being active and energetic to housebound pretty much overnight. A pp mentioned about sterilisation. I am being referred to consultant as I had EMCS last time and I've been researching whether they'd let me be sterilised during this c section but there's not much info. I'm 40 and this is my second HG pregnancy and hoping they'll do it as I NEVER EVER want to be pregnant again

I mentioned sterilisation to my GP today. He very nicely told me that the coil or implant is more effective (sterilisation 95%, coil/implant 99%). So I think what I want is tubes tied and the coil. Belt and braces! I'm only 30, so I'm concerned they won't talk me seriously.

I'm concerned your GP won't prescribe stronger antiemetics plastic. If you are struggling with food enough to lose weight then frankly she should be concerned. Might be worth a phone call to pregnancy sickness support. Karen is brilliant and knowledgeable and can help you arm yourself with the right facts.

Welcome kisses I’m loving this group already only joined this week wish I would of known about this with my last two pregnancies everyone here is fab and we will all get thru this together :)

Troika definitely ask for something better mine got worse towards the end of the pregnancies again xx

Why doesn't anyone understand that actually, the physical symptoms of HG, as shit as they are, are not the worst of it. Why does everyone belittle or ignore completely the psychological agony of wondering when you're next going to be sick, if/what/when you should try to eat/drink something, the constant wondering if that particular sensation in your stomach is just the normal cramps that fill your life now, or if it's a precursor to a chunder sesh, and if it is a chunder sesh will it be a dry heave sesh or a 'productive' one, and if it's a productive one, what did I eat last and when, what's that gonna be like to bring back. Or if that sensation in your stomach would be resolved by a quick vom then sleep and pretend it never happened.

Why doesn't anyone see that?! Even my husband, who is fantastic at supporting me and looking after me. He doesn't get it. He can't get it. And I am exhausted and I am at most 8 weeks pregnant, probably closer to 7 and have at least 30 fucking weeks ahead of me. I am physically exhausted, and mentally I have nothing left to give. Except I've got to keep giving for another 30plus weeks. Potentially 35 weeks. There is no more to give and yet I've still got to fucking give it.

Oh, and in today's "interesting differences between this and previous pregnancy"; this time brushing my teeth seems to be my friend. Last time the sight of a toothbrush would make me puke. So that's got to be a good thing for the health of my teeth at least!