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.
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.
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.

Welcome to composed . I am sorry you had such a bad time with the mc, which is traumatising anyway, and have unnerving bleeding again. There are other meds they can offer if Stemitil isn't working; do ask for them. Does an anti acid help? As you are a veteran you don't need my advice about full sugar flat coke, ice lollies and the juice of tinned fruit and kesostix. Don't torment yourself about this period of comparative neglect. The LO's on here seem to get over it amazingly well.
BlodwynBludd Welcome. Sorry you are sufering from the smells in A and E. Hyperemesis makes them so much worse, too. As the GP sent you because s/he thought you seriously dehydrated and you will feel so much better for fluids and effective treatment, do hang on, horrble as it is, or you will only end up being sent back. Hopefully they will give you some effective meds. They have other options besides Cyzlizine.
advocadooThat is awful. I am getting more and more shocked at the way this company neglects its workers. An Osteopath or Chiropractor would do wonders for your back, but they are so expensive. I hope the manager outlihnes a plan with you where you don't risk your own or your baby's health. Nobody should be put in the position that you have been. Put yourself first as much as you can. Refuse to lift heavy weights even if that does mean that someone will have to sit wrapped in towels or something... Mother Hen is being bossy.
ElkieMacjibe Goodness, I wish. How silly.
Reastie I have never thought to try that! OH used to do it all the time, not because he did yoga, but because he sat cross legged on floors. He hasn't bothered in a few years...
TwoShades I am so glad you feel a lot better at sixteen weeks. Thank you so much for posting your message, which is so encouraging for others. I hope the thread is still helping.
DeadDoorPost I am glad people are being encouraging, anyway. I hope too, OH isn't too cast down about that job.
Apologies to anyone rudely ignored.

Hello everyone, some new members and delurkers! I agree 12 weeks came and went for me and nothing changed. I was somewhere around 16-18 weeks when things felt like it was starting to improve. I did have the odd day or half day before then, but that was when I started to have a sustained noticeable change. Not enough for me to be regularly active or out and about, but the days are much more bearable. I don’t vomit much, it’s mainly nausea and tiredness. I still have some days where I feel really bad or I’m sick, but they’re in the minority rather than the majority now (23 weeks tomorrow).

Thanks Reastie I’m on second day of ABs and not having a bad reaction (yet, wait and see!), I’ve tried to be really organised with having them after a meal or substantial snack to help counter the nausea inducing effect they have and I think it’s helping. DH says I look a bit better so maybe they’re already helping, no doubt the UTI wouldn’t be doing my sickness any favours.

Felt like I had a good call with my manager yesterday. I know I’m very lucky and they’ve been supportive throughout, but I do still feel nervous about letting them down (they’ve not given me any reason to feel this way, it’s of my own doing! Silly really). She’s sorted all of my mat leave paperwork and seems open minded to the fact that I could end up being sick until mat leave starts, or return and then be sick again, it’s not something I’ve suggested but she had mentioned previously that we should check when mat leave is automatically triggered by sickness so I’m not taken by surprise (it is 36 weeks, for some reason we both thought it was earlier than that).

I keep thinking I’ll get to a point where I can regularly go about normal activity, I’ve improved but haven’t reached that stage yet, so I just feel a bit sort of in limbo where I keep saying, “Hm, I appear to still be ill...”. It’s not really a big deal, it could be so much worse, but I would like to do some organising at some point! I was going to sort some stuff this week and then ended being sick before I could

I hope everyone is okay and people in the thick of it, hang on in there! It will get better. I’m continuing my countdown, 16 weeks and counting

Oh if forgot to add avacadooo obviously there is CAB and Acas as good sources for employment rights, but thought I’d also mention Maternity Action too. Given how they’re behaving they don’t sound like the kind of employers that follow the rules around maternity but these are useful resources and organisations should you find yourself in some need of extra advice. You sound like a good carer and unfortunately a lot of these agencies are really shoddy, you were doing the morally right thing in terms of not just abandoning a vulnerable service user, but at the same time you need to be protected yourself especially being pregnant. We have experience of using a care agency (note the past tense), some really good carers on their books but treated them all terribly and unsurprisingly they all left. One found a better agency, the rest all went into other settings where they can use their skills and experience but where the employment is more stable and actually treats them right (like respecting employment rights, paying them in full, paying them on time!). It’s such a shame when we need more and more carers in this country a colleague at work made a good point (when I was complaining once about the shoddy agency!), as a nation we should be investing in the care sectors and careers in care given we already have a social care crisis and the demand is likely to continue to grow,

I’ll stop my rambling and ranting now

Hi all

Avacadoo that is really really rubbish, agree to look into some advice. You shouldn’t have to put up with this and tbh I think you’re amazing for managing to work at all with this.

Before that’s good news about the ABs. I’m the same with the ‘oh yeah, I’m still ill’ stuff. I try to do stuff around the home but have to keep stopping and do absolute minimum. I genuinely can’t wait to be able to clean like normal again as it’s so frustrating!

Two shades sounds like you’re doing really well. Fwiw my mw suggested a support band for my waist as I had spd last time. Might be worth a try. I had one last time that really helped lower back pain.

Blodwyn how are you this morning? Fwiw it sounds like you might need to add more drugs into the mix tomkeep things under control more. Did the hospital give you anything to try? Can you see a gp next week or out of hours if needed? The sooner you find a drug combination to help the better.

Blii I hope you sort out your work and hours. I recommend citizens advice bureau if you give them a call for help. They were fantastic with me a few months ago. Better advice than my union!

Composed sommuch of what you said rings true for me! I’ve been there and really get it. I spent weeks googling abortions and literally having daydreams of giving up my hopes and dreams of another child because I couldn’t hack it any more. I felt like I couldn’t survive the next minute let alone hour let alone month let alone 9 months! I’m now 32 weeks. I’m still struggling every day BUT atm it’s not on the same level as first trimester. You can get through this. Every day I’m just grateful to have got through another day of torture and be a day closer to the end. That’s the only way I’m making it through.

Hi all

Thank you LucindaE, I try to keep reminding myself that fingers crossed its only for a short period of time in the grand scheme of things but during the dark times its hard to remember all the logical reasons you tell yourself.

I bought zantac otc as my gp refused to prescribe any and said to try gaviscon which I cannot for the life of me stomach! Today has been hard compared to the last few days, I have dry heaved a few times and feel as though there is something stuck in my throat that I can’t get rid of

Wishing all a somewhat calm and bearable day x

I managed to get some actual meds from the doctors, can't remember the name though but begins with an M I think?!

Anyway, so far not helping and new discovery this pregnancy, it seems bright lights and certain colours are making me sick. What the hell is that about, I didn't have that last time.

I am so lightheaded all the time now, I am constantly on the edge of passing out. It was low blood pressure last time but that didn't happen until last trimester.

PinkSpring was it Metaclopramide? And the lights and colours etc is an effect of the Hyperemesis. It also affects me this pregnancy. Last pregnancy it was smells. This time is bright screens, certain colours and movement.

Not been able to read all the messages. DS isn't well. He's not able to keep medicine down, isn't eating and is fairly clingy but has seemed fine all day until now. I know he's tired but he doesn't seem really ill and I dont know what to do.

DF also told me a lot of my food aversions etc are all psychosomatic... so it's started again. 😑

Pink I had low BP in first two pregnancies too (no HG), but both were around 2nd trimester and not too bad, mainly needed to snack regularly which kept it at bay and seemed to go in 3rd tri. This time I’ve had it since the beginning, I can get really lightheaded and faint, at 23 weeks I get it slightly less than first tri (probably because I can eat more and move about a bit more, apparently prolonged rest can exacerbate it). Two weeks ago I kept having to crouch on the floor whilst queuing in the hospital for the toilet (for urine sample) as I was constantly on the verge of passing out and BP reading at the appointment confirmed I was low. In first tri I managed to pass out whilst seated at a bus stop! Thankfully DH was with me. I sympathise, it can be really frustrating (and unnerving).

DeadDoor sorry to hear that, not helpful at all. I really don’t know why people feel the need to share their ‘medical opinions’. I hope your DS feels better soon, poor thing.

Thank you all. They kept me in and gave me several bags of fluids and a combination of anti emetics and I finally left late yester feeling more human and with a combination that I can take together. Really struggle to take them though because they make me so drowsy and I have a toddler.
Avocado are you in a union? The way you're being treated is unlawful you should be given duties which you're physically able to complete even though pregnant.

@BlodwynBludd glad you're feeling more human, any chance you can make the toddler nap for a bit?
Unfortunately I'm not in a union but I have written an email to the owner of the company telling him I intend to go to Acas and the care inspectorate because in my eyes they were telling me to neglect a service user which is morally wrong and I care too much! I kept thinking what if it was my brother or son been left like that. Dh is fuming with them because he said I was in an impossible situation.
Luckily my back is slightly better today and I can move around a bit but the nausea is coming back because I dread what I'm walking into work tomorrow since they pulled that stunt.

@Reastie @beforeIhit30 thanks for the advice and encouragement, glad to know someone thinks I'm doing a good job!💕

Sorry to hear about your problems @BlodwynBludd - I also have a toddler and it is really tricky! Currently on a weekend away with friends which has been nice for having rests while other people play with her. Though less fun throwing up knowing 7 other people can hear... back to reality tomorrow though! Hope you manage to find a balance of meds and toddler care!!

Thanks for the advice ladies. I shall see what happens and then take it further once I know what my work are going to say.
On another note, I’ve just tried to go on to kiddicare to order some bits of baby and it’s shut down! I’m out of touch.
I hope everyone is feeling well. I need to catch up on here. I’ve not been on in a couple of days.

BlodwynBludd I am so glad you had fluids and were given meds.
beforeihit30 I am happy you don't feel as bad as you did. I so agree about the 12 week information being irrelevant. 15-20 weeks unfortunately seems to be more average for sufferers to feel an improvement. Even with ordinary pregnancy sickness, from anectodal evidence I would say that a fair number of women suffer up to 14 weeks and a number up to 16 weeks.
PinkSpring As DeadDoorPost says, is that metaclopramide? Some women are really helped by that. The only thing to look out for is the twitchiness that can very occasionally affect the mothers - not the babies - and a sign that one ought not to stay on it.
Littlehouseinabigcity and BlodwynBludd It must be very tough with a toddler. With a lot of drugs like Cyclizine, the spaced out feeling does get better with use, but it's hard enough anyway.
composed Great advice from Reastie. It is a question of knowing that 'This Too Shall Pass' and there will be a very happy outcome, but it takes its time about it!
advocadoo I am glad your back is a little bit better. I think you are obviously commited and deserve a far better employer. I am glad you are taking a stand. They should not be doing these things.
Bili How are things?
DeadDoor Post People psychyologising about this can be very annoying. Sorryabout poor LO.
Great advice from everyone. Waves to all.

Hey, I’ve never wrote on here before but am really suffering and could do with some support. I’m currently 9 weeks pregnant with my second pregnancy and suffering from hyperemesis. I was admitted twice to hospital with my daughter and it only really got better around 20 weeks. I’ve had 2 miscarriages since so really feel guilty about hating how I am at the moment. I’m managing some bland food but can’t seem to find any liquid that will stay down. I feel guilty all the time that I can’t play or even look after my daughter at the moment and my husband is having to do everything. I’m on cyclizine which has helped me marginally but feel nausea all the time and vomit a few times a day. I know I need fluids but as my ketones are not very positive as I’m eating some food I feel the hospital will not take me seriously.
I keep crying as I feel so miserable. I’d love help/support/tips. Thank you

Welcome, nouser. I am sorry you are suffering. Take as you come up to ten weeks is the worst period for many. I am glad that it eased for you last time in the second tri; though 20 weeks seems an age away at the moment you will get there. You will get through it, taking it a day at a time. I am glad OH is helping. It would be a good idea to ask for some other meds as Cyclizine doesn't seem to be working effectively for you. Do you find an anti acid helps? It is a great nuisance that hospitals tend to take the ketone measurements as a sign of needing fluids and not admit people not showing them. Are there any friends or relatives who might be albe to help out a bit?
Although you are a veteran, here's a list of helpful foods and drinks just in case. Flat full sugar coke, ice lollies, the juice of tinned fruit, especially peaches and pears, Dr Pepper, Ironbru, fizzy orange, lemonade, sips of chocolate milkshake (maybe soya) ice cubes, soda water, tonic water, Elderflower water, Elderflower water and tonic (eallison’s tipple), fizzy water, orange squash, Robinson’s fruit drinks, orange juice (if not too acid) and Lucozade. For foods of a sort, tinned fruit, nibbles of crisps and chips, Scotch pancakes, slices of melon and mango, cheap ice cream, biscuits, baked potatoes and cuppa soup are some of the things that sufferers have found useful.

Hello

I am struggling today and have been for the past few days, I just want this to be over. I thought I would be able to do more but as soon as I try I get worse and once again have been confined to bed. Eating little and often is becoming harder as is keeping fluids down now.

DS now fine, but still not eating as he did before. Which in a way is good but still a little concerned. May just be his teeth.
Got my Dr appt tomorrow so will hopefully get meds. Fingers crossed.
composed are you on meds? I can't remember if you've said or not. I'd push for better ones if you are, and for some if you aren't. I've found I have to switch up my fluids all the time otherwise I just won't drink. I can't stick to one particular drink ad it'll make me feel sick after a while.

Just got back from the Sweeps Festival here in Kent. I need to sleep... zzzz

Hi everyone! Just checking in after a lovely weekend away with my family to celebrate my mums big birthday. I can’t believe how well i’ve felt. A couple of weeks ago I was so worried I wouldn’t cope with the trip. But i’ve Been fine apart from a few random pukes & tiredness. Almost 17 weeks now.
Italking to my boss this week about starting my phased return to work next week. Things really do seem to have turned a corner for me. Although I’m sure there will be plenty more ups & downs.

Too much chat over the past few days, but I just wanted to say welcome to the newcomers. It’s a very supportive thread. And sorry to those feeling awful - that was me 8 weeks ago.

And a very quick well done to @eallison88 and the little one. You are doing amazing!

I hope everyone has had a good bank holiday.

Hi all.

I tried Pilates this morning in my quest to actually manage exercise during pg. you’d have thought I’d have learnt that I just can’t manage it and it’s a huge nausea trigger but I keep trying! Turns out I really can’t manage Pilates. I’m so fed up of trying so hard to stay fit and my body responding so badly.

Cattaxi you sound so positive, that’s brilliant. Must be such a relief.

Dead I’m in Kent too! Not near that festival though but we’ll done for managing to go. I’m jealous!

Composed resting really really does help, just give in to it. I say that in a do as I say not as I do as I keep trying to do stuff and it makes me worse. Overdoing it now can be from something ridiculously easy pre preg but now it’s beyond me. Accept you have a new normal and you won’t be able to do things as you previously did.

Nouser I was given cyclizine last pg and made tomfeel that I was lucky to get that. I really recommend calling pregnancy sickness support for advice on what you should be entitled to. They really helped me. I’m on a combination of three drugs which have made a big difference compared to last pg. I know now that if it impacts on my life enough I should be entitled to drugs regardless ketones or keeping water down. It’s ridiculous to get you to the point of needing fluids to treat you.

Avacadoo keep us updated with work

Eal looking forward to hearing when you’re home safe with Ds.

Hi all, just a quick one to say we're still in hospital. Little one is battling jaundice, in and out of the disco lights like a uni student! Until they settle and lower permanently (atm they drop significantly when hes under the disco lights, but rise pretty much as fast as soon as he's out again) we can't go home. I'm starting to really struggle, mainly cos i keep being told that tomorrow is the day, then get told he can't go after all. I'd rather they didn't say anything til they hand me the damned discharge papers!!! However, I know that we're in the right place and he has to be right before we can go home. And we are just so fortunate that this is his only problem; at his gestation there were so many problems he could have had, and we could have been looking at weeks maybe months of time here. I have now been in hospital for over q month woth some day release). And although I'm technically discharged and can leave, Little is breastfeeding on demand, with an unpredictable pattern, so I can't actually go anywhere!!

I'm glad to see that some people are seeing improvements. reastie when will you learn to be gentle to yourself and stop trying to exercise!? You've got the rest of your life for that nonsense!!

I'm sorry to see newcomers. Welcome and congratulations on your pregnancies. Stick around, you'll find understanding, sympathy and maybe some tricks of the trade to get you thru.

I will try and be a bit more present, but being here is exhausting, and I'm really feeling it now. It's a full on emotional rollercoaster, with really high highs, but really bloody low lows. I'm using lucinda's fabulous mantra; this too shall pass!

Wishing all a peaceful night

reastie the smells of the food made me really hungry so we had piri piri chips and some curried goat. Both nice, but in the end my feet were sore so we came home.

I slept, but took ages to get to sleep as I was suddenly really cold. Have barely been able to eat dinner which was a Madras curry. Managed to eat a small amount though because I know I need to.

eal that does sound upsetting. Can you ask them to not give you false hope? Updates on baby's health would be nice but not the hope of going home

composed Do see if they can give you something apart form Stemitil, which is the one I think you said you are on. Adding another drug or giving you another may make all the difference.
eallison It is really frustrating. My LO had jaundice and it does make you anxious (she had it because of a forceps delivery). Have you really been in hospital for a month? No wonder you are so anxious to escape. I am sure it won't be long now.
Waves to DeadDoorPost cattaxi and naughty Reastie.
I am off for a couple of days to visit my aunt in Nottinghamshire, but lovely beanhunter will be calliing in.

lucinda my first admission this time was 4th April. I had a couple of nights home in that first week, but literally only 11 or 13 hours then back in.

Little is going back under disco lights, so we're looking at Thursday earliest again by the time he's got out of treatment range and then had the whole retest and further retest nonsense.

Yeap it's metaclopramide, and it's not doing a thing.

I have called in sick today, I am really struggling - even just moving makes me feel sick.

I have told the project managers what is happening and said that if this pregnancy is like my last, I will end up being signed off so if they want to give the job to someone else, to do it. It's a shame, as it was a food opportunity and I feel like I have let them down. I accepted it not knowing I was pregnant though, then was stupidly optimistic I might be ok this time

It's just typical, we had been trying for ages with no luck and just when I take on something new, it happens!