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.

Hey reastie I think so I haven’t thrown up since yesterday morning . I hope your appointment with the midwife goes well tomorrow xx

The weather has been beautiful these past few days and in 7 weeks I have managed to sit outside for some much needed vitamin d (is it? lol) My 12 week scan isn’t till next week and I am so scared as we were told in my previous pregnancy we had suffered a mmc.

I was thinking of booking a private scan but my husband has said for us to wait and what will be will be. I don’t think you ever stop worrying during subsequent pregnancies after having had a miscarriage.

LucindaE hope you are well.

Good vibes and prayers to all xx

Composed I had a mc in pg no 1, it meant with dd I was extremely anxious of things going wrong and got in such a state we ended out having I think 3 or 4 early private scans! This time we did 1 private scan at about 8/9 weeks and I was proud to have lasted that long! If you can wait then do, scans are great but I found they were only reassuring whilst having the actual scan, from literally the next day I would still be convinced something would happen and go wrong. Apparently groupon often have cheap deals on scans if you were desperate! I’m so glad ondansetron is helping, it really helps me. Just make sure you take that laxative! Max dose is 8mg 3 times a day.

Ks good link. I’m so glad things have been better for you these last weeks. 3 weeks is nothing compared to the time you’ve endured. I’ve got about 5 weeks to go so we might have babies at similar times :)

tarara sorry you’re in the thick of it right now, mine started around 5 weeks as well and was followed by about 10 weeks of sheer hunkering down and just making it through each couple of hours of the day. I’m on cyclizine 3x a day which has helped enough to keep food and water down. Find whatever medication works for you (wasn’t sure if you’re on meds or not, but if you’ve been in hospital so much already then if you are you could probably benefit from introducing other complementary drugs). The RCOG guidelines are very helpful if you haven’t seen them already.

I also know what you mean at not being able to think about the pregnancy and baby stuff. For ages just looking at buggies actually made me feel sick. I don’t know why, must be psychological, I just couldn’t think about anything baby related whilst in the depths of sickness. Although I’m still not well (24+3 today), I’m much better than I was at 5-18 weeks, and in the last few weeks have gradually started to look at baby things. I’ve bought some clothing essentials, and just yesterday ordered the cot and bedding as I had an offer available.

This is my third pregnancy but first with HG, I know for me it felt like such a surprise and I wasn’t prepared for it (not that anyone really is!) because I assumed it would be like my other pregnancies. I’ve been off work the whole time too so far. Eventually you get used to adjusting your expectations!

DeadDoor congratulations on the cereal I’ve been able to eat quite a few things but milk still eludes me.

Thank you Ks, and Reastie, didn’t realise it was HG awareness day today so interesting to see the different articles.

Did a bit too much yesterday (for me), had a school appointment for an hour, then picked up a few small bits (fruit, crumpets), went home and then did the school pick up. And a load of laundry. Ended up sleeping for 4 hours after school and today I’ve just been slowly mooching about, nauseous. But, I’ve not been sick and I’m okay, so I think I’ve got off lightly in a sense!

Hello to all. Lots of good advice here Tara. Have you got any anti sickness medication? You sound like you need it.
Make sure you are all drinking this heat ladies.
Glad to hear some of you having a bit of a reprieve from symptoms.
Sorry phone won’t let me scroll back to do personals today x

Thank you Before and Reastie
Already been on cyclazine and ondansetron.
I've not been sick since I came out of hospital on Tuesday and I've actually been able to eat food! But I feel like is the calm before the storm as had this last week then it calm back full force. Just taking each day as it comes.
The midwife was just a random on the ward so not bothered really as probably won't see her again. Even my mum was likewhen she said it!
It's been great seeing stuff about HG on news etc. Hopefully people I work with see it so they can i understand what's actually going on. You have it in your mind that they think your weak for being off with it cause they don't understand how bad it can be.

Feeling terrible this evening. All I can think is it’s due to having to look after dd this afternoon. She had a medical assessment so missed the day from school but came back (luckily my parents took her) at 3 and they had to go out so I had her for a couple of hours before dh came home and she was very excitable and wanting me to do stuff with her all the time. I just can’t cope with it and now I feel awful. I hope I can just go to sleep early and wake up feeling ok.

aw tara you are in no way weak at all for having to get through hg, take each day, hour by hour and minute by minute if you have to to get through I had to do that and still do on bad days. We’re here to listen and offer support so let it out!

Reastie I hope you feel better soon, sometimes its hard not to do things no matter how much we want to crawl back into bed as sometimes we have no choice. Only now am I able to help give my daughter a bath and even then I have to work up the courage and energy to even face it (its so hard as they don’t really understand and just want mummy back).

You are all truly superwomen don’t ever forget that, we WILL get through this xx

Hello! I was just reminded by Facebook that it’s hg awareness day. And I realised I haven’t checked in for a while, so thought i’d Pop back to say hello!

It’s all good news from my end. The hg has calmed down massively. I’m 18 weeks on Friday and have started my phased return back to work this week after 13 weeks off. I still need 1 cyclezine to help me first thing, but other than that, I’m doing really well. Baby seems great as well, but we will still need a specialist cardiac scan in a few weeks to check.

More than anything, I want to say a big thanks to everyone here for your support. You convinced me of the benefits of rest and early medicating when it all kicked off. I’m sure that listening to your fab advice, getting my meds & taking time off work has been instrumental in my recovery. I’m so, so pleased to have been able to stay out of hospital this time. It’s been especially pertinent as the teenager who you may of noticed me mentioning upthread is actually our god daughter who lives with us following her mother’s death last year. The last thing any of us wanted was for her to see me in a hospital bed. My brilliant gp & your wise words helped me achieve that goal & I’m so thankful.

There are too many of you to name check, but I’m sure you all know who you are. And I’m so, so sorry to those of you suffering at the moment. It’s a horrendous time. I hope that you can read my words above & have hope that things can & will get better.

I’ll probably keep checking in now & again. And I’m sure I’ll be back to moan when the bad days come again 🙂

Sending big hugs to anyone who feels the need at the moment. I had my 20 week scan today and despite having drunk plenty before it my bladder was too empty to see anything so dehydration is clearly still an issue. Not that surprised considering I threw up the night before but the lady scanning acted like she thought I just hadn't had a drink and I didn't even think to mention the sickness and nausea that make it impossible! 🙈 then the doctor went 'well the sickness should have stopped by now, especially with medication'. Helpful... but he was otherwise lovely.

Thank you for the advice about the multivitamins. I've got some much smaller ones that just have folic acid and vitamin D so I'll see how I go with them. I've had an okayish day today but awful evening. I'm not sure whether I kept down my meds or not (was sick about half an hour after taking them) so that could have a knock on effect tomorrow if I didn't.

At what point do you go back to the GP for more/different medication? I feel like I'm slowly getting worse which is to be expected as I'm nearly 8 weeks now. I'm vomiting 2-3 times a day and nauseous for a lot of the day. I'm still better than I was pre-medication but I don't want to get really bad again. I feel dehydrated but I am keeping some food and drink down.

It's good to hear the stories of those who have improved, gives me hope even though that's a long way off for me still. It's so hard having to look after little ones isn't it. Mine have been playing up a lot since I've been out of action and it makes me feel so bad that I can't help out with them much.

Sending hugs and strength to everyone x

Hi everyone,
I completely understand that there isn’t really a “normal” but I’m really struggling with nausea and vomiting and would love some advice?

I’m anything from 8 to 10 weeks pregnant. I’ve had nausea for a few weeks now but the last two weeks have been woeful. I’m struggling to function.

I went to the GP last Friday, who signed me off work for a week and said she’d prefer not to medicate right now. BUT I’ve continued to struggle. I’m nauseous all the time. It’s unrelenting. I’m just about managing to keep enough liquid down that I’m not dehydrated (I think?) but only by constantly sipping and staying lying down (for the most part as moving seems to set me off). I’m vomiting (bile and foam) about 5 times a day, occasionally during the night. As of yesterday I noticed there are now specks of blood in my vomit.

Snacking sometimes helps but food tastes like sawdust and gets stuck in my throat. I’m eating as plainly as I can. Toast. Crisps. Plain yogurt. Cereal. White carbs. On rotation. I’ve no appetite at all and I’m guessing I’m managing less than 500 calories a day. Haven’t managed a vegetable in over a week (which is completely unusual for me). I’ve lost weight c.4kg and know I’m beginning to feel weak and shaky from a lack of food - which isn’t exactly helping the nausea cycle.

I just want to feel ok. I had an MMC in Dec at just under 12 weeks and in some ways my symptoms are reassuring but I’m really struggling with taking time off now, in case things don’t go to plan, and I need time off to grieve again. Work is busy and pressured and in reality anything I don’t cover now will have to be caught up on! But I’m just not well enough to work. I’ve barely left the house in a week and that felt like a marathon.

Not sure what I’m hoping for by posting. It feels a bit like I’m just “fairly crap” at being pregnant. This is so so wanted and I feel so unwell. I’m worried I haven’t kept my vitamins down in ten days. I’m wearing sea bands. I’m trying everything I can but still feeling miserable.

When do I go back to the doctor? How do I know if I’m dehydrated? Where’s the line? The doctor suggested I may need an IV drip last week, do I bring myself to A&E? I know I feel like shit but is this normal? Ive become housebound as I just can’t drag myself out!

Sorry I know it’s cheeky posting here as I don’t have an official diagnosis but I’m really confused and struggling and would welcome any advice.

Sunshineandpessimism I have been where you are and I would say go back to the gp asap and ask for new meds. You really are in the thick of it unfortunately.

I was on stemetil and when that didn’t work I did my research and asked for zofran which has helped to stop the vomiting for me. In regards to dehydration if you have not been keeping fluids down for over 24hrs you probably will need IV fluids, if you have a good gp they may refer you after checking your urine usually or otherwise I would present to a&e tbh.

You are not being ‘fairly crap’ at pregnancy please don’t think that, your symptoms even for normal ‘ms’ isn’t normal and hg is on a spectrum, please go back to the gp asap. I hope I have made sense x

Oh Sunshine you sound like you’re having a rough time of it with sickness. It’s absolutely not you and just unfortunate that you’ve joined this club, for reasons currently unknown to medical science a very small number of women suffer with severe pregnancy sickness ie hyperemesis.

Firstly medication is fine and can be taken now. I started cyclizine at 5 weeks as the sickness and nausea hit me hard quite quickly. I’m still on it now at nearly 25 weeks. It is considered safe to prescribe in pregnancy and is a common first line drug for pregnancy sickness. I’m sorry your GP wasn’t more helpful, but pretty much as soon as nausea/sickness make it so that you can’t do simple things or keep down food or water you’re already a good candidate for medication. I saw my GP after about 4 days of awful sickness and nausea, as nothing else I tried worked (crackers, ginger, sea bands, mint, eating little and often, eating before getting out of bed etc), and I was put straight on medication as no matter what I did I just couldn’t do much and couldn’t keep much down.

Like composed said unfortunately you’re in the thick of it at the moment. My most difficult stretch was 5-18 weeks, but it was about 9-14 weeks which were really hard. Although I’m unfortunately still unwell, it is very different from before - back then, I pretty much spent every day lying in bed with the blinds down, often couldn’t even read or watch tv, needed peace and quiet, slept a lot, sipped drinks (couldn’t take water, but managed fizzy things) and managed some bland things like crackers and mashed potato. Now, I have days when I can go out, my worst days (like today) see me resting most of the day (and still sipping fizzy drinks!), but I can eat properly, I can leave my bed (spent about an hour downstairs this morning), I can enter the kitchen without issue (for 3 months just walking in there made me sick!), I helped to put some food away from the Tesco delivery too today. So whilst I’m not able to work, it’s immensely more bearable and I feel like I’m functioning much more. Also I’m having a worse day today as I tried to do too much earlier in the week

Lots of for you, it’s a hard time but it’s important to rest, get medication and do whatever you need to for your wellbeing (or perhaps more to the point, don’t do anything unless you absolutely have to!). Don’t worry about vitamins and healthy food etc. Baby will take whatever it needs from you, you focus on keeping yourself going; if that’s sipping on Fanta and nibbling pretzels and Haribo then so be it (that may have featured strongly in my diet...). And definitely persist with getting medication, and getting signed off work for longer if you can.

Clare I went back whenever I felt I was plateauing or getting worse, so if you don't feel like you're improving, I'd go back.

Sunshine I found mango slices helped, as did sausages and crisps in my first pregnancy. This pregnancy is salt and vinegar crisps and mango. (NOT together) if you're throwing up blood, then tell your GP or phone 111 and go to hospital. Whenever I've gone I've left with a load of tablets. The earlier you get meds, the better it is for you, otherwise you're trying to fight it with a wooden sword, basically. It's not helpful.

I'm going to see if I can take part in that study of HG they mentioned yesterday on the news. Seeing as my DM and DGM both suffered with it too it would be good to see if there is a sort of genetic connection.

Got the house viewing in a few hours. And I feel pretty crap tbh.

ugh feeling a bit off today, usually stick to taking 2 tablets but think I need to take another one. I really hope this study they are doing will lead to answers and better more effective treatment.

I know for a fact this will be my last baby, I cant ever do this again as sad as that makes me

ugh feeling a bit off today, usually stick to taking 2 tablets but think I need to take another one. I really hope this study they are doing will lead to answers and better more effective treatment.

I know for a fact this will be my last baby, I cant ever do this again as sad as that makes me

@composed @SunshineandPessimism I know exactly how you both feel.
I had such a good day yesterday, managed to actually eat and enjoy it so thought things were improving. How wrong I was! Today I have spent the day vomiting continuously and not keeping anything down. Being sick into a bag while driving is just not pleasant!!
My daughter is complaining she’s bored which makes me feel unbelievably guilty as I can’t play with her.
I just feel I have no life at the moment

@nouser snaps, I have had to move in with family to help look after my daughter as I am unable to alone whilst my husband is at work.

Does anyone else struggle with having a shower? I can’t stand the smell of the water so have to have quite quick baths and even then I am loathe to admit I can’t wash myself everyday (the shame).

I am running out of fizzy drinks I can stomach as well, it’s been Irn bru this past week but god I am getting sick of it.

Ah Reastie you've been an inspiration getting this far! 5 weeks will fly by 🤞 definitely allow yourself to recognise the sheer amount of will power and inner strength it has taken you to face each day and take some pride in what you have survived (couldn't think of a batter word for it).

Oh gosh reading some of your stories is bringing back truly how awful the HG is. I spent 4 months holding my breath anywhere near the kitchen! I actually forgot about that...

Sorry to see so many new names :( we all know exactly how you feel. Try not to feel too guilty about not playing with children. CBeebies was my friend in the early days, although now I can’t stand the song for waffle the dog and that other one where they sing ‘I have an idea’. I think my two have forgotten what the early days were like. They’re enjoying being driven to school now and having McDonald’s a bit more often than I would like them to. But I’ve told them once baby is here Mummy will feel better and things will go back to normal, no more sips of mummy’s medicine (Diet Coke).

I didn’t sleep very well last night so I’ve not been feeling so good today.
Hope everyone has a better day tomorrow.

Hi team! Busy thread today so apologies if I miss anyone!

@tara - nobody truly understands unless they have been through this. Even our nearest and dearest can’t honestly understand how unrelenting it is.

@reastie - sounds like yesterday was tough. Hope you’ve managed some rest today

@composed - I get the sadness. I feel like that watching my small grow. We have frozen embryos and this was ivf but I’m just not sure I can risk my health again. But then I can’t lie and say the ache has gone. And yes - I couldn’t manage showers the heat made me dizzy.

@cattaxi - so glad things. Ether. Hopefully there won’t be too many more bad days but we are here if you need us.

@littlehome - how strange about scan. I was told that at later scans the bladder fullness didn’t matter? Is there a plan for a repeat? The scan lady sounds a right cow bag.

@claredb - go back as often as you need. Better too soon than too late.

@sunshine. This is lucindas advice which I think covers most of your questions . Let me know. And the nausea is just as debilitating as actual vomiting so don’t minimise that. You are NOT weak in the slightest.

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 cordial 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, cuppa soup, cheap ice cream, nibbles of crisps and chips, biscuits, baked potatoes, slices of melon and mango and Scotch pancakes.'

@dead - I’ve emailed about the study too. I hope not genetic. The thought of my girls going through this makes me want to cry.

@nousee - some good days may be a sign things are improving. Please don’t worry about your daughter. Mine watched heaps of tv but it already seems totally forgotten.

Waves to all xx

House was lovely, DH just a little unsure because of the price but fingers crossed we go for it.

Back from a lovely trip to Wiltshire and Stonehenge. Thank you everyone for good wishes. Lovely beanunter and others have been doing a wonderful job at giving advice and support. Welcome to Tarabookmdeay and Sunshineandpessimism. You have already had excellent advice, but I will just add my bits. Sunshineandpessimism Ten weeks is a very bad time for most. For most, things do get a lot better at some time between 14 and 21 weeks. Even for the unlucky minority who suffer throughout, things do get better for almost everyone compared to the awful early weeks. I do hope you have been able to see a doctor who has prescribed meds. There are various ones they can try. You can buy kesostix from any chemists that are used in hospitals to detect dehydration, and usually at 3+ ketones they will admit you. Arguably scanty, dark urine, a headache, blurry vision, dry mouth and skin etc are more reliable signs, but they do take the measurements seriously in A and E departments. You are in no way cheeky to post here! You sound as if you are suffering badly. I am sorry about your MMC. That is always traumatic.
taraboomdeay Are you on an anti acid? It can make a huge difference. as beanhunter and others say, the baby will take the nourishment it needs. The babies born to sufferers do surprsingly well, as long as you can avoid getting too dehydrated.
Some drinks that have helped others. Coke, full sugar, though some need diet, flat, and maybe frozen into ice cubes, the juce of tinned fruit, ice lolies, ice cubes, Lucoazade, fizzy orange, orange squash, orange juice (if not too acid), Iron Bru, Dr. Pepper, Lemonade, Robinson's fruit dirnks, Elderflower water, soda water, tonic water, Elderflower coridal and tonic water - eallison's tipple, sips of chocolate milkshake (maybe soya), nibbles of crips and chips, tinned fruit, cheap ice cream, cuppa soup, Scotch pancakes, slices of melon and mango, baked potatoes, biscuits and jelly.
beanhunter Thank you so much for your support.
advocadoo I hope things have improved at work:? How are you?
beforeihit30 Brilliant advice. I am so glad you to feel a bit better at least.
Littlehouseinabigcity Oh dear about that doctor's 'sickness should have stopped' remarks...
nouser Sorry that the good day was followed by a bad one. A good day if often a sign of more to come.
ksjourney Thank you so much for the encouraging message. I am so glad you found the thread helpful. Thanks so much for the link too for Hyperemesis Awareness Day input.
composed Gentle cyber hugs on offer if required. It is dismal the way an mc spoils everything in the next pregnancy - let alone Hyperemesis...
Calmbercomber Lovely to hear form you. I am so glad you are well enough to be able to return to work and spending time with DD. So glad all is well with the twins.
BiliHa Ha about sips of 'Mummy's Medicine'.What you said earlier is so true. I am so glad you did a post.
Reastie How are things?
ElkieMacjibe You are right about wishing to be pregnant and stoic of you to agree when feeling - at the least - less than wonderful.
ClareDB I do hope the meds help. I'm glad you were put on a laxative too.
cattaxi I am so glad you are so much improved and that this thread was so helpful when you were very ill. Good news you are on a phased return. Thanks for kind words.
Teddyreddy I am sorry to hear that things are going in the wrong direction. Remind me what meds you are on? There may be something they can add.
DeadDoorPost I do hope the house viewing went well. Congratulations on cereal and milk.
Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked or with whom I have cross posted.

Hello all, hope you are all well. I haven’t posted here for ages, life got busier as my sickness eased! but just wanted to say thanks so much for all your support in my pregnancy. My little girl arrived on her due date, 5th May and is absolutely amazing. We are both home and doing well. I would say to anyone that feels well enough, to look into pregnancy yoga and hypnobirthing or mindfulness. It worked wonders for me in labour xxx

Hi ladies, sorry to see others suffering too but posting as I’m in a terrible state too and am only 8 weeks preg. Have been so sick and nauseous since 5 weeks. Feel like I’m counting the days off with no life.

I haven’t left the house in 3 weeks except to go to the doctors. I’m on my 3rd set of meds (metaclopromide) so at the least the vomiting has eased but the nausea is just debilitating. Can barely get out of bed let alone take care of my toddler. Have been signed off work and managing days when I’m meant to look after my DD with my husband and mum taking leave (no extra space in our nursery at the moment)

Have been in tears at the thought of this going on and on. I didn’t have anything like this in my previous pregnancy and I’ve had some very dark thoughts indeed.