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.

Thank you for the constipation/laxitive help. Anyat I’m trying to avoid glycerine suppositories as one of the ways it works is by stimulating the colon to move it all down, and Senna worked in a similar way which was causing me all the intense nausea whilst it did so.

Bean wow that’s a lot. I took half a sachet yesterday as I wasn’t sure how it would effect me (I always get anxious on new medication) and this morning another half sachet. It’s tricky as I know this might not be enough and I’m feeling nasty and constipated but equally I’m scared of taking too much. It sounds like different people react very differently to it and how much is needed.

Eal that’s fantastic to get back to work. I’ll await with hope and interest how it goes at the end of the week and I hope it’s not too bad and you can continue. You’re right just being around people can be such a healer, I felt so good when I got out to see the mw (until the exhaustion and worsening of symptoms hit!).

I wet out to the supermarket this morning, onoy very briefly to look for something there for dd for her birthday. I felt like I had to breathe through not having a panic attack the whole time. Just being out having not been out for so long. Last week I went to very small shops as it felt mentally easier, this time it was a huge superstore with massively bright lighting and everything was a trek inside. Tbh I felt I had exhausted myself just by wiping ice from the windscreen before I even left to get there! It was really tough and I don’t even know why I got myself so worked out whilst out. Does anyone else get this or am I just weird?

I started on 1 twice a day and it did nothing. Ended up with an enema so was then determined to avoid that again.

Urgh, I don’t want that bean! We’re you already backed up when you started on it?

Yes. Hadn’t been for over a week but was at my sickest when I wasn’t tolerating anything and was in hospital and hardly eating. Tried if for over a week and still no joy hence the enema.
Tbh even with laxatives once a week is my new normal. Constipation in pregnancy is common, then add ondansetron and crap diet and it’s a recipe for disaster.

Hi,
Just catching up on the thread and apologies if this has been covered (i'm not really with it at the mo)
Reastie or anyone who knows. I'm struggling to take lactulose without vomiting. This movicol, is it a sachet you dissolve in water and have you tried it in juice or squash?
Thanks

Hi meg, the movicol is a sachet, you mix it with 120ml water. It tastes disgusting and salty on its own but I added some lemon squash to it and it tastes fine. I’ve been doing ALOT of research on helping constipation from ondansetron and apparently movicol is one of the best ways to help it from what I’ve found. The dose is 1-3 sachets a day for regular constipation but up to 8 a day. Yesterday I was worried it’d make me feel sick so I only took half a sachet. Today I’ve taken 1.5 sachets but I haven’t had any joy from it yet. I’m crossing everything I can manage to poo without nausea as I think that was the main cause of my worst times in the past month. I don’t know about lactulose, people usually seem to tolerate it ok but if you’re struggling it might be worth trying something different. Dh bought movicol for me from the chemist and it was about £15 for I think 30 sachets. I have an apt with the gp but not for another couple of weeks so I hopefully if things are going well for me with the movicol she will be fine to add it to my prescription. Btw I told dh not to tell chemist I was pg as they barely let you buy anything! It says on the info label it’s fine during pg.

So this morning was a disaster. My son's behaviours was so difficult this morning that I actually ended up in tears at Morrison's. I don't recognise him at the moment. I know it's cos our relationship has suffered cos of me being so ill, as he's only displaying these behaviours with me. He even told me this morning that he would be sensible for grandma, but he wouldn't for me cos he didn't like me. So that was nice. I suspect also his behaviour was affected by my response which was coloured by how tired I am. Today I questioning the wisdom of having a second child!

Scan was fine. Have to go back in two weeks cos baby didn't cooperate so couldn't get everything they needed. She explained that She s not worried about anything, she just couldn't get the specific picture she needed to tick the box. So I'm up to 5 scans so far, and at least 4 more.... only had 2 last time!! Did get a very adorable picture of baby's feet and ten perfect toes.

Sorry everyone I am just crying here. I am running out of my medication tonight due to an oversight on my part. It’s just cyclizine but it’s kept me afloat and I phoned doctors surgery and explained to receptionist but she wasn’t interested. Just said it was my fault for not ordering it sooner and it’s not on my repeat prescription list. I don’t know why that is because it should be I tried to explain the doctor would usually fax my prescription to asda beside me and she just said the doctor wouldn’t do any call backs today and I’d have to phone tomorrow to see when it would be ready and she won’t ask him to fax it because it’s not an emergency. I tried to tell her it’s the kind of medication you can’t take a break from and i struggle to leave the house but she just said it’s my fault. I know it’s my fault but I’m just gutted. I will now have to go to doctor surgery tomorrow with the kids and then to pharmacy and wait there with the kids without having had pills. I think I was hoping to be managing better by now too and just the lack of care on the phone has knocked me sideways. Had a full on day already and feeling rubbish in every way.
Sorry I just needed to let some of it out in writing 😞

Reastie I’d definitely keep your movicol intake at 1.5 as it’s going to be even harder to go and you may suffer from piles (I’ve had abit of trouble with them but not painful - I’ve heard a lot of people suffer with them when badly constipated and the pain is awful). The GP will add Movicol to your prescription as I did the same as you just for quick relief and then got it on prescription. Laxido is another safe option too but I’ve never used that (apparently tastes better than movicol)

I’d also think about speaking to your GP re: the intake for movicol as you’re already taking it, mine suggested I only take 1.5 per day which is half the allowance as I’m pregnant. I think we all know every GP differs and that could have been the advice for me as I was taking other stool softeners. I’m not sure this was last month now... I can’t remember what happened yesterday never mind last month!

Oh nighttime that sounds miserable. And its no ones fault. Oversight on your part, but you're ill and these things happen. That receptionist however, needs the riot act reading to her. Hateful uncaring woman. I'm horrified by her attitude towards you, but unfortunately not surprised. GP receptionists do seem to be a certain breed... Obviously there are exceptions to the rule! In the past I've been able lot I take an empty packet of a med I'd run out of (before I was pregnant) and I was able to buy an emergency supply - I think it was literally just a couple of days worth, and not cheap, but it was necessary. Is that something you might be able to do?

night sorry to hear that, the receptionist should have been more helpful. Does your GP surgery not have a policy on this? Mine allows an emergency prescription as a 1 off (within a 3 month period) as I had a similar situation over Christmas with Ondansetron (it’s on repeat now but wasn’t at the time) Maybe if you check your GP surgeries website? (mine is on there) could be worth phoning back and explaining to a different receptionist that it’s essential you have this medication ASAP, I’m sure a GP would be happy to prescribe it for you. I feel for you, it’s bad enough feeling like this never mind being spoken to like that.

Poor you @Nighttimenope it's horrible how you were treated - I hope you find a solution x

Sorry you're suffering still @Reastie x
I've been in bed most of the day after a rough morning. Does anyone else find water makes them really nauseous but not flavoured water? I can't figure it out. Managed 2 pieces of toast this afternoon and a bag of hula hoops so not bad. I really want a chow mein but it would be a terrible idea wouldn't it??? Do you think I should go with cravings or ignore so that it doesn't get worse? Part of me thinks it's come back up anyway so it wouldn't even matter...

Thanks folks for your kind words. I am going to phone doc in the morning and not engage with receptionist, just request a call back and explain to the doctor I think. I feel better for your friendly responses! I think it’s also the feeling of, I can’t do anything, not even keep on top of my own medicine that was getting me down due to how she handled it. I’m in a fragile place these days.
@eallison88 I am sorry to hear about your tears this morning too! My son has reduced me to tears in the supermarket when I am fully well 😩 and my daughter is very much wanting to live with granny these days. A sibling is the best thing that’s happened to DC1, and inspires us to make it through this time too. The guilt is real but the kids are fine

Oh night, how awful for you. It’s bad enough to run out but to be treated like that when you’re so vulnerable is awful. Can you ring for out of hours gp? If not you can buy avomine over the counter as a travel sickness medication. It works in a similar way to cyclizine on the brain and was prescribed to me before cyclizine when I was pg with dd. You could always try this just to give you something until you get the cyclizine. It made me very sleepy like how cyclizine did initially to warn you.

Norbert sorry you’re feeling rubbish. I sort of feelmif you really fancy something you should try a little bit of it and see how it goes, but if you kmow it wouldn’t end well maybe stick to more safer options.

Anyat that’s interesting. I’m not sure where your gp got the 1.5 sachets for pg as the leaflet said its suitable for pg and a lot of my online research hasn’t given any below usual limit for pg. I will definitely speak to my gp when I see her in a couple of weeks. I’ve read laxido is pretty much the same as movicol.

Eal poor you with your dc. If it helps don’t take it personally, he’s just reacting towards you being not your usual self. This time next year it’ll be a memory and he will have probably forgotten it all. It must be hard but he doesn’t mean it I’m sure.

@norbert123... im the same with water vs flavoured water!! And in my experience, the joy of satisfying the craving is worth it even if it comes up. And often I find the fatty/junk foods settle quite well!!!

Oh yes, meant to add with the water. I can’t manage water (and usually I drink litres of it every day) but I can manage mint tea and ginger tea, which is essentially just water with some flavour in. Why is that?!

Nighttimenope can anyone get to an all night parmacy for you? They are NOT presecription only, a box costs about 20 quid I'm afraid but you -can- get the over the counter (at least, you could 6 months ago). The pharmacists will try hard to put you off but you -can- buy them.

Send a man tho because they sure won't sell to a preg woman.

Thanks guys, I didn't go for it and played safe with a weetabix. That came back up about an hour after so maybe best that I didn't have to deal with noodles after all! God I miss food. I dream about it and keep browsing Pinterest for things to eat once this is over! Good to hear about flavoured water, it's really strange but who cares I guess!

It’s weird Norbert as I have hugely vivid dreams and in them I’m usually normal (ie able to do stuff and not pg). It’s always a bit of a downer when I wake up and realise I’m trapped in my rubbish pg body. Not that I’m not grateful for being pg, just that for those dreams where everything is normal and simple again seem so blissfully easy in comparison to trudging through each day atm.

I spend hours every day looking at food on Pinterest. Mainly dairy free sweet stuff, as all I wanna eat is sweet stuff (sweets, cake, sugary cereal, biscuits, chocolate...!). Though recently the search has changed from "dairy free snacks" to "dairy free healthy treats" or "dairy free sugar free snacks"... I never actually make anything cos the list of ingredients tend to be a million miles long. Though I do now have the ingredients for dairy free healthy apple muffins, and for dairy free chocolate, nutty, raisiny healthy banana bread... I intend to tackle one of those tomorrow!!

Very tricky day with son continued. However quickest bedtime in history (after he got himself so worked up about brushing his teeth that he weed on daddy's knee), so small mercies.

Betty Crocker is dairy free 😋 my DD is allergic to dairy so we have it for treats x

Goodness, it has been busy again on this thread.
eallson I am sure you will never regret having a second once baby is born. LO will forget all about this period of comparative neglect as so many sufferers have commented on this thread. Also, it might be the Terrible Twos. To give everyone a laugh, My DD was dreadful. She once had a tantrum for forty-five minutes (I timed it) in the park about not wanting to walk and not wanting to sit in the pushchair, either. Another mother told me later: 'I saw you in the park when M was having a tantrum, but I didn't speak to you, as you looked so cross. My son never has tantrums.'
Reastie I hope you get relief.
Nighttimenope Great advice from SeaEagleFeather.
norbert Many do find that, unfortunately. I found it bearable tepid, for some reason.
Great advice from Anya212 and everyone. Anya213 I am so glad you got relief from the suppositories.

Reastie It is understandable being very worked up about going out when it is such an effort, and light can affect Hyperemesis, and sound,and mood, of course - as it affects hormones.
Waves to teddyready Meg and everyone.
canonlyhope I have added you to the list.
Olivecake Did the hopeful signs continue? Well, if they did, you are probably in hospital, and not likelyto respond!
Due Dates
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
evuscha 26 July
emma 4 August
CalmerComber 5 August TWINS
canonlyhope 13 August
Hairgician 18 August TWINS!
DeadDoorPost early September

Sorry, that was a message for eallison not eallson!

Aren't other mothers so bloody supportive sometimes?! I got my fair share of "well aren't you terrible mother" looks whilst dragging my child round the shops while he shouted that i was hurting him. Fortunately i got at least as many supportive/sympathetic smiles, and a few comments like "oh can be so tricky at this age". I've always gone down the 'avoid eye contact' route when seeing other mothers how I was today - theory being don't make them feel bad, leave them to it. Now I will make sure to give a supportive smile, and if possible try to say something to reassure that she is not the first and will.not be the last mother to be in that situation. Cos those supportive smiles are what got me round, paying and into my car in one piece!!

Wishing everyone a peaceful night.

@eallison88 don't worry about the looks I had my three year old nephew on a packed train where he was screaming go faster except he can't say it very well and sounded like he was shouting bastard. The disapproving stares I got from everyone in that carriage, I was mortified.
Point being people love to judge so screw them when they stare!

@LucindaE I'm due the 13th of August for the list x