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.

Totally agree with everyone else that having people being unsupportive and give bad advice (ginger and ‘it will be better by 12 weeks’) was very detrimental to my mental health during the worst of my sickness - it made me feel even more isolated and alone than the fact that I actually was literally at home alone all day!

evuscha I also agree that even though it’s totally boring and lonely, resting and not overdoing it is really the best thing for it. I would notice a huge decline when I had tried to do too much.

Also to everyone worrying about work, I was off for more than 4 months and my job was still there at the end of it. Of course you feel guilty but you have to put your recovery first for now.

Feeling very ready for the baby to arrive now, so sick of this pregnancy.

emma cyclizine is a level one antiemetic. There's a few other meds that you could try as well/instead. Have a look at the RCOG guidelines and go back to your GP. Karen who answers the pregnancy sickness support helpline is a fount of info as well, so it might be worth a call to her.

Can't remember who said their GP said they'd feel better if they did more... Its nonsense!! Do what you can, but the most useful thing you can do is rest!!

Hi everyone, I’ve just found this thread and have been reading eagerly over the last 24 hours (in hospital on a drip). 2nd pregnancy but first was very mild sickness so this horrific situation was a total shock to me. Due with DC2 on Aug 5th so am currently 10 weeks and for the last 4 weeks I’ve been vomiting 4+ times a day plus constant nausea. Sometimes I’ve been able to eat a whole normal meal but other days I’ve survived on a few cream crackers and a handful of Percy Pugs. No rhyme or reason to it which I’ve been finding incredibly frustrating.

Does everyone get worried about being a shit mum to existing DC? DD (21 months) just wants to play all the time and there are very few games that can be played with one player with their head in the toilet. We do manage to read a lot which is nice.

Also I worry sometimes that DH doesn’t quite ‘get it’. I feel bad but I’m so useless.

Message to everyone

I've been on the web and come across a women who lives right near me

Acupuncture- Ment to help ease morning sickness and nausea
I'm ringing my midwife tomorrow to see if this is safe - I've read the reviews of so many pregnant women who've had this done and I'm slightly intrigued as read some great things
Have I missed anyone mention this before ???

calmer don't think you're alone with feeling bad for existing DC. It can't be helped though. Mine is 10 so a lot older, although a 'young' 10 and still loves me to play. I try to make it up to her where I can/when I have more energy. There's not a lot you can do when you're so ill

My DP thought I was being a bit dramatic at first but he has no experience of pregnant women and obviously when the gp etc were saying at first give it until 12 weeks hr just thought it was normal. He's amazing now, especially at the really bad times like puking and wetting myself.

emma I've read good things about accupunture for sickness. I cant afford it as think you would need a few sessions.

I tried acupuncture in my previous pregnancy and unfortunately it didn't help relieve any Nausea or sickness. Worth a try though - hope it works for you!

I’ve had acupuncture for another issue and it worked miracles for that. I’ve also spoken to a dentist who said she had a patient who had a really strong gag reflex and struggled visiting the dentist and so an acupuncturist came and put needles in her to stop her gagging and it worked! That was whilst the needles were in but that shows it has power. I’m a big fan but I’ve been too scared to do it for nausea incase it makes it worse before it gets better (disclaimer I have no proof this would be the case, it’s just me worrying and being ott).

So I managed my mw apt today at the hospital, it’s a miracle, hurrah, I made it out the house! Felt so proud of myself but of course it’d catching up with me now and I feel terrible this evening, urgh, I’ll never be able to do anything again! Gp has signed me off until Feb half term though so at least I don’t need to worry about work for now.

I’ve been a terrible parent to dd these past few months, I feel so bad for her. Yesterday I managed to read her a bedtime story for the first time in months and I’ve only just started doing piano practice with her to help her this week. In the grand scheme I know it’s short but there’s still the guilt.

Oh, and I cut back in the laxitives to help with the pre poo nausea issues but it’s just turned me constipated again

Welcome to CalmerComba. I hope you feel better for the fluids. I've added you to the dates. 5 August was my grandmother's birthday.
What meds have they got you on, did you say? Do you find any of these liquids helpful - flat full sugar coke, ice lollies, the juice of tinned fruit, ice cubes, soda water, fizzy water, tonic water, Elderflower water, Elderflower coridal and tonic, Robinson's fruit drinks, Lucoazade, Dr. Pepper, fizzy orange, leomonade, orange squash, sips of chocolate milkshake (maybe soya), cocanut milk and orange juice (if not too acid).Some foods of a sort, nibbles of crisps and chips, cuppa soup, baked potato, tinned fruit, slices of melon and mango, cheap ice cream,Scotch pancakes and nibbles of biscuits. Have you got kesostix from any chemists? A and E departments take the measurements of ketones seriously as a sign of dehydration, though scanty dark urine, a headache, dry mouth, blurry vision etc are more reliable. Don't feel guilty about 'neglecting' LO. From what I have seen on this thread, this short period is soon forgotten.
Sorry that neither you nor Bili find your OH as supportive as he might be. I think it is very hard for them to understand. On the websites linked in the introuctory post there is advice for friends and family if you can get the OH's to look at it.
Hairgician Are you out yet?
silversplodge I hope GI test goes OK.
happydays00 That sounds truly horrific and exhausting. Surely you must get bleeding from the throat with that? Remind me what meds they have you on now.
Bili I am so sorry OH has hinted at termination. Things are very hard now; they get a lot better for almost everyone. You do not need an incomprehending GP as well. That advice is only true of controllable, mild sickness. It might be worth phoning Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7638 2020. They will have to ring back, but they will with very good advice.
Emma I am so sorry you lost the thread. As people post every day, it should be easy to find on Pregnancy and then talk and subjects.
A stone is a lot of weight to use. I think it would also be useful for you to phone Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7638 2020 for advice how to get stronger meds. There are several that they can try. My normal comment; an effective anti acid can make a huge difference to sickness.
11yrgap I am so glad you are a lot better. It might be worth asking for a med which makes you less sleepy, when there are several they can choose from. Did you say you had tried Stemitil already?
evuscha and Olivecake Those are such daft remarks from people who imagine you are exaggerating.
emma on Acupuncture I have to say it really helped me after my GP refused all meds (this was years ago). However, while it turned things about for me, I have to say I had to have a lot of sessions, and I think that practitioner (who moved) was particularly skilled. I have had it since for migraines, and it did not good at all. I think that a miniscule difference in placing of the needle makes a massive difference. A number of people on here have had it, and found it helped a bit, but not in the way it did me.
Waves to Reastie and eallison and everyone.
canonlyHappy News. Don't push yourself too much. Congratulations on visit to Aldi. Lovely to buy baby thngs.
Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked.
Due Dates
rotavixsucks 15 January
Olivecake 23 January
elpreggo27 20 March
silversplodge 4 April
Anya 13 Apriil
Beanhunter 17 April
8DaysAWeek 1st May
tinyradish 1 May
foreverblues 5 May
Plasticgiraffe 10 May
Mamabear13 18 May
bumblebee 20 May
SashaMonsta 31 May
eallison June
CalmerComber 5 August
Hairgician 18 August TWINS!
DeadDoorPost early September

So I have had my metaformin changed to slow-release, which has less side effects. Phew. 20 week scan says we are having a happy, healthy boy, and my worries over lack of movement are down to an anterior placenta. At work again today and feeling relieved and happy for today at least!

sasseh that all sounds really positive, I'm so pleased!

Getting home today😀 was feeling too unwell yesterday and they put a 12 hr drip up as not tolerating fluids too well.
To whoever said about being told to move more etc, ignore them, they are stupid.
Sil being a pita with her stupid comments of 'do you pair not believe in contraception' gives me the fucking rage🤬

Hair I hope you’re feeling ok now you’re back home.

Sass that’s great news about the medication, I hope it’s easier for you to tolerate.

I’m in bed feeling sorry for myself. I felt so good managing to get out to the hospital yesterday but yesterday evening and today I’m paying for it with worsening of symptoms. I really don’t know what to do for the best. In the moments I feel okish at home I do gentle yoga/gentle walks/gentle strength work to help my stamina but I just can’t cope with doing much at all before it gets worse. I kmow you guys understand and that we can’t just push through it but shoukd I just be giving in completely and resting to feel ok (I’ve got to the point now where if I do certain things including resting and taking medication 70% of the time I don’t feel too bad) or should I keep trying to do stuff? Will trying to do stuff and then suffering the after effects of worsening symptoms eventually lead to building stamina so the after effects go away, or is it just a sign I did too much and to be more gentle? Really don’t know what to do for the best. Have 3 weeks to somehow get strong enough to make it to the far away hospital I couldn’t get to for 12 week scan to make the 20 week scan. And I can go privately for that as nowhere locally offers it privately.

I’m on 4mg Ondansetron 3x day. It seems to be working well on the sickness (only 2 actual spews in 2 days) but not touching the nausea.

I did too much this morning and ruined myself for the rest of the day. Was feeling good for a night in my own bed and a plate of potato wedges for tea so decided to take DD to her hosp appt and then to Morrison’s cafe (her favourite - don’t judge) but then threw up in the car park and had to come home and nap with her for 2 hours! Then this afternoon I’ve been on the sofa while she’s played/destroyed things.

Home earlier and not feeling too bad. Just had some toasted veda and about to try a strawbeery and raspberry tea.
Managed a bm earlier aswell. Not as bad as i thought it would be either.

To pp re staying rested, i know you prob feel useless and guilty (i do) if just lying about, but if its stopping you getting too ill then do it. Last time around, after 2nd admission, i didnt step foot over my front door for a good 5 weeks!
Was either in bed or on sofa. Could barely lift my head. Then started to slowly come around again. Just take it easy as much as you can.

Hope everyone is feeling better

I had a good day yesterday actually felt human
But today I felt it I had to crawl to the toilet my head was spinning had to get hubby home
Called epu they said I need to eat and drink and get sugar in me I ended up sleeping for 4 hours and could actually lift my head again nearly at 11 weeks surely this will lift soon
Going for app on Monday x

Now my 'protective browser' is refusing to log me into any of my websites! I am making a quick post before it decides to log me off.
Reastie Sorry you were bed bound. I hope you can venture up today.
Hairgician I am glad you were released. What meds have they go you on? I daren't check back for fear of being logged out. With any luck (and you are due some) they may help.
SassehMonsta Good news about your meds and the placenta causing that.
I hope all suffering badly have a better day today.
CalmberComber You did a lot. Children love these supermarket cafes; a nice treat for her.
emma A good day is often a sign of more to come.
Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked. I hope eveyrone suffering badly feels a bit better today.

I'm in a cookbook club (basically, every couple of months we choose one cookbook, all make one or two dishes, then gather at that months host's house and feast and drink prosecco. It's awesome - when not preggers and puking!!). I missed the last one, November, I was actually in hospital. We've got one today. My lovely friends have nearly all chosen dairy free recipes (my body hates diet when I'm pregnant, the tiniest amount leads to violent puking and feeling shit for days), even tho I told them there was no need. I know it's potentially risky going, but a lot are work mates, who I haven't seen for 3 months. I'm really looking forward to t. I even managed to make something, tho was told I had a free pass this time. Fingers crossed I manage. I've had extra sleep the last couple of days in preparation!!

Hope everyone is managing today.

Reastie I know exactly what you mean with the activity. I feel like the longer I stay in bed/sofa the harder it will become to get moving. But whenever I try to do something, go for a walk etc, it just makes me feel exhausted, and more sick the day after. It's really hard to know what's the right way and better in the long run. Especially as all the "move more" advice only really works with normal mild sickness Maybe resting and therefore feeling better more often will give you more energy after those 3 weeks? Maybe just light stretches etc. without pushing yourself too hard?

eal the cookbook club sounds so lovely! Fingers crossed so you can enjoy it!

I've mostly had quite good days lately (except for puking up my breakfast yesterday) and I'm 12 weeks now (actually yesterday...due date 26 July) and to be fair it does feel better now overall than a few weeks ago - nausea still there but my appetite really improved and I enjoy a lot more food that I previously couldn't even look at. I managed to get some of my weight back too. Now I'm wondering about 1. how to slowly increase my activity, as really feeling better seems to be dependent on me just sitting at home and resting, and 2. whether I should try and maybe drop 1 tablet a day (I did try this after Christmas though and I got a lot worse a few days later) or it's better to stick with it for now (I'm on cyclizine)

Hope everyone is having a good weekend

Evu yes! We sound like we’re now in the same situ. I’m going to wait until I’m more consistently improved before I consider dropping medication.

I have the mh nurse apt in 2 weeks. It’s 45 minutes away AND an afternoon apt (afternoons are still completely useless, all I can ever do is lie on the sofa, it’s only mornings that I’m any use) as she only works afternoons so I expect I’ll have to postpone it AGAIN.

Eal I hope you get to enjoy the cooking club, it sounds really fun. I’ve always wanted to join a cooking club but where you all cook a recipe together whilst you meet and then get to taste it. I’m not sure if such a thing exists or if it’d work but in my head I’d love to meet up and do some baking and chatting (when not pg!). Dh and dd are currently cooking in the kitchen and keep coming in to ask me a million and one questions about the recipe. I had to separate an egg for them as they ruined two

Lovely few hours at cookbook club. It felt almost normal!

Got home. Had massive fight with hubby. I say fight, I ranted and he did his silent martyr bit. He's now gone out (was already planned). I've told him to fuck off and stay at his mates. Its Just round to a friend's for dinner with a group of them. He offered not to drink (son is poorly). I hadn't even thought of it, but when he offered said yes please. His next breathe was to tell me why actually he could drink cos blah blah blah. I asked him why he needed a drink. Asked if perhaps he could sacrifice the wine, maybe reflect on all the food/drink/other stuff that I'm sacrificing cos of this pregnancy.

I'm really annoyed, cos this afternoon was lovely. I've managed to drop one 50mg of cyclizine a day this week, and been fine. I'm feeling physically better than I at any other point of this pregnancy. But now I'm sitting on my bed sobbing, full on wallowing about how shit it all is, and listening to my poorly boy shuffling and crying out in his sleep. Like, I'm even rocking the "I want my mum" card,l. She died when I was 15. I'm literally just wallowing in all of the shit, relevant or not. And he's having dinner with our friends. Probably eating cheese. (Note. I told him to go, he didn't even tell.me about the invite, I found out from friend. I want hi to go out and see people, he needs the break and the opportunity to vent if need to. Its just that right now, even tho I know it's good for him to go out and I encouraged it, I hate him for it. Cos pregnant and hormonal).

Sorry, full on pity party here. And to top it all off, a friend and I made plans to go and see mamma Mia in July last year. For various reasons we couldn't set a day, then when we'd find a time, something would come up and we'd rearrange. I bought her the DVD for Christmas, and we set a date for week of new year. Had to postpone again cos her child had.chicken pox. Arranged for tomorrow, play date for our kids and film for us... both our bloody children have come down with (different) illnesses today, so another bloody raincheck. JULY!!!!

Lucinda not tried any other meds,although I feel like I'm turning a bit of a corner. My nausea has dropped from all day feeling like I have a bug to more of a queasy feeling. It's ongoing but managable and I'm finding I'm craving things now I think I'm one of those people who is sensitive to medication at first. I seem to have a sensitivity to chemicals in general, my sickness has definitely been to hormone sensitivity. Thank you for all your amazing advice

eallison sorry you're having such a bad time.

Oh eal poor you, how are you doing this morning? In the positive you got out, you were ‘normal’ again at the cooking club. It must feel fantastic to achieve that after all you’ve been through. As for all the upset afterwards pg is tough, and you’ve had it the toughest out of anyone I know. It’s going to take a toll on you, your dh and your relationship. Maybe have a chat to him today and explain everything and have a discussion about what happened, see what comes out of that. But that doesn’t help how rubbish you felt last night and how in need of his support you were when he was out. I imagine the business of the day probably made things worse for you as you were more exhausted than normal and things are always tougher when you’re tired. I really hope you feel ok today?

Thanks reastie and 11yr. We had a good heart to heart when he got home. He decided not to drink. I realised that there was stuff that was upsetting me that I hadn't really consciously noticed, if you know what I mean. I've been in touch with my counsellor to book in with her. My son, 3, has a really nasty cold. I'm edging towards calling it flu. Horrible raging temp and just not himself. I've spent the last hour with him curled up on my knee, he doesn't want telly (not even octonauts!). He was awake at about 5 past the hour every hour from 10 last night, and was in bed with me (daddy manfully took the sofa!). So I'm tired, but feeling surprisingly well otherwise.

It's so easy to get caught in a spiral of how crap everything is, isn't it. I just couldn't see beyond feeling completely trapped by my pregnancy last night. Things are much brighter in the cold light of day.

Hope everyone else slept better than me last night!!