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.
It has been suggested that I add some practical tooth cleaning advice: a lot of sufferers find using a child's small toothbrush and strawberry toothpaste far less nauseating.
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.

Pity party warning!
Can someone please tell me how the hell I get thru the next 13.5weeks?!
Hyperemesis: nausea is ramping up again. Feeling queasy a lot again, my mouth tastes ducking awful all the time again. Silver lining; not actually puking again. But I'm basically back up to 40mg of steroids daily. I had so hoped to wean down to a much lower dose or even be off them by birth, but just can't see that happening now.
Gestational diabetes; there's literally nothing I can eat! The only things that settle my stomach are full of sugar or carbs, so I can't eat them. I'm basically living off chicken thighs or rice cakes (or one of the many variants or rye cakes, oat n something cakes, cardboard and sawdust cakes...) with peanut butter. And limited fruit, cos fruit spikes my sugars. And eggs. All the 'safe treats' I keep finding basically get ruled out for having dairy in them. Lunch is the hardest meal and leaves me feeling sick with high blood sugar readings, pretty much regardless of what I have. If I do manage a combination of food that keeps my sugars low, then I feel extra queasy.
Bleeding: no one seems able, or even particularly interested in giving me an answer as to what is going on. I'm basically having at least one "bleed incident" a day now. Apparently even pinky discharge counts. And im told thay for every incident I must go to hospital to get it checked out. But every time I've gone in I've been examined (gotta love a speculum examination) and told there's no active bleeding, baby's fine, go home. I keep asking about the link to the pains (dunno if ive said, but I now know when I'm going to find blood when I go to the loo cos I get pains that are identical to what I get during my period when I'm not pregnant, specifically the pain I get right before I have a flood of bleeding and need to change my pad. And this is putting to one side the fact that I've had the dull ache of period pains for most of the last month, with increasing regularity and now it's pretty much constant) but just get told that it's my ligaments, or some pregnancies are just painful, or it get a ignored completely. Apart from when I don't get sent home quickly (And by quickly I mean within a couple of hours) cos I have to hang around for my anti d jab. No one seems able to tell me how long an anti d jab covers me for, apparently even bleed incident and every jab is unique so I need assessing every time. So I'm basically being told to go every single day.
I started an antenatal class last night that I'd been really looking forward to. Combination of yoga, relaxation, information etc. Except cos of the bleeding she asked me not to do the yoga. So there were 2 x 15/20 minute sections where I sat and practiced my breathing whilst the others did yoga. The teacher wants it in writing that I can do the yoga. But my midwife won't say I can, in fact says I shouldnt cos of the unexplained bleeding. So I'm gonna have to ask the antenatal class leader if I can have my money back, cos I'm not prepared to only be able to do half the class.

So basically, eat the right things, except the right things either make me feel sick or have dairy in, or are chicken, rice cakes and peanut butter. Do exercise to help with the diabetes. Except don't do any exercise cos of the unexplained bleeding. Go to the hospital every day for bleeding. But don't ever get an explanation as to what might be going on. Oh, and for extra fun, feel sick again, despite still being on all the drugs. Oh and oh, when it gets to labour you'll be having IV steroids and antibiotics, and seeing as I'm failing to control the diabetes by diet, let's throw in some insulin too. You wanted an intervention free birth?! Ha bloody ha.

Where's the stop button? I am officially done. I actually wish, right in this minute, that I'd taken up the offer of a therapeutic termination at week 11. If I'd known all this was coming, I think I probably would. But now I'm 26 weeks it's too late. And I couldn't now I've felt the little parasite dance and jig and seen it on so many scans.

What's the earliest they do elective c sections?

@eallison88 you are so justified in your feelings. You must be so fed up. I’m so sorry you are going through this. I’m not going to offer any advice, just a big hug and a reminder that we are always here to listen 💐

I’m 8 weeks tomorrow and my sickness is ramping up. I also had an occular migraine last night, which wasn’t fun.
Just about to collect ds from school and I have no idea how I’m going to cope this afternoon. Poor kid.

@eallison88 I don't want to read and ignore you. I would say think of the bundle of joy but that's been said to me and it's patronising as fuck in my mind, what I will say is though that everyone on this thread is rooting for you and you've got us to get you through this shit!
I'm so sorry you're having the worst time at the minute and that nobody is helping you out with the bleeds.
I know nothing about diabetes but are you able to eat the alpro chocolate yoghurts? Because they're pretty good and you can freeze them so they're like individual ice creams. If not ignore me because I'm shit at advice!! But keep your chin up, you've made it this far you can do it!!💕💕

@eallison88
It’s bloody grim isn’t it. My consultant won’t entertain delivery any earlier than 39 weeks. So that’s almost 5 weeks away for me which feels a life time. I don’t know if your bleeding makes a difference though. I know someone who got a section at 37+3 for hyperemesis so it seems to depend.

Yes I think the virus has made it all worse. I hadn’t realised that I actually was keeping down something until even that had gone. I’m also bigger so just generally more knackered and tiredness has always made vomiting worse.

Silver lining - because I can’t drink well I’m not up all night for a wee like my normal pregant acquaintances!

Eal I feel for you so much, I don’t even know where to start with your problems. From my reading the earliest elcs date is now 39 weeks. It used to be 37/8 weeks but the guidelines have now changed. I think because some dates were a bit off so some women who thought they were full term actually weren’t and had prem babies with health issues unnecessarily. I think it’s only specific health issues requiring early intervention that now gets them earlier. I read the nice csection guidelines a few weeks ago and from memory that’s when I think it said. But as you know we all know how doctors don’t stick to nice guidelines so it may be different at your hospital. I know it’s incrediboy difficult and this is the most rubbish time ever. I can’t even imagine having to have a diabetic diet when feeling so nauseous. I just wouldn’t be able to do it. Atm my diet is more varied than first trimester but even so I strguule. And in first trimester all I could eat for ages was potatoes. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t eat potatoes! Could you see someone specialising in diabetes in pg, ask them what’s the worst case scenario if you can’t follow diabetic diet, is it possible to overcome this knowing diet will be problematic? Eg if they can give you insulin now to counteract the diabetes it might mean you can continue eating the foods you can manage. Can you ask to see the top consultant at the hospital to explain all these issues and see what their expertise is to help you? Ime consultants are very good but have limited knowledge in areas and aren’t always right. If you went to someone who knew a lot about these injections you have to have they may know how much you actually need to have them and if it’s necessary every day. Can they also put e an easier way to give you the injections? Eg a nurse at your gp surgery. I know this is what everyone says it keep in mind tbesummer when this is all over. That’s what I keep focusing on.

Avacadoo frozen alpro chocolate yoghurts were my favourite when go last time! I loved having them when they were half frozen half just really cold!

Bean I hope you start feeling better soon, it’s just rubbish to have two viruses on top of everything.

This morning I hoovered all downstairs and cleaned the hard floors. I haven’t done that much activity since being pg and I’m worried I’ve overdone it. Am on the sofa feeling rather green.

Eal it’s so grim and so hard but you just have to hang on in there. If you can get to 28 weeks then 30 weeks then 32 weeks then you’ve got loads of options.

Are you under consultant care? If so you need an appointment with a consultant - your a and e doctors or early pregnant unit are going to be useless here. Their job is to patch you up and get you out of the door. They don’t care about putting the pieces of the picture together or your overall care. Your consultant is the woman or man to do this. If you haven’t got an appointment scheduled for a while ring a nice gp and get them to do an urgent referral request or your gp can otherwise tell you how to get an appointment.

Can you eat porridge made with an alternative milk?

@eal

You poor thing, so sorry you are having such a shit time of it
Defo get an app with your consultant if you havent already and refuse to leave til they can give you a plan to manage everything properly, they cant expect you to drop everything and go sit in a&e or epu every day!
Really hoping things start to get better for you. Big virtual hugs. Xx

I've got an appointment with my hyperemesis consultant on Monday 18th (after my growth scan) and I'm seeing the diabetic midwife that day. My diabetes consultant has her clinic on Tuesdays. I think I'll ask for an appointment with her, as she also has a focus and interest in hyperemesis (remember I said she'd Just rewritten the hospitals hyperemesis care policy). In fact, I might ring the diabetic midwife and ask her to book me in with the diabetic consultant asap.

I'll look into the alpro choc things, tho I had them before diabetes (And loved them!) And I suspect the reason I stopped was high carbs/sugar.

Thanks all for the understanding. I don't feel like I can talk to anyone else (apart from hubby, obvs, but I must sound like a broken record to him!). This morning I mainly cried and slept. This afternoon I decided to be proactive and started making the reusable baby wipes I've been promising myself I would. Taking a lot longer than I expected, but progress is being made! And I feel good for achieving something (even if I got lunch wrong and my levels were too high) .

Eal how are you making reusable baby wipes? Interested as I wondered about this then thought I might just buy lots of cheap flannels to use. Have been making my own washable breast pads and hoping they will work ok having never done it before! Defnitely see that consultant. Give the issues I don’t think you’re going to get the diet perfect so it’s more a case of managing as best as you are able.

You guys are genius! Rang diabetic midwife and have an appointment with diabetic consultant with special interest in hyperemesis on tuesday at. 9.30am.

Wipes; I bought a big grey cheapie towel from Ikea. I've chopped it up into roughly 8x8inch squares. Then I'm using quilting fabric I've got left over from various quilt projects, also 8x8inch. So far I've seen half of them (right sides together). I'll trim them a little, then turn right way out and then I'll see the gap shit, and stick a top stitch on 1/8inch in from the edge all the way round. Then I may or may not see diagonally corner to corner if I think it needs it, I'll see.

That’s good! Hope she/he can try and organise your care for you and make things a bit more bearable.

A lot of hugs for eallison I hope everyone is doing okay today.

Had another week where I just didn’t want to talk about being ill. Nearly 15 weeks and was feeling pathetic at the start of this week. Went out yesterday to the GP and local shop, after about 20 minutes was getting faint came home and slept for 2 hours! Was drained by my little jaunt.

However managed a trip to a local cafe today, second time this year I’ve eaten out, only about a 10-15 minute walk from home but had some food and chatted with DH and BIL (who’s visiting today), enjoyed myself and we picked up DCs from school on way back. Was probably out of the house for maybe 2 hours, which is really good. Went straight up to the bedroom when we got in to rest, feeling tired, but also feeling kind of good. So a big win for me today.

There’s a lot of change at work, I sense they’re getting a wee bit nervous now about not knowing when I’ll be back, I’ve been signed off until the end of the month (really appreciating my GP right now). My employer wouldn’t try to pressure me or anything, I think it’s understandable nerves, I’ve been covered for nearly 3 months but due to the big changes there won’t be immediately obvious cover for me from April. I’m not too worried, I think due to everything going on there will be inherent ambiguity and flexibility to figure out how to manage things. But it does mean I don’t currently know what my job title or line manager will be! I’ve known about the change for ages in general terms but the specifics have just been agreed, and they want me to do the same sort of job but in a newly formed business unit, so I’m not worried but it’s all just different for me (and I’ve ‘lost’ half my team in my absence due to restructuring, so I do feel a little bit like I’ve abandoned them although I’m being assured they don’t feel that way!).

I’m also accruing masses of leave due to being off which is great but I need to get approval to take it all before maternity leave starts! A list of things to sort once I do get back... I do think (hope?) I’ll get back, even if on a more flexible basis, but it won’t be for all that long... I’m planning on finishing a time the end of June...

@eallison88 i am so pleased you were able to get in touch with her & have the appointment lined up. A little bit of hope goes a long way.

@Reasite I used cloth wipes & nappies for ds. We got the cheeky wipes & still use them for wiping face & hands after meals etc. You can also make ones using cut up fleece blankets I think - my friend did and raves about them.
IKEA do a great multi pack of flannels.

Hi everyone, I've not been on in a couple of weeks as just felt so low I couldn't even bring myself to talk about it. This week have had my third admission and I'm only 10 weeks, I'm feeling pretty defeated. Not looking for any sympathy as I know you are all struggling with this horrible HG too, just venting I guess.
I'm now on Ondansetron every 6 hours and can take prochlorperazine in between, the latter completely knocks me out.
I'm finding that every time I eat something I have stomach cramps and then diorrhea. Maybe my stomach is no longer used to having food in it and can't cope. Idk. Feel rubbish.
Hope things are going as well as they can for you all x

Goodness, eallison Things are so hard for you at the moment. I am so glad you have had such wonderful advice from cattaxi, beanhunter, Reastie beforeihit30 avdocadoo bili Hairwizard Redskyandrainbows and all the supportive and brave women on here. I am so glad you have an appointment with the diabetic consultant. It must be such a dreadully nerve racking with the cramps, too, and having to go back every day. The only thing I can think of to say by way of comfort is that if you had opted for a termination you might well have regretted it. You are very brave, and it is quite amazing of you to bne thinking of making reusable baby wipes when feeling so down.
baanhunter Poor you. No wonder you are fed up. As you are a medic, it would be futile for me to say are there are no meds that can be juggled?
Reastie I am glad things weren't too bad today. Reusable breast pads is highly commendable, too.
cattaki So sorry about your having another migraine. They are so grim.
Bili How frustrating that they keep losing it; that is really outrageous. It might be worth complaining later. I hope they can give you some reassurance asap.
I hope everyone is coping. Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked.

Moonkid Oh dear, poor you. Cross posted. I wonder if this might be made worse by a virus, as almost everyone I know seems to have diahorrea.

moonkid I had a similar issue for a while, kept getting painful cramps and diarrhoea, which just felt even worse on top of being sick, felt like I just couldn’t eat so sympathy from me. I found that bread was making it much worse, which was a bit tricky as it was nice and bland and fairly easy to eat, but since cutting it out it’s pretty much disappeared. Your stomach might be more sensitive at the moment with pregnancy and sickness and so on, perhaps there are certain foods triggering the cramps. I used to struggle with IBS years ago and it was really similar to that, so I figured my gut was being irritated by something.

@eallison88, I’m just going to tell you from the beyonds of interwebs over here that you are my international women’s day hero! You will come out the other side of this, and look back on the long list of complications/interventions/nightmares involved in this pregnancy and know that you actually did it. Nothing harder than advocating for yourself in such circumstances but you have done it and will do it again. Cheering you on!

Thanks for everyone's kind words of encouragement. It really helped yesterday. nighttime You made me tear up :) lucinda making the wipes was a way of distracting myself and getting thru the day! And you are very right about the termination, would never have been able to forgive myself had I done so.

Thinking of you too @eallison88 you're having such a terrible time. One day closer - I hope today is a better day xx

Lovely words from Nighttimenope
We are all thinking of you eallison88

Talking of international women’s day, my car died yesterday, there’s been a problem with the battery for a while but yesterday it completely died... first thing I did, call my husband. I need a man for things like that
I felt quite well yesterday and I think I over done it. Feeling sick and exhausted today. Urgh.

And yes LucindaE it’s really annoying because I’d like to know the results of the more recent blood they have taken. Hopefully my next ones won’t get lost.

Beforeihit work sounds stressful atm, hope everything gets sorted and you know what’s going on.

Eal I hope you had a better day today. Another day done andother day closer, that’s how my life is led Btw did you get abs for the possible uti.

I’ve had a few messages over the last few weeks from friends wanting to meet up and do stuff with me and not all of them quite seem to get that I still can’t really manage anything. They think now I’m 24 weeks I should be fine .

Yesterday evening I felt absolutely awful. That’ll teach me to try doing cleaning! Today marginally better so far and crossing fingers for better evening.

NighttimeNope I so agree about naming eallison International Women's Day hero. Here's a toast from me too -
Bili We need our manservants
Moonkid I meant to add and managed to truncate my message, around ten weeks is the worst time for many. Take heart. Things will almost certainly get a lot better.
Reastie It is very frustrating not being able to do anything but lie on a sofa like a Victorian feelng delicate. It is very hard for people to empathise because they WILL equate it with normal pregnancy sickness.
Waves to norbert and everyone.

eallison and Moonkid and some . Gentle cyber pats on offer for all who can stand them.