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

Hyperemesis Support

930 replies

LucindaE · 10/12/2018 20:15

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.

Hyperemesis Support
Hyperemesis Support
OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
beanhunter · 01/02/2019 21:30

I’ve been taking ondansetron since 7 weeks. There is plenty of evidence that being more unwell is significantly higher risk than taking the meds. I’m now 29 weeks and the parasite, sorry I mean baby, is growing and doing just fine.

Anyat212 · 01/02/2019 21:54

I’ve also been taking Ondansetron since early on in my pregnancy (think it was around the 8 week mark) and I’m 30 weeks tomorrow. Funnily enough I actually ran out of them today (I have them now) but took a turn for the worst at work, luckily it was the end of the day still had the worst drive ever home. But I certainly couldn’t function without this medication, I can’t keep any food down! How much Ondansetron were you taking? I was on x2 4mg per day but it was upped to x3 later on (might have been around 18 weeks) I only take 1 per day now and that’s enough to keep me generally okay. Cyzlizine never worked for me, it made me more sick and really fuzzy headed! Don’t let them fob you off like this.

I think the frustrating thing which a lot of people deal with is that there’s too many GPS with a huge and varied experience of what’s safe / what’s the best meds / best approach. You never receive consistent advice from GPs. So annoying.

I’d definitely speak to another GP and explain exactly what you have here, take somebody with you if needed! You shouldn’t have to feel like this!

SeaEagleFeather · 01/02/2019 22:00

oolive congratulations!! isnt it wonderful when you get that little tiny huge bundle on your tummy and all the sickness evaporates?!

elljones welcome.

Cyclizine is fine to take and you do not need to reduce it until you are quite, quite sure you don't need it any more.

There are four or five other meds you can have as well as ondansetron, though that is the strongest and most effective. There is a very small uncertainty about it in the first twelve weeks from a huge Danish study some years ago now, but it -is- certain that dehydration is bad for you and eventually the baby. Severe sickness is draining and has a terrible effect on you. The fitter the mother, the better for the baby.

Can you find out the name of the 2nd consultant and try to get contact with him next time you need meds? Possible ones are:

prochlorperazine
metoclopramide
domperidone
promethazine (stronger version of cyclizine)

as well as ondansetron

Good luck, it's hell but you do get through day by day, hour by hour

elljones · 02/02/2019 06:57

Thank you so much ladies, I think the thing is I'm not vomiting unless randomly therefore I assuming they think as I'm not being dehydrated I shouldn't take it. They didn't say that but I just don't know - I'm guessing. I was taking 3 x 4mg a day, I'll reduce it to twice a day and see how that goes. It's just miserable and I'm tired mentally and physically as well as battling with the professionals. Hey ho. Thank you all.

eallison88 · 02/02/2019 09:07

elljones congratulations on your twin pregnancy! I'm frustrated on your behalf for the misinformation you've been given. Ondansetron is very, very widely used for women suffering from hyperemesis, and has been for many years. Anecdotally, I took it from week 7 to week 41 of my first pregnancy, max dose every day, and have birth to a healthy 9lb boy with no issues. There are many, many stories like mine. Just because you're not puking doesn't mean you're not suffering. In fact, I find that the constant nausea is far more debilitating than puking. By all means try the slightly lower dose of ondansetron, but if you need it 3 times a day, then you need it. You need to be able to eat and drink for baby to grow and you to be safe, if the nausea prevents that then take the meds!

elljones · 02/02/2019 10:29

Thank you so much everyone, really appreciate the replies and understanding xx

beforeihit30 · 02/02/2019 11:33

Hi all, I fell off the thread, I hadn’t posted for a little bit and it disappeared from my warching. Maybe this sounds silly, but I didn’t want to write about how I was feeling? As in, I’m tired of being sick and tired, and didn’t have the energy to talk about it either.

Anyway, in some ways I’m better but it’s all a bit odd. The retching has almost stopped on cyclizine and I can eat before 1pm now, which is really good. The nausea recently has lifted a bit, very good. It varies day by day, and that’s where it gets weird. I had a day where I was a bit perkier, the next day much better, and immediately my mind jumped to, “maybe I’m better now! Back to work! Let’s clean the fridge!” so the next day I woke up and was awful Grin DH could just see the difference, I was on the sofa and he just said, “Sweetie, you don’t look comfortable in your own body”, I think I was probably trying too hard to stay ‘well’. So spent most of yesterday in bed and haven’t really left it today either.

I’m getting other random issues now though, which isn’t helping. I seem to have IBS-type pain. I used to have IBS in my teens so I recognise the feeling, but it’s been over 10 years. A pain that builds in the lower abdomen that when it subsides is immediately followed by the need to go to the toilet. I don’t know if it’s because my diet has changed so much due to the sickness, or pregnancy, or both... speaking to GP on Monday and take it from there...

Hope you’re all well Flowers I’m now drinking hot squash as my most tolerable drink, seems to change regularly! Brew

eallison88 · 02/02/2019 11:39

beforeihit how bizarre that you should mention the IBS pain thing - ive literally come to post about the fact that having googled how I've felt for the last 3-5 days I think I've developed IBS or IBS like symptoms. I'm getting awful, awful cramps, then they stop and I have to get to the loo really quickly. I've pooped about 6 times this morning. And the sonographer yesterday asked me if I was having difficulties with my digestion/bowel movements, as my bowel was making things a little tricky at the scan. If I try to poop then nothing happens, but then 5 minutes later I have an urgent need to go, and it's not a small one. Oh the TMI, sorry guys. I think I'll mention it to my consultant at my appointment on Monday. Its not completely new to me, like you I've had similar symptoms before but it's never been diagnosed, I've never even really thought too much about it, as it usually only affects me for a day or so then goes away for a while. Hmmm.

Reastie · 02/02/2019 11:45

Beforeihit I totally relate to your post. I have the occasional day or if I’m lucky row of 2 or 3 days where I feel so much better and think this must be the end. I start thinking about work again etc but I’m still taking it easy so as not to overdo it. Then, bam, have a bad day (or few) which reminds me how bad it is and how rubbish it is. My new normal in terms of activity is totally different to my normal normal. I feel like I’m spending my life consciously resting in order to limit how bad I feel and it’s so frustrating. I was very active pre pregnancy and I long to get my running gear on and go for a run. In my head. But I know I could barely walk to the end of the road before I’d feel dizzy and sick from exertion. I’ve been getting ibs on and off too and have been drinking lots of peppermint tea which o think has helped. I get terrible nausea before I;need to go to the loo which is usually instantly improved after I go.

Ell I’ve been on ondansetron since about week 6, maximum dose of 24mg a day since about week 7/8. It’s very frequently used in America and I suspect is used a lot less here because of the cost (and the private health care situ in America). FWIW you can take ondansetronnat the same time as cyclizine. I was led to believe that if cyclizine wasn’t doing the job enough then rather than try different medication you should add in medication alongside cyclizine.

Reastie · 02/02/2019 11:48

Xposted with eal. Eal, that’s exactly what I get! I go pretty much every day but not much but then every few days to a week or so I have a day where I get constant cramps and nausea and the need to dash to the loo and I can do a decent amount about 4-6 times in one day, then the cycle starts up again! I thought it was me trying to get the laxitive dose right.

Reastie · 02/02/2019 11:53

Also to add, sometimes I have the feeling after all the cramps and nausea I need to go but if I hold off for as long as I can (which feels horrible as the build up gets intense) it’s alot easier to go whereas if I try as soon as I feel the need I can’t. I’m struggling with this today! Keep trying to hold off then go and I can’t.

eallison88 · 02/02/2019 12:24

reastie I suspect there is a link to the laxatives too; our bodies aren't being allowed to regulate themselves. And we can't not take the laxatives Cos of the ondansetron. And we can't not take the ondansetron Cos of the puking. All such joy. I'm going to discuss lowering my ondansetron dosage with my consultant. My only concern is that I suspect as I wean down the steroids, i might need to build up thevondansetron again, so I just want the reassurance that it will stay on my repeat prescription list, so I can start taking it again if/when I need to. Oh the balancing act of risk/benefit, side effects etc!!

Reastie · 02/02/2019 12:31

Also, even small amounts of ondansetron cause the constipation, so it’s not like I could just have a small dose of it with no constipation. I’m wondering whether I could cope without it but I’m scared of trying.

silversplodge · 02/02/2019 13:16

I have a question for any one where who's been through this before that's playing on my mind.
I understand about having to rest a lot to keep symptoms at bay, I am managing by doing almost nothing and going back to bed every afternoon (the joy of having no other children!), but I'm wondering about after birth when it's better. Surely it's going to take weeks and weeks to build up any kind of stamina again after doing literally nothing for 7 months? Is that true or do things just miraculously click back?

Reastie · 02/02/2019 13:29

Silver I worry the same thing! I remember struggling with the tiredness after having dd but because I had a csection my physical recovery was more gradual anyway. I presume if I’d been able to be more active throughout I can only assume I would have had more stamina. I guess you just do the best you can. I would be interested in others perceptions though. Last pg I barely left the house the entire time and when I did it was only for short periods, I became used to the seclusion and I found it very difficult integrating back into the real world and being sociable at baby groups etc but I do remember the mental relief of feeling myself again and not feeling sick was so strong it kind of put me on an emotional high for the first few weeks.

eallison88 · 02/02/2019 13:30

*silver" my experience last one was that it felt so damned good nor to be feeling sick anymore that I felt like i could take on the world! Also, it's unlikely that you'll be as ill during the last few months as the first, so you will almost certainly be doing more. I'm conscious that my fitness levels have disappeared, so an going to start trying to move a little more and considering preganncy yoga.

beforeihit30 · 02/02/2019 13:32

eallison & Reastie Flowers not happy that you’ve got the same but slightly comforting to know I’m not alone in this! Yes, I’ve been cautiously resting, worried about making things worse, but it just dips back down anyway! I do so very little, and silver I’ve thought the same. This is DC3 for me but my first pregnancy like this. I’m so aware of how inactive I am, can’t help but worry that my body is getting so little exercise, I’m convinced I will be huge and weak!

I’m not sure if this is any consolation, but with DC2 I couldn’t really do anything from about week 30 to week 38 - issues with false contractions. Apart from the fact that I did get really huge Grin after I gave birth, and I literally mean within minutes of being stitched up, I was hopping off to the shower, felt great, and had no issues being left alone with DC2 on the ward, night waking, feeding, etc, and was far more active when I got home than I had been for about two months. Still took it easy to let my body rest, but by the time he was about 2 weeks old I was out quite regularly with him in the carrier. By the time he was one month old, I had started doing lots of long walks (usually around 20,000+ steps a day, not sure what mileage that is!).

Conversely with DC1 I was active throughout pregnancy and spent the first month postpartum in bed. That labour took it out of me and I took a while to get back up to speed, but likewise once he was about a month old I was out and about.

That’s my clumsy way of saying... I’m sure somehow we’ll all be fine Grin

norbert23 · 02/02/2019 14:26

I'm so sorry that you're all having such a terrible time. I can't understand why there's such a difference in care depending on who / where. Big virtual hugs for all.
I need some advice. How long do you think I need to feel ok ish before I probably am ok? I'm 10 weeks tomorrow and have been managing quite well on tons of rest and 3 cyclizine a day. Today and yesterday I've eaten v plain food and haven't been sick. A lull or over the worst of it? I need to make a decision about work and I genuinely don't know what to do! I've had 2 weeks off now and guilt is creeping back in. With my first pregnancy I was so sick for ages and certainly worse at this point, but I didn't take much time off and somehow crawled into school. I'm wondering if the fact I've slept and not pushed it is the key this time for me. Sorry for rambling on especially as so many people are worse than me, I just don't know anyone else to ask x

Hairgician · 02/02/2019 14:38

Congratulations @olive😀🤩 thats brilloant news! Nothing beats newborn snuggles!!

Totes wrecked today, trying to get dd to sleep so i can nap.

Cant understand the variation in knowledge re drugs for sickness. Are they all that fucking stupid?? 🤬🤬

Jamjarjem · 02/02/2019 14:53

Hi all, haven't posted for a while but I was wondering whether anyone has had issues with iron deficiency while pregnant? I have been told by the Dr my iron is low but when I take the tablets they make me vomit. When I was pregnant with my little girl I ended up having an iron infusion which I think is what will end up happening again. I'm 22 weeks now, still taking ondansetron but the vomiting has really abated and is much more manageable but then other issues such as the anaemia crop up. I'm sure it's all linked as I haven't been eating much or probably the right things and haven't been able to tolerate any pregnancy vitamins, it just feels like one thing after another at the minute x

ElkieMacjibe · 02/02/2019 15:21

Hi all I'm hoping you can give me some advice (and also feeling a bit of a fraud being on a HG thread). I've just found out I'm pregnant (only 4 weeks). My first is 13 months old. In my first pregnancy I had very bad morning sickness but not HG - I was sick a few times a day in the morning most days of the whole pregnancy and generally felt awful, like I had a very bad hangover but did have the odd week of respite. Was worst at weeks 8-10 when I was unable to leave the house. Anyway my question is, this time should I preemptively go to the dr to talk about medication? I went to the gp once last pregnancy about it (week 9) but it was awful, I was told some women handle pregnancy better than others, I cried, he showed me out. I don't wish to repeat it! I was given a prescription for cyclizine but didn't take it because I wasn't well informed and was too scared basically. This time I don't think I can do what I did last time and work and look after my 13mo. Any advice? Just go in with details of what I want? I'm worried they won't take me seriously. Am I right in thinking it's best to start medication early? Does that apply for just bad sickness vs HG? I'm already feeling a bit nauseous this past week although know it might be a totally different pregnancy (assuming all goes well, I know it's early days).

CalmerComber · 02/02/2019 18:49

Hi everyone, been a bit quiet for a few days because I’ve had a goodish week so have been throwing myself into work and actually being a present mother for a change! However I’m 14 weeks with the twins today and have had an absolutely awful day. Serves me right for being smug. Had to drive for 2 hours but had to stop theee times to be sick into a nappy sack. Yuck.

Also got a telling off from my dentist friend. She says it’s crucial to use Sensodyne Pronamel for the best enamel protection from acid and not to brush for 40 minutes after vomiting. I must get to Boots tomorrow!

eallison88 · 02/02/2019 20:13

nirbert it could well be that you are over the worst of it, fingers crossed! I would suggest having another 2 weeks off (at the very least 1), to rebuild strength and check its not a false lull.

elkie go to the GP now. I went when we decided yo try for another baby, as the RCOG guidelines (www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/gtg69/) recommend pre-emptive meds in subsequent pregnancies. Studies suggest they are more effective, and the idea is to (hopefully) prevent that first awful spiral downwards. So go as soon as you can, take a copy of those guidelines in case the GP isn't helpful, and insist on cyclizine to start with. And then please do take it. It's been incredibly widely used by many, many women for quite some time now, and is widely considered safe (apart from by medical professionals who are idiots). If the cyclizine doesn't work (and I really hope it does!) you need to be proactive in trying different meds (often in combo with each other). Do try and rest as much as you can, which I know is tricky with a little one!!

Ah yes calmer the toothbrushing thing. My dentist told me similar, and saiduse mouthwash as much as possible. I forget that not everyone knows it! Maybe lucinda could add a note to her blurb in the first post about not brushing for 30mins, amusing mouthwash?

LucindaE · 02/02/2019 20:53

Welcome to ellijones and, elkiemacbride . elliejones* Congratulations on twins! Often, people who would not suffer from the scourge with a singleton pregnancy are ill with twins, but they do tend to get better earlier than other sufferers. You have had lots of good advice and reassurance from others, and I so agree with it all. Hyperemesis is on a continuim anyway, with mild cases and extremely severe ones. The nausea is just as bad as the vomiting. I gather you are not having the awful constipation suffered by so many Ondansetron sufferers? An anti acid, too, can really help with nausea.
Some drinks others have found helpful. Flat full sugar coke, ice lollies, the juice of tinned fruit, ice cubes, Lucoazade, fizzy orange, orange squash, orange juice (if not too acid) Dr. Pepper, Iron Bru, Robinson's fruit drinks, tonic water, soda water, Elderflower water, elderflower coridal and tonic water, fizzy water and sips of chocolate milkshake (maybe soya) . For foods of a sort, cuppa soup, nibbles of chips and crisps, tinned fruit, baked potatoes, Scotch pancakes, slices of melon and mango and cheap ice cream and jelly.
elkiemay I so agree with others, do get pre-emptive meds. They seemingly do help that neuroligical pattern in the brain setting off vomiting happening. It might help to take someone as an advocate with you. I hope you have a more understanding doctor than last time.
Cyzline has been used safely for about four decades. Also, an anti acid might make a big difference.
eallison I will certainly add that to the next thread. I fear that when people come on, they are too anxious and ill to read the introduction properly, but I will add it anyway. Smile
norbert Don't rush back to work, as all the rest is probably keeping the worst symtoms at bay. Try and do a bit more first, and wait a bit.
Can you arrange a staggered return in easy stages?
CalmberComber I am happy you had a good week. Sorry about horrible drive. A few good days are often an excellent sign of the turnaround coming up.
silversplodge You are bound to be a bit run down, but eating normally for a few weeks will put things right surprisingly quickly.
As Reastie says, the pleasure of having escaped Hyperemesis will buoy you up, anyway. Most ex-sufferers say the sleepless nights of a newborn are as nothing compared to the horrors of Hypermesis.
Harigician I so agree, it is dismal.
Much sympathy for those suffering from IBS type symptoms. Things seem to be complicated by the fact that there is some virus going about that gives you a cough and cold symptoms, plus loose bowels.
JimJam Iron tables make many people on this thread vomit, as they did me. I beieve they can give you iron drops now? I think it was Reastie who mentioned a nasal spray of iron drops, too....
I hope I haven't missed anyone out.

OP posts:
Hairgician · 02/02/2019 21:44

My last pg oh got me pre natal vits without iron, as recommended by the company who makes them, saying the iron in them can make sickness worse.
I def rhink i will need meds for remainder of pg, was on cyclizine right up last time, though was able to wean off the ondansetron.

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