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.

PeachesandPie Welcome. Do, as others say, ask for more meds.
Have you got kesostix, as while there are better ways of measuring dehydration like dry mouth and skin, headache, etc, A and E departments to take them seriously. Here is my usual spiel about fluids and foods, just in case you find some useful tips here: Flat full sugar coke, ice lolllies, the juice of tinned fruit, Lucoazade, fizzy orange, lemonade, Robinson's fruit drinks, Dr Pepper, orange squash, tonic water, Elderflower water, Elderflower coridal and tonic water (eallison's tipple), soda water, Iron Bru, sips of chocolate milkshake (maybe soya), orange juice (if not too acid) and 7Up. Also, someone recommended piles of ice in drinks. For foods of a sort, nibbles of chips and crisps, cheap ice cream, tinned fruit, slices of melon and mango, biscuits, baked potatoes, Scotch pancakes and cuppa soup.
DeadDoorPost As you were on Ondansetron till the end last time, you think they might be more ready to prescribe in your case.
putputput I am so glad you have been helped by Thiamine and Cyclizine injections.
advocadoo I think that was a very selfish old man; he shouldn't have leant heavily on a pregnant woman. Neither had he any right to abuse you. Weren't there other people around he could have asked to help?
I feel quite angry about it. [angry}. Congratulations on scale and polish; very brave of you.

Ah, and putputput I've added you.
Due Dates
Nighttimenope 13 July
evuscha 26 July
emma 4 August
Teddyreddy 9 August
advocadoo 11 August
canonlyhope 13 August
Bili 16 August
Hairgician 16 August TWINS!
norbert 26 August
beforei hit30 3 September
stroen 4 September
DeadDoorPost 8 September
1Potato 8 September
MoonKid 1 October TWINS!
ElkieMacjibe 12 October
TwoShades1 17 October
cattaxi 19 October
BlodwynBludd 16 November
Composed 30 November
ClareDB 25 December
HermioneKipper 27 December TWINS!
putputput 9 January

Hi all,

Has anyone dealt with anxiety alongside HG? I'm really bad today, I don't know what's causing it to suddenly come on today but I feel really panicky and like I can't cope. I have suffered from anxiety in the past but it's well controlled with sertraline usually. I've not managed to keep anything down yet today and I'm finding eating so hard, maybe because I'm so anxious. I just don't know what to do, I feel so alone 😓 xx

Congratulations Calmer!

avacadooo well done on the dentist, I need to see mine but not sure I’ll make it through before birth (but thinking maybe I really should!), you’ve given me a bit of encouragement to brave it!

putput absolutely, just bit by bit, when I look back it feels like the time has flown, even though there were horrendous times, but just focusing on getting through a day and not worrying about anything else you can get yourself quite far.

Clare no useful advice from me but wishing you very well a number of people have shared here about how HG affects their mental health, it seems no surprise with everything one has to go through, even if normally things are well managed. I know I’ve certainly had moments where I just couldn’t think about anything beyond surviving the hour/day and feeling just not myself, totally out of sync.

Well we’re crawling ever closer to due date and I’m finally able to make progress in baby steps with preparing. I try a couple of days a week to do a few tasks, DH also helps (sometimes I sit and instruct!), and we’ve actually managed to do quite a few noticeable things even going so gently - I might do 20-30mins max then need at least the same amount of time resting, but I can do that a couple of time in one day so I guess in the end I can end up doing one or two hours which is pretty good. Not every day, today I’m keeping it very chilled (although I am doing school run and a load of washing, so feeling relatively productive!). But rest of my time has been spent sitting on the bed with the fan on, reading MN! We’ve now got the cot up (disclaimer: we use a Sleep n Play/Pack n Play which is essentially a travel cot so it’s actually very quick to put up, but hey, it’s up!), and after 7 months I have finally put all of our clothes (as in mine and DH’s) away in the drawers Our bedroom is looking much more organised and I cleared a few bits out we no longer need or use, so feeling good and now have drawer space for baby’s clothes too.

Hope you all keep well in the warmer weather, do whatever you need to for hydration - ice cubes, lollies, whatever strange concoction, as long as you’re getting some fluids!

Evening ladies. Hope everyone is doing ok.
Avacado that is awful! He had no right, never feel awful. It’s not your fault.
Clare what meds are you on? I know that metrochlopromide (sp) can cause anxiety. But then again so can pregnancy altogether. Have you spoke to your dr about it? Hope you feel better soon, it might just be a bad day

I’m getting really fed up now, I feel like the nausea is creeping back and I’ve got this horrible ‘prickly’ skin at night. I’ll be in bed watching tv absolutely fine but as soon as I try to go to sleep my skin feels sooo tickly!
Moisturising makes it worse. It’s not like I’m actually ichy because as soon as I shift position the prickle goes but comes back somewhere else on my body. It’s my legs and bump that is effected mostly.
I still have so much saliva all the time aswell. It’s driving me mad. I’ve got sore skin around my mouth where I’ve constantly got a spit towel to soak up the spit. Urgh.
Last scan is next Friday. So looking forward to that.

ClareDB You poor thing. That is dismal. A lot of people get anxiety, which as others say, is no wonder. Don't try and endure it alone.Do phone the doctor and say how bad it is. I know Reastie had it. Being dehydrated can make one feel wholly disoriented and 'spaced out' and frightened, too; might that be it?
Bili That itch is awful. I believe it is due to stretching skin. I have heard that Bio Oil does help a bit, but it wasn't around when I suffered, so I couldn't say from experience. I did use hyer allergenic creams. They seemed reasonable. Sorry to hear about the excess saliva. It does add to the nausea. Many carry about a spitting bowl, horrible as it is to have to do. Some suck sweets, but some say it makes the saliva increase.

Sorry, beforeihit30. I typed my messages for ClareDB and for bili and I cut off yours! I meant to say well done on getting these things off your list. Two hours work a day is brilliant as your still suffering!

Hi all

New to MN & was hoping there would be an HG thread somewhere!

Currently 29 weeks & thoroughly miserable😞 had some slight respite between weeks 21&26 where I was able to go back to work for a few days but I've since had a relapse & been signed off again & just can't see the light at the end of the tunnel (made worse by people constantly saying 'it's only X more weeks/months' which obviously they don't understand that every day with HG is like a lifetime!).

Aside from my moan, I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience of requesting a planned c-section in relation to having had HG for the entire pregnancy? (& the horrible impact on one's mental health that seems to come with it) ... I have an appointment on tues with a 'birth choices' consultant and am already feeling anxious that they won't understand the prison that I'm living in😞 sorry to be so negative! Hope you're all surviving the day 💖

Hello again all, just thought I’d check in and say I think often of you all and how you’re doing. Ds is now one month and I’m starting to finally feel that I’m healing physically from my section. I was prompted to post because I was drinking a glass of water earlier and it reminded me how I couldn’t drink water for my entire pg and now I’m so grateful that I can! I still feel every day I’m so thankful to not be pg anymore and how awful it was when I was, but at the same time already it feels like a lifetime ago that I was pg and that I’m glad I survived it and went through it for the lovely Ds I now have.

C305 I had a section but then I had had one before BUT my consultant allowed me to have my section a week earlier than they usually do and is recommended because of my mh due to hg and I’m so grateful she did as the week less of endurance really helped mentally not having to go through. I think it depends on who you see as to how willing they are, but ai believe nice guidelines are now that you can choose a section for non medical reasons and are allowed to have this. They will try to talk you out of it likely and scare you with stats, but ultimately there’s risk with every birth. Recovery from a section is no joke and I’m wishing I was better physically at this point but for me it was definitely the right choice.

Lucinda I hope you’re well.

Blii enjoy the scan!

Clare I had terrible anxiety when pg.

Hello to all of you, sorry I can’t type more but Ds now screaming!

C305 Welcome. That is great advice from Reastie on C - sections.
This scourage is very hard to endure, and extra hard on those who are unlucky enough to suffer throughout.I don't know if this is your first pregnancy, but here is my standard spiel just in case. Have you got kesostix, as while there are better ways of measuring dehydration like dry mouth and skin, headache, etc, A and E departments to take them seriously? On fluids and foods, just in case you find some useful tips here these have helped several sufferers: Flat full sugar coke, ice lolllies, the juice of tinned fruit, Lucoazade, fizzy orange, lemonade, Robinson's fruit drinks, Dr Pepper, orange squash, tonic water, Elderflower water, Elderflower coridal and tonic water (eallison's tipple), soda water, Iron Bru, sips of chocolate milkshake (maybe soya), orange juice (if not too acid) and 7Up. Also, someone recommended piles of ice in drinks. For foods of a sort, nibbles of chips and crisps, cheap ice cream, tinned fruit, slices of melon and mango, biscuits, baked potatoes, Scotch pancakes and cuppa soup.

Reastie How lovely to hear from you. I was thinking of you, as you can see, in my mention to ClareDB. It makes me very happy to hear you say it was worth it to have two LO''s. Here's a and some . I am sure you find that entering the Pink Castle at the end of the Hyperemesis Horror Experience is wholly to your satisfaction.

Right, have a moment whilst Ds sleeping so can comment to Clare a bit better. I would be very clear with mw how much your mh is affected. I told every medical person how much I was broken by my last pg and would need support and help this time. Not much was done if I’m honest other then being referred to mh nurse after booking in apt. I would recommend asking for this referral from the mws. My mh nurse was utterly useless but I have a friend who had one who was utterly fqntastic. Also, because of seeing the mh nurse the consultant I saw when necessary specialised in pg mh issues so she was brilliant at looking out for me to the point of calling the hospital at 7am on her day off on the day of my section to ensure I had th drugs I needed given straight away because I was so anxious they wouldn’t do it. There is medication you can take (I didn’t go that route) during pg too. The thing that really made a difference to me that got me the best help was to write down and hand my mw exactly how tough things were and how low I was. I think having it in black and white meant they couldn’t ignore the issue and had to do something. I really recommend doing this. I was findingnin apt’s I would get lost answering the questions they wanted to know the answers to and then crying and being unable to explain myself rather than them getting an accurate representation of how things actually were for me. My gp was brilliant too.

Lucinda my gp has actually said I need to make sure I never get pg and have to go through it again! Which suits me fine!! Once was enough, twice was grim.

Before you sound like me innthat you can now you’re getting closer to the end do some small things but still need lots of rest to recover. Make sure you don’t overdo it as it’s so easily done and I did constantly by ridiculously small stuff.

Putput I’m so glad you have injectable cyclizine. I found the injections so much more effective.

Avacadoo hope the physio went ok and grr to the man using you to pull himself up!

Peaches I found being very clear about how bad I was last time and how I already was bad again made it easier to get help because I could be clear it wasn’t a normal experience. Last time o got lots of fonbingnoff about it getting better in a few weeks etc (it never did!) but knowing it was bad last time helped them take me more seriously for sure.

Littlehouse I was prescribed a pack of I think around 27 and dose was 1-2 tablets up to 3 times a day. The most annoying thing for me was my dose of ondansetron on repeat as initially thr gp could only give me 3 days worth for a prescription so i was constantly having to put in requests and worrying about running out and at the time there was a supply issue so it was impossible to get from most chemists. The most I ever got per prescription for that was about 10 days worth.

Oh, and guess what, a month on and free from ondansetron and I’m still on blinking laxatives as my bowels haven’t quite got back to normal . Don’t let this scare you as it may well be a section thing and I think I could cope without them now but it makes things easier. Some of you may remember I had such issues with bms and laxatives when pg so I’m just 🙄 that I still have this joy, albeit on a much easier level.

Sorry not to say hello to everyone but catching up with what I can.

Pink castle is fantastic, you need to reach it to realise how wonderful things are post hg. It will end.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply about my anxiety, especially Reastie with a newborn! You've all really helped. I've had a bit of a better day today but still feel on edge like I'm waiting for it to kick in again. I was actually referred to the mental health midwife as I'm taking sertraline during pregnancy but that appointment isn't until September. I am taking metoclopramide so maybe that could be contributing to the anxiety.

Hope everyone is okay xx

Great to hear you're doing so well @Reastie it must feel amazing! X
I don't have anything useful to add other than 2 is definitely enough babies for me - I'm now on a 6 week count down and just have to pop him out 😂 which feels way more easy than the endurance test that was when I felt at my worst. I had a mw appointment on Thursday and everything is good, except the inevitable low iron. I'm hoping that might be why I'm so exhausted. Only 2 weeks left of school though so I can almost see some pj days ahead 😃
Hugs to everyone xxx

@Reastie glad you are doing well. I'm on pregnancy no 3, but didn't have HG in the first two - I have no idea how anyone goes for a second if they had HG with their first!

I had my GTT Friday and survived it. On my midwife's advice I called the GTT number the day before to check with them about medication and coping with it. They put the drink in the fridge for me overnight, which made a huge difference - I don't think there's anyway I'd have managed it otherwise. Unfortunately, I think it's likely to be positive - my growth scan shows the baby has become massive since my scan. I'm panicking slightly at the thought of having to give up carbs as I get very nauseous until I've had something carb based..

Teddy I remember eal was referred to a dietician to help he re gd and already limited diet choices and she found it very helpful so ask for that if you can if it’s positive. I had gd last time but mildly and wasn’t really able to adjust my diet at all! Dd was nearly 9 lbs so big but not mammoth. I was convinced I would have it again and I only made big babies so was totally shocked when Ds was born and 6lbs 10!

Went to Joss Bay today. Regret it now as I'm feeling sick from the pressure of my swim suit pushing on my stomach for so long.

And heartburn again. Ugh.

Reastie Great advice. I am glad the Dr showed by that comment that s/he knows how much you went through. You think they'd be the ones most likely to- but with some it isn't so. That is annoying about bowels. I don't know anything about C sections, but I do seem to remember that being mentioned as a side effect. Glad you like the inside of the Pink Castle
ClareDB Do phone Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7638 2020 if the anxiety gets too bad before September. They will have to phone you back but they will with great advice.
Teddyreddy Unlucky to get it after two pregnancies. Anyway, at least you have a family of three! Great advice from Reastie. I hope it is not a positive result, as working out the diet does seem difficult. I remember eallison discussing it.
DeadDoorPost Sorry to hear about heartburn. I believe you can get Omprazole and Ranitidine over the counter, both being used in pregnancy.

Dead and Lucinda I think omprazone is only prescription but randitine is otc and some people are referred double the usual dose in pg if normal dose not enough.

I swapped from movicol to the cheaper nhs prescription version a few days ago to use up my cosmocol prescription that upset my stomach in pg thinking it would be ok now I don’t have hg but argh it’s been causing horrible cramps, ibs, nausea etc past day or so :( so I’m feeling sick in sympathy of you all!

I've got Ratinidine from when I was in hospital at the beginning of the pregnancy so that's not a problem. Was just frustrating that I didn't have them with me in the car at the time

Thanks Reastie it’s a good reminder, I have pushed myself too much in previous weeks so trying to listen to my body more and not go overboard. So good to hear that you’re enjoying a gradual return to normality and that the HG is already becoming a more distant memory

Teddy I am the same, HG in my third (current) pregnancy only. Obviously it hasn’t been fun, but there is also an element of gratitude (if that’s the word!) for not having had it in all pregnancies. I would have found it hard to plan more if I’d had it with my first, and previously I was in a sales job with basic SSP so it really would have taken me by surprise financially too needing so much time off work. I feel very fortunate that I’m in a public sector job this time with better benefits. On carbs, it’s a bit tricky as it depends how much you need to control them by and whether you have the wherewithal to prep/cook food, but I recommend the Diet Doctor website for quite a straightforward introduction to low carb if you haven’t done it before. They have some recipes, like ‘keto bread’, it’s quite straightforward to make (provided you’re in a space to feel up for that) - the mixing is pretty easy, no kneading or rising etc, just a ton of egg whites (!), and about 45mins in the oven. I’ve made these as mini rolls and they work well, my carb loving parents actually like them and they don’t taste super eggy (some low carb bread recipes are more egg than bread!). So there may be something you can make/freeze/stash to help? It also depends on just how much you need to cut carbs, you may be able to have things that aren’t super low carb but lower than the norm - I’m not sure how restrictive the diet needs to be in pregnancy - but eg there are about 18g of carbs in one slice of white bread (1g sugar), whereas one rice cake has about 5g of carbs (0.1g sugar).

norbert Yay! I’m joining you in the 6 week countdown I do have to remind myself sometimes that it still involves giving birth, recovery, newborn sleeplessness etc! But I really am looking forward to it!

It’s cooled slightly today with some rain overnight which is very welcome, my hands and feet are swelling a bit in the heat (that’s normal for me, but it’s a little bit more than usual being heavily pregnant). MIL has confirmed she is coming to look after the DCs when I go in for my induction, which is great, the exact date isn’t confirmed yet but I have the week. She seems to find it fairly easy to watch the DCs, even though she’s not here often, and we get on well so I have no problem with her seeing me tired, postpartum, sore and such, and she’s a very easy guest. So that’s reassuring too. We are near the hospital so it will be easy for DH to pop back if needed or stay home if I end up staying overnight following the birth. I’m hoping the induction doesn’t take too long, but I know I can’t really control it! My induction with DC2 was quite straightforward so I’m being optimistic!

Hi all, sorry for the absence been keeping my head down and trying to get through each day at a time.

Sorry to hear so many still struggling even in the later stages. Regarding the anxiety I suffer from that really badly and this hg pregnancy has taken a lot out of me mentally. I would highly recommend speaking to your midwife and being referred.

Sorry not to name check everyone but hope everyone is doing as best they can, just wish it would be somewhat cooler as I seem to be boiling all the time!

Hope you’re well LucindaE x

@beforeIhit30 thanks for the advice on low carbing. I've not been eating anything much sweet as it makes me feel sick so if they do want me to cut carbs there aren't really any easy ones to take out - it'll be finding substitutes for stuff like bread and potatoes.

How are you feeling about the induction @beforeIhit30, I can't remember why you are being induced? This baby is apparently big enough (predicted to be well over 10 lb at 40 weeks) they'll induce me at 40 weeks even if it isn't GD, and I went well overdue with the first two so don't think there's any chance of me going into labour naturally before then. I'm alternating fear at the thought of an induction with relief that this means it'll all be over in at most 4 weeks time.

@Reastie the otc ranitidine is half the strength of the prescription stuff at 75 mg/tablet. I get it prescribed and they gave me 150 mg tablets to take twice a day immediately, they didn't mention the lower dose tablets at all. I have been prescribed 4 x 150 mg tablets in hospital but that was when I'd damaged by osophagus, I don't know if GPs can go that high.

Sorry to hear several people are struggling with anxiety, hopefully you can get the support you need soon.

Reastie Sorry about cramps and nausea. I was misinformed about Omprazole being available over the counter, then. I am glad anyway that Ranitidine is.

DeadDoorPost I am glad you have Ranitidine left over.
composed Good advice about mental health. I'm happy for you that you are near the finishing line. Thanks for asking after my health, that is very kiind when it is so long since I suffered myself.
beforeihit30 You have it worked out very well. It's good that MIL will be so helpful. Great advice from you too.
Waves to all. I hope everyone is coping.

Teddyreddy Cross posted That does sound so difficult. I hope you work something out. Amazing about the difference in strengths of those meds. That is certainly a hefty baby. I hope all works out as you wish. Great advice from everyone as ever.

Teddy Ah I see. It’s not really the same but roasted cauliflower and cauli mash are good substitutes for potato versions (if you make them with a good amount of butter ), obviously they don’t quite have the same texture but when roasted or mashed they’re quite smooth/soft and don’t have a strong flavour. I’ll stop on the low carb stuff though now!

On the induction Teddy I was offered it by my consultant, not for a specific reason but my hospital is quite open minded on induction outcomes due to a large scale study in the US which showed that birth outcomes are not statistically significantly different from non-induced births in a negative way, but surprisingly the rate of CS or interventions like forceps/ventouse following induction was lower. This is for inductions from 39 weeks. It’s a research hospital and they’re constantly taking part in studies and such so I think they like trying things out! But she figured I might be interested, as I was induced for DC2 (due to going overdue) and had a much easier birth that time (DC1’s was alright, but I had a super long pushing stage, had an awkward laceration in addition to a 2nd degree tear, and haemorrhaged, so I’m no longer ‘allowed’ a birthing centre birth!). Plus although I’m classed as low risk overall, I have a few things to monitor (my autoimmune condition, a family disorder which I don’t have but they still have to take into account, plus this time the HG). DC2 basically just sort of appeared (nearly in the lift whilst they ran me from the antenatal ward to the labour suite!), ‘mild’ 1st degree tear and recovered so much more quickly.

So I’m super keen to not have to drag out pregnancy longer than needed and hoping for another ‘good’ labour, but an additional huge selling point is because our two DC need someone to look after them and they are autistic - they’re pretty chilled and easy to look after, but I find that it’s other people who try to overthink looking after them and then it just gets OTT. We rarely need childcare but on the few times other people have watched them, they try to do too much despite what we say, think they need to keep constantly engaging them in things, and the DCs end up overwhelmed, exhausted and hungry (because they don’t eat when they’re too excited...). Whereas my MIL is equally chilled and they’ll all just happily hang about the house watching tv As she lives a few hours away it’s only realistic to have her to look after the kids in a situation like this where I’m being induced and we can plan her stay and such.

Very long winded there, sorry. My last MW appointment she asked why I had opted for the induction, before I answered she skimmed my notes (the pages were full of various medications during pregnancy, a bunch of stuff for postpartum management, and my birth history) and said, “Ah, I can totally see why you’d opt for it, it looks like a good idea” But whilst I know you can’t predict what will happen, I personally think inductions can be great. My last one was great, no panicky run to the hospital in pain and pacing the labour unit reception waiting to get in, all pretty calm and collected, labour was quicker and I got on the gas and air pretty pronto so I was feeling as good as I could be in the circumstances!