Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Pregnancy

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

Hyperemesis Support

995 replies

LucindaE · 17/04/2019 20:13

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.

Hyperemesis Support
Hyperemesis Support
OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Thread gallery
6
beforeIhit30 · 24/05/2019 15:10

Oh composed I’m so sorry, that’s really not helpful, the doctors and your DH Sad you are doing such a good job of pushing forward and doing everything you can to get the treatment you need. It shouldn’t be this hard! Glad the scan went well Smile

Blii hope your appointments all go well and you don’t have to wait too long. I know what you mean, at our hospital the midwife appointments are fairly prompt but you can easily wait 1hr+ for the consultant.

TwoShades it seems to be a real lottery over here, in terms of GP appointments. My last surgery you couldn’t book any appointments in advance (occasionally you could book a blood test or smear, if you were lucky!), you had to call at 8am for a same day appointment and it was luck of the draw if you got in as they didn’t have a telephone queuing system so you just kept redialling until you got through. You also had to go in person to order a repeat prescription (couldn't even do over the phone). We moved house but in the same area, and switched to the health clinic which is now closer. You can do everything online (prescriptions, appointments), you can even send your request online and just have them email you back, eg DH technically needed an appointment but for something very routine for him and didn't actually need to discuss it, just needed a doctor to request some tests for him and a new prescription so he did that through the app and requested an email reply. They emailed him back later that day, prescription with the pharmacy (we can nominate one for it to be sent to digitally) and test forms available to collect from reception. Sorted! It’s amazing, I’ve never known anything like it Grin the fact that it’s an app also means you can send it any time of day, I think he did it at 1am because that’s when he remembered! It must also save a lot of unnecessary face to face appointment time for GPs too.

Lots of Flowers for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing. HG can really be very tough going and understandably traumatic, draining and isolating.

LucindaE · 24/05/2019 17:24

composed Congratulations on your scan. A relief for you. I can only echo what beforeihit30 Reastie and others have said. Poor you about OH being so infuriating. I am glad you have at least got a couple of weeks' supply. I am glad your migraine has eased. I always felt mine in the back of the head and eye. I am so glad forehead massage and vapour rub helped with you. Can you and ClareDB get an specialist referral? If not, sorry to repeat myself, do phone Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7638 2020. Are ice lollies any good as a form of liquid?
I so agree about how urgent it is for anyone who is prescribed Ondansetron to stock in a laxative, though as others say, you might have to send someone else to get some of them - gel suppositories, Lactulose, etc.
Littlehouseinthebigcity It is miserable to have unrelenting nausea. As above, can you get a referral too?
Great advice from Reastie beforeihit30 and others, particulary about PTSD and depression etc. This illness is so traumatic that it is a wonder that more don't suffer from mental health issues. No doubt many just hide them, unfortunately.
HermioneKipper That is painful about drops. A small amount of salt dissovled in warm water can help a lot. I know I recommend it for sore throats too!
TwoShades1 That must have been awful. It happened to another sufferer on an earlier thread.
DeadDoorPost I hope today hasn't been too bad for you.

OP posts:
LucindaE · 24/05/2019 17:28

Ah I meant to say beforeihit30 I am so sorry that Hyperemesis iingers on with you, like an unwelcome guest Sad. I am glad it has improved since the infamous Twenty Week Hormonal Surge, but it is very hard on those who suffer for the whole pregnancy.

OP posts:
composed · 24/05/2019 18:15

I am being forced to stop taking meds by both my husband and now my mum. Apparently there are too many unknown risks and if anything happens to the baby then its my fault due to the meds.

I’ve only taken one this morning and now feel a bit shaky but trying to go without due to the emotional blackmail. I don’t have anymore fight left within me.

LucindaE · 24/05/2019 19:37

composed Poor you. Frankly, they don't know what they are talking a about. Their views are based, probably, on having heard about the Thamidolide tragedy; that happened about sixty years ago. The standard for testing drugs now is far stricter. In the links in my introductory post, you will find evidence of studies showing that the risks to the baby and the mother of constant dehydration are far more serious than the statistically small risk associated with the medicines. Because no medicine can be tested on pregnant women by definition than the evidence comes in slowly, but there are several reassuring studies. If the doctors did not think that the risks of not taking meds was greater than the risks of taking them, they would not prescribe them.

OP posts:
composed · 24/05/2019 19:59

I know LucindaE I have thoroughly done my own research before even asking for ondansetron and repeatedly told husband to read the research too.

Mum unfortunately is very old fashioned and due to the previous mmc she is beyond paranoid about this baby. I can’t convince either one of them, mum even got one of my cousin’s who is a nurse to call me and warn me off the meds (don’t ask).

I could take the meds in secret if I am desperate but I am worn down by today’s events now plus not having been able to eat as I am petrified of being sick not been a good day tbh.

Hope everyone else’s day has been better tho esp with the sun out xx

HarryPotterFan436 · 24/05/2019 20:52

composed I got my ondansetron when I went to A&E with severe dehydration and they admitted me to early pregnancy for fluids. They then agreed to keep prescribing it for me. I don’t of course know what you will decide to do regarding taking your tablets and I see you have managed to get two weeks worth but it may be worth calling your EPU if you can’t get more and you are in need of them. I think you need to do what’s right for you with regards to the drugs. It’s you that’s suffering, not your mum and husband. It is unlikely to help either you or the baby if you are unable to eat or drink and maybe meds will be the lesser of two evils.

HarryPotterFan436 · 24/05/2019 20:56

reastie it sounds like you had a really tough time after your last pregnancy. I remember you saying about the emetophobia I think. I can appreciate how difficult it must be to be emetophobic and suffer HG. You are very strong for being able to get through this. Fingers crossed you will be better this time. After my first HG pregnancy I bounced back remarkably well. I’ll take a look at that book you mentioned. I certainly need to do something as some days the health anxiety is so bad I am checking myself constantly and can barely enjoy the day with my children. It’s incredibly hard sometimes.

Teddyreddy · 24/05/2019 22:08

@composed that's awful of your DH and DM. Have you tried pointing out to them that you are on the position of picking the lesser of two evils - dehydration and insufficient calorie intake are bad for the baby too. The big worry is dehydration, I was told the placenta doesn't work properly if you are dehydrated.

I've had another bad evening - I wish it was more predictable what would trigger the nausea!

LucindaE · 24/05/2019 22:18

Much sympathy for all suffering with unempathic relatives or having a bad day.
On rather short notice, I willl be on a family visit over the next two days - back on Monday evening. Lovely HarryPotterFan436 alias hotchocolate86 will be holding the fort.

OP posts:
Reastie · 25/05/2019 07:36

Lucinda hope the trip goes well.

Harrypotter it helps me when I get in a worry and panic to instead of going down the road of self checking and convincing myself I’ll be sick and it’ll be the worst thing in the world and doing all my safety behaviour, to instead think ‘I have a worry problem about being sick/my health’. It’s not so easy to do right now because of being in the midst of pg hell, but it just gives you a little mental shift from thinking you have an actual health problem to having a problem worrying about something. Also I’ve read some people when they have health anxiety and are worrying about a symptom to focus on their little finger, with all of their attention on the sensation in the little finger. If you do it long enough your finger will start feeling weird and tingly and might even feel a bit painful in a strange way, this acts as a distraction to your worry and also shows you by just thinking about something you can make sensations in your body happen, it doesn’t mean anything’s wrong.

Composed I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Surely they realise if you don’t take the medicine you will need hospital treatment and dehydration isn’t a good place to choose to be in in pg. personally if I hadn’t have had medicine I’m convinced I woukd have had a termination by now because I couldn’t cope with it. Maybe if they see things in a stark view like that they might change their minds? My family were initially concerned about the drugs I was on but respected my choice and I think understood that I couldn’t comtinue with the pg without them.

composed · 25/05/2019 11:10

Lucinda hope you have a lovely break.

Reastie I think I am just going to have to take the meds in secret to be honest, I have managed to cut down to 2 from 3 but I don’t think I can do without them completely.

The saddest thing is they have both seen me at my worst with hg but ironically would prefer me to be rehydrated rather than take the meds to stop that in the first place.

putputput · 25/05/2019 17:03

Composed- that's downright abusive of your husband and mother. Without medication my DD, this current baby and myself would not be alive. I would be getting my midwife to have a very serious chat with my husband. If you are getting to the point where you're regularly needing rehydrating you are putting your baby at far greater risk. Have you got a friend who can help you fight your corner on this?

I'm finding it bloody awful to be honest. I feel like I'm neglecting DD. We consciously decided to have s shorter age gap as I don't want her to remember this period. She's already learnt to get mummy the sick bowl and will lie down next to me and cuddle. I just feel completely betrayed by my body. We want a second child more than anything but I have been so close to booking a termination. Having to wean DD over about 3 days as my consultant wants to start me on steroids and I can't breastfeed on them. I just want to blink and be 7months in the future:

Can anyone advise on laxatives? I can not keep lactulose down. I think I remember taking sodium docusate last time but can't remember if it's safe for first trimester?

composed · 25/05/2019 17:43

Putput the 2 family members I have on my side and who have voiced their support to both dm and dh has not worked in the slightest. Mentally I am not very strong atm and don’t have the energy to fight against them both so I will take my meds in secret for my own sanity and well being.

How old is your little one? bless it is hard the constant guilt of not being a present mum. My dd is 8 and I battle with the guilt on a daily basis but keep trying to remind myself its for a short amount of time in the long run and hopefully she will have a little best friend for life at the end, something she is very excited about.

I don’t know anything about any other laxative unfortunately as I don’t mind the sweet hit of lactulose when needed! How far along are you now put?

I keep being reminded by some around me that not to worry I only have to put up with this for another month and then I will be fine, if only it was that simple hey x

HarryPotterFan436 · 25/05/2019 17:48

Hello everyone. Thank you for the advice reastie. I have tried the little finger thing and I was surprised that I actually managed to convince myself it was hurting. I must do it more often really.
putputput please don’t worry about your daughter. I was worried about my son but children really are so resilient. He never seemed phased by anything and has seemingly forgotten me being so ill. Unfortunately I can’t advise on laxatives as I only took lactulose. I’m sure there is something else. I’ll try and find out for you.
composed I’m so glad you have decided to keep taking your meds.

HarryPotterFan436 · 25/05/2019 17:51

putputput I think the ones I was thinking of movicol and fybogel. Fybogel I think has an orange taste and some people struggle to tolerate the flavour.

Reastie · 25/05/2019 18:05

Putput I take movicol. It works generally well for me but it takes a couple of days before it has an effect and you take each sachet with 125ml water, which might be a consideration if you’re struggling to drink any liquid. Fwiw it tastes a bit salty so I have mine with lemon squash so I can cope with the taste, I can’t tell it’s anything other than squash now when I drink it. Before that I was prescribed Senna, but for me it gave other side effects which is why I swapped.

Composed I hate lying to people about medication but in this situ I think you would be right to do so.

DeadDoorpost · 25/05/2019 18:40

Just popping in. Will read new messages later.

Threw up again this morning. Feeling better now but will be going to Dr again on Tuesday so I can get something extra.

TwoShades1 · 25/05/2019 22:47

putputput I would ask your pharmacist or doctor about laxatives. I’m in Australia and we definitely seem to have some differences from the uk. I have been advised that basically any are safe unless I have a history of pre term labour then I should avoid ones with a stimulant.

DeadDoorpost · 26/05/2019 10:21

Just lost my message to composed damn.

Get your midwife on your side, and tell your mum and DH to back off. Like it's been said, rehydration will only help so much without meds. You need the meds to help keep you hydrated. I'm so angry for you

Lubilu28 · 26/05/2019 10:33

Joining in!

How have I only just found this thread?..

Sorry for the long post 😳

I’m now 34 weeks and I have been suffering since week 5 from horrendous nausea. Starting throwing up at week 8 and was put on cyclizine. I was struggling to get out of bed let alone look after my toddler so I needed something to help. Luckily it really suited me and stopped me being sick and only had to suffer the nausea for a couple of hours in the morning. It got to week 15 and I had ran out of meds and thought, “surely I won’t need them anymore?”... well I woke up the day after and couldn’t stop being sick. I had to go to A&E, given IV fluids and Ondansetron and was sent on my way. Got home and after 2 hours was being sick again so was back in with more IV and then a high dose of cyclizine which finally stopped it.

I was taking it till about 24 weeks where I finally started to feel myself. But unfortunately only lasted 3 weeks and then the nausea came back. It wasn’t too bad so I was only taking cyclizine when I really needed it!

Last week at 33 weeks I had been feeling weird for a few days, lightheaded, dizzy, nauseous. I felt I had to hold onto things as I thought I was gonna faint! I went to the docs, he took my BP and it was raised. Because I had gestational hypertension in my last pregnancy I’ve been on close watch for it so he said best to go the hospital. I spent the night there being monitored and kept having these sickness spells. BP was normal so we came to conclusion it’s just the hyperemesis on it’s way back 😔

I feel like I’m unable to move as it just makes the nausea worse so I’m stuck in bed. Has this ever happened to anyone else? I just feel so fed up and I just want this pregnancy over!! I’m now taking evening primrose oil as I’ve read it can help prepare your cervix so hopefully I won’t go over due and also if I need to be induced it will make it easier and quicker!

I’m feeling so lonely right now xx

HarryPotterFan436 · 26/05/2019 11:11

Hi lubilu28 it is unfortunately quite common for hyperemesis to last a whole pregnancy I think although usually it does get a bit better as the pregnancy progresses. I know in both my HG pregnancies I had good days and bad days and even good days and bad weeks. With the first HG pregnancy I had a few weeks in the middle where I felt better and then towards the end it got worse again. Have you managed to find some things you can eat and drink? Do you have help with your toddler while you are suffering?

beforeIhit30 · 26/05/2019 11:41

composed I’m so sorry you have to take meds in secret, although it’s good you have them. I hope things get better for you soon, with HG and with family support Flowers

DeadDoor sorry it’s still treating you roughly but hopefully the doc can give you something helpful next week.

putput another one where DCs seem to just get on with things. DC3 isn’t here yet (obviously, still pregnant!) but DC1 and DC2 have just sort of taken my illness in their stride. They’re 6yo and 4yo, DC1 talks to me about it much more (DC2 is basically oblivious Grin) but is excited about having another baby in the house and wants to ‘hear her’ through my tummy. There have been times when I’ve needed complete peace, where I can’t handle extra noise (even just chatter) or movement and so I’ve had to ask DC1 to leave my bedroom. He’s disappointed but he seems to take it fine. The rest of the time I’m usually fine with him sitting next to me in bed, even if I’m just lying there, he’s discovered he just likes hanging out in my room! We don’t go out anywhere near as much, well at all really, and they seem fine.

Oh lubilu you’ve gone most of the way through without this thread, you’re a trooper! Hopefully you’ve had some real life support. Not long now. I’ve heard that the nausea/sickness can increase again in late pregnancy because of the hormones increasing, so it doesn’t seem to be uncommon (though cruel and frustrating).

Managed to go out yesterday with the DCs for the first time in... I don’t know Confused probably 5 months. DH took DC1 to his sport in the morning, then DC2 and I met up with them after at a local cafe, had food, went to the butcher, and then took the kids to the park on the way home. It was all close to home but it was very nice and different. I’ve been having a good spell this week, perhaps I’m reaching a point of improvement, we’ll see (and I am very conscious of, if this is improvement, that it can still go downhill later!).

However had to go to emergency maternity unit last night, I was fine but baby’s movements were noticeably different, maybe because I’d been so much more active compared to normal. Thankfully they saw me quite quickly, and everything was fine, my BP is still on the low side but baby’s heartbeat is good. Hospital is nearby which made it easier (I was more nervous about walking outside at midnight on a Saturday night, it has been so many years since I was out and about late at night!). Turns out my area is eerily quiet of a Saturday night! They noted something in my notes on urinalysis but can’t make out what it says, obviously they would have said if there was a concern but I was reading my notes when I got home and the best I can make of the word is ‘kentons’ or ‘keutons’. It really doesn’t look like it means leukocytes, but it’s very odd looking if it means ketones. But, I don’t know what other word it could mean, Google didn’t help Grin Whatever it is, it just says (x 2-3) which usually means ‘++’ or ‘+++’ on the little canister thing they compare it to. I see the MW in 2 weeks so will ask then.

DeadDoorpost · 26/05/2019 14:17

before ooh, post a pic! I'd love to have a try of working it out!

lubilu I've found that sometimes moving does make things worse. But I'm also struggling with certain colours which triggers my sickness.

Swipe left for the next trending thread