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.

@username34853 I was still breastfeeding when I started. I read the leaflet eallison mentioned and also spoke to my midwife - she said that generally if it's OK to take while pregnant it's OK to take while breastfeeding. You will need to watch dehydration even more carefully though, and I found the act of feeding made the nausea worse. My milk also seemed to dry up faster this pregnancy with HG than in the last one when I was pregnant and feeding without HG.

@ClareDB I'm on metaclopramide, although I had to add in ondensatron and for a while cyclizine as well. I did try it by itself for a day or so at 6 weeks but it wasn't enough. It gave me the runs when I first started taking it but that settled down completely within a few days. I've found it's the best of the 3 I'm taking for nausea (which was stopping me drinking), but that ondensatron is better for stopping the vomiting. Metaclopramide has been around a lot longer so GPs are generally happy prescribing it, and you can take cyclizine at the same time if it's not doing enough. If that doesn't work, i was first prescribed ondensatron by the hospital, my GPs have been happy to give me more but I think some people have struggled getting it prescribed for the 1st time by their GP.

I did 2 loads of laundry on Monday and thankfully DD did much better for the grandparents yesterday! I'm off work this morning to see if we can get 3 car seats in the back of our existing car or whether well have to fork out for a new one - wish me luck!

@mawof3soontobe sorry to hear you're having such a rough time :( Hope you find something that can help!!

This thread has moved so fast I can't remember who asked how far along I was but I'm 18 weeks. Bizarrely in both my pregnancies I have had fairly normal sickness and nausea for the first trimester and then get hit in 2nd with it suddenly getting really bad! Has anyone else followed this pattern? People make me feel like I'm really weird😂

Had a good day yesterday but that's cos my mum was here to play with dd and I basically didn't do anything. She keeps reminding me that I need to just sit still and that it helps but that's rather trickier if she's not here!!

@ClareDB I am also on metoclopramide alongside ondansetron. I started metoclopramide on its own when cyclizine then promethazine then prochlorperazine weren't enough. It definitely did more than those 3 but I needed ondansetron too to stop the vomiting so now I take 3 of each a day, staggered so I take something every 3 hours in day time. The metoclopramide made me feel a bit restless at night for a few nights but now doesn't. It also upset my stomach a bit but seeing as ondansetron slows it down I think that's good for me to counteract! Hope it works for you and if not go push for more/different drugs!

Got the earliest Dr appointment I could... 11.10am on 7th May. Receptionist knows how I feel though as she also suffered with all of her pregnancies. So thats a relief at least. I miss my old GP surgery where I could get a phonecall within a few hours and be told "sure, have the meds". Don't know what to expect with this one.

Clare I was given metcoploride but for me it didn’t work because it’s action is by emptying the stomach quicker, and my nausea is infinitely worse when it’s empty. It’s all a matter of finding what works for you. I’m a bit itchy as they want to give it to me before my csection as that’s given as standard to everyone so I’m going to give it another go. Has anyone been given advice to take metcoploride at a different time to other drugs? I’m just wondering if it speeds up the gut to empty it quicker it might impede digestion of the other drugs if they aren’t given long enough to be fully absorbed. Might ask a chemist.

Dead a whole weeks wait? That’s rubbish, sorry. I’ve just been reading an online thread on a local page about people complaining about a specific doctors surgery near me which sounds a nightmare with people waiting for hours and no appointments ever available to prebook so you have to call on the day for emergency appointment even for non emergencies and then they go so quickly that real emergencies are told to call the next day. I can’t believe they can get away with it as people have been complaining for months about it.

Littlehouse my mum was fine in first trimester and then sickness started in second! I think it’s rarer but does happen. At least you got the first trimester without it.

Teddy did you get 3 car seats on? Dh went out yesterday to have a roof rack thing fitted so we can have those roof boxes as our car will be too small when going away. I think we need a bigger car but we’re going to try with our car a bit longer see if it copes with extra stuff.

Maw I’m around the same point as you, I’m 32 weeks. Do you think it could be a tummy bug? That woukd account for suddenly getting worse (and give hope for it getting better!). Also have you had heartburn medicine?

Got scan this afternoon. It’s right in the middle of when I usually have a nap so a bit worried about how I’ll manage without a rest after lunch. Just about to lie on the sofa for half an hour now to make up for it (I hope). Wish me good luck to get there and back ok and that they aren’t running too late.

Just dashing on to say mawof3soontobe Welcome. It sounds as if a good anti acid could make huge difference to you; perhaps Ranidine or Omprazole? It has helped so many on here. Sorry you feel so foul. This thread is very supportive. Is this your third Hypermesis pregnancy? If it is, you are a veteran indeed. I listed a whole lot of liquids that have helped many a few posts back, but as you a a veteran I don't think you need that advice.
Sorry to those feeling foul and discouraged. Back later today.

My work still havnt got back to me about my extra day. But they have asked me to cover a couple of extra shifts so I’m doing 2 half days Thursday and Friday just in school hours. I will be able to chase my manager while I’m there. It’s busier in the week than my normal Sunday so I’m a little nervous and it’ll be the first time since before Christmas that I see my full time colleagues and managers.
I’ve had a lingering headache for the past few days that won’t seem to go. It’s just above my right eyebrow and is worse afternoon/evening and really hurts when I blow my nose! I feel like the cold I had last month is still lingering too so I wonder if it’s sinus related.
It’s HG awareness day this month. Think it’s 15th May.

mawofthreesoontobe Not ignoring you. My response is below.
Bili Sorry about that headache.I must admit, I only know about migraine headaches, not sinisitus ones, but that does sound painful and miserable.
Advocadoo Boss phoned at 10.40 at night? What does he do when he's being inconsiderate? I am glad you enjoy the smell of the fabric conditoner. I think enjoying small things in life is a fine thing.
username I am so glad that coke helps, and I hope ice lollies do too.
DeadDoorPost Nobody can keep up with toddlers; I think there was a study years back where a very atheletic man mimicked the movements of one for a day, and was in a state of collapse by the toddler's bedtime [girn].
ClareDB I am so glad the doctor was about to prescribe. If it doesn't help after a few days, there are other drugs.
Cattaxi Congratulations on walks.They are after all, one of the best forms of exercise.
Great advice fromReastie Teddyreddy and everyone.
Waves to all.
Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked.

Very late congratulations to @eallison88 and @cattaxi xxx

DH no longer has the job. He failed all three of the required tests or whatever it was he had to do. So yeah. Today has be great
DS also not settling to bed. I'm feeling sick and I'm just fed up.

Mawof3 welcome. You'll find lots understanding here, and we all share our experiences if it might help someone else. As luconda said, it sounds like you'd benefit from having an antacids as well - ranitidine or omeprazole, or even both! Are you taking either? Ranitidine can be bought over the counter, but can he prescribed at a stronger dose.

Those taking metochlopramide - it can be veey effective for some, but do be aware of the very small risk for you (not baby) of having a neurological reaction to it. If you develop a twitch anywhere, eye leg etc, stop taking it and speak to your doc as soon as possible. It's very rare to have a problem, but it can be a big problem if you do.

deaddoor that's a long old wait - is there nothing that can be done to get you seen sooner?! reastie my surgery us pretty much as described; appointment in 3 weeks or an emergency today. Tho I've never failed to get an on the day one when I've really needed one.
My son Is feeding like a champ!! I've been discharged from the antenatal/maternity ward and have moved onto the transitional ward. Much easier to feed on demand here as I'm literally steps away rather than 2 floors!! He's doing so amazingly; off all.his monitoring, no infection so antibiotics stopped and cannula removed. Just battling with jaundice. He should be clear of it by tomorrow, but then they have to monitor for a day or so to make sure he stays clear of it. But when he's definitely clear of it I think we can go home! My little superhero.

Those in the midst of it now, take it minute by minute if you need to, but take heart that in a few weeks/months you'll have you beautiful babies in your arms, just like I have now (tho hopefully in your own homes!!) And you'll be eating and drinking whatever you want, and feeling awesome!!

Hope everyone is having a peaceful night

Oh deaddoor I'm so sorry, just read about your husband. What a nightmare for you both. Try not to worry too much about it (I know, I know), as worrying and stress can make your sickness worse as I'm sure you know.

Morning all! I’ve come down with a cold & have a whopping sore throat & runny nose. I’m supposed to be washing & packing for our weekend away today. Typical! You know things are bad when you feel so sad that you can’t take a lemsip!!

@eallison88 that amazing news! What a little super star you have. Well done you! Glad you are feeling better & hope that c-section recovery is going well.

Sorry about your husbands job @DeadDoorpost. You must be gutted.

Will try to get a proper post done later on - must go blow my nose!
On the plus side, I had a good sickness day yesterday. Fingers crossed for more of the same 🤞🏻

Eal the awful doctors surgery near me you aren’t able to book any appointment in advance so everyone has to ring up for an appointment onnthe day whether non emergency or not! So whoever gets through first gets the appointments no matter whether they truly need to see a gp that day. I’m so glad your Ds is doing so well. How are you feeling after the op? I remember getting in and out of bed for a few days being insanely painful.

Dead that’s rubbish. Can he retake? Seems so mean that you thought he had it then he had it taken away.

Blii I hope work goes ok. Fwiw I’ve found steam inhalation’s (sitting with your head over a bowl of very hot water with a towel covering your head) really good for sinus problems. I had sinus issues as a teenager and all the doctors and specialists would recommend this several times a day.

Feeling down about my appointments. Mw had told me because of my mh issues I’d get early consultant apt to discuss csection and mh nurse would be present at apt to support me and they coukd make me a special case etc. Last mw apt mw was surprised no apt had come through for me as mh nurse (the useless one) had said she woukd sort it out so mw assumed done but she hadn’t. Mw apt last week she said she would chase up for me and looked annoyed at mh nurse about it. A week later and still no apt. If I call the hospital to schedule the apt the receptionist will have no idea of my background to needing the apt so might book it with wrong person so I can’t really chase it myself but don’t see mw now for another 2 weeks, when I’ll be 35 weeks, and that seems late to be sorting out the apt. I hate how the points in life when you need to be most assertive to get what you need is when you are least capable of doing so and truly need the support in place to deal with it. Honestly, my mw has worked hard speaking to various people about me to get things in place to help but nothing is followed up or done at the hospital where she requests it. I just feel like banging my head against a brick wall.

Sorry for the delay in replying guys, ended up at the assessment unit all day yesterday for false Labour! I've been having consistent braxton hicks for five days every five minutes but they aren't increasing in pain. They put me on the monitor and couldnt believe I was getting readings of up to 96% on the TOCO and sitting there quite normal. Had the internal swab done to check for the fibronecitin hormone which thankfully came back negative! So apparently that means I'm safe for the next two weeks but just going to be one of those people who have constant contracting up till DDay.

To answer your questions, I have been taking ranitidine alongside my antisickness meds and drink gaviscon when required but I think I need to ask for a repeat of my old omeprazole prescription! Fed up being so hungry and not keeping it down.

@Reastie that sounds incredibly frustrating, is there a consultant midwife at the hospital your midwife could escalate to?

@eallison88 glad to hear your son is doing well.

@DeadDoorpost sorry to hear about your husband's job.

We have a specialist car seat retailer near us, having warned me when I booked the appointment that they've never managed to get 3 across in our car before we did manage to do it. It only involves buying one (admittedly expensive) new seat rather than 2 or 3, but it's not clear we'll be able to fit 3 across in once the baby has grown out of its baby car seat. However, it has still given us at least 1.5 years so we won't have to fork out on a new car until I'm back at work earning normally again. We just have to go back Saturday to check which of the new possible new seats fits DS better and then it's sorted!

DeadDoor I’m sorry it’s all a bit negative at the moment, hoping you get something cheerier very soon

Reastie that is such a shame, no wise words but some virtual hugs. It sounds like your MW is proactive and caring, which is a real plus.

eallison what a little star so good to hear how well everything is going with both of you.

Hi maw! That is, literally, a pain. I had consistent BH with DC2 from about 32 weeks and also had to go in for monitoring, I could prevent/limit it by basically doing nothing. It was very frustrating! Weirdly it stopped at 38 weeks (and then I went overdue and needed inducing, so go figure ). Hopefully you get some respite, it’s both uncomfortable and unnerving.

cattaxi sounds like a bad cold indeed, do you get hay fever at all? As the pollen can also be irritating, especially if you already have a cold. Hot honey and lemon, if you can stomach it (but not multiple times a day, as I learned in my first pregnancy, when my tongue got inflamed by drinking too much lemon ). If you do get pollen irritation you can get a barrier spray from the pharmacist, like Prevalin (Boots do their own version too). A nasal saline spray can also help with both colds and allergies (like Sterimar, again pharmacies usually have their own brand too). Plus nasal inhalers (the funny mint stick things, like Vicks). I regularly get sinus issues with colds and hay fever, my go-to treatment is phenylephrine but can’t take that in pregnancy so these are my various back ups! Plus massaging the face around the sinus areas, like the T-zone really, that can also help quite a bit for some relief.

I’m going to try and do some organising today... let’s see how we go!

Thanks ladies. DH is annoyed because they've known since Monday but didn't tell him until yesterday.
As for an earlier Dr appt, nope, it's not possible. But I'm ok with that. It beats the 14th may so managed to get in a week beforehand at least. I could always go back to the hospital if desperate but don't know how much use that would be, especially if I'm not dehydrated etc.

reastie in and out of bed, and getting up from sitting down are definitely the most painful things! If I keep on top of paracetamol and ibuprofen then the rest of the time I'm ok. Unless I turn round to look at something whilst continuing to walk, as I've just discovered. Ouch!!! On the c section apt, it must be so frustrating for you, and I imagine upsetting. Round here you can book extra apts with your midwife; could you book in with yours next week?

mawof3 keep an eye on those contractions. The docs thought my contractions on sunday were false ones... right up until they decided they weren't and I needed a category 1 emergency section!! Not saying you'll end up having an emergency section, but that sometimes you know your body better- I knew I was in labour despite what they kept saying. And yes, do request that omeprazole again. Heartburn is horrid and can have such a negative effect on the nausea and puking.

Can I join? I am 7+4 with number 2.

I suffered with hyperemesis in my first pregnancy from about 7 weeks to 18 weeks.

Despite being told last pregnancy by doctors and midwifes that hyperemesis was very likely to happen in subsequent pregnancies and to go on medication as soon as we got pregnant again, I had a total bitch of a nurse who didn't want to prescribe me anything the other day. She kept saying that was I could sometimes keep water down, it wasn't that bad and that all medication has side effects and the old golden gem of it means the pregnancy is viable if you feel sick

I don't just "feel sick", I am constantly nauseous, I am being sick several times a day, I am horribly lightheaded and dizzy - and this is just the start. I know from last pregnancy it got far worse after eight weeks.

I ended up being signed off for about two months last time, I don't really want to do that again as I have just taken on a new project (agreed before I found out I was pregnant) but I don't know if I can cope at work much longer

MW has just rung with results from urinalysis, I have a UTI again she said E. coli and I jumped, but a bit of Google has reassured me that this is incredibly common. No symptoms again, not that I can think of anyway, obviously I’m tired and nauseous but I’m pregnant and HG too so...

Getting a bit paranoid though as I’m not prone to UTIs and didn’t have them at all in my other two pregnancies. Not sure why I’m getting them now and I’m doing all of the things it recommends to help prevent them. She also mentioned how important it is to treat due to risks of prem labour etc, honestly I think she was just being informative but I’m now a bit freaked and reading a BMJ article on asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy...

22+4. 16-ish weeks and counting...

Before have you got antibiotics? Is this your first uti this pg? Fwiw I live in fear of a uti as antibiotics make me feel sick at the best of times, but most people are fine with them. I thought that so long as they are treated they don’t pose a risk.

Eal I read a tip for post csection when home to put a belt or similar around bars at the end of a bed so you can use the belt to hold on to to help pull yourself tomstanding to take the pressure away from your stomach.

Hi pink, sorry you’ve had to join. Can you make an apt ASAP with someone more useful? That nurse is uninformed and you need to get on the meds as soon as you can.

I hate how much peo0e are told to wait until they are dehydrated to try to get proper treatment and get it under control, by which time it might be too late.

pinkspring the nurse is a dick and is completely wrong. RCOG guidelines make it clear that medication should be used, and lists the ones that are commonly used. Also, unfortunately there is no proven link between sickness and viability, and she is being frankly unethicalnin saying things like that. I would mention it to the practice manager - not necessarily complain, but there is clearly a need for education there. Perhaps direct practice manager to RCOG guidelines. I suggest getting an appointment with a GP asap, and taking a copy of those guidelines Justin case they too are reluctant to prescribe anything. As reastie said it's ridiculous to insist on a woman becoming ill enough to require medical intervention for dehydration before meds are considered. We don't say to cancer patients "we'll only treat you when your tumour is big enough"!

I am going to get an appointment tomorrow and ask for an actual doctor, as the nurse couldn't prescribe even if she wanted to anyway!?!

Re work, I think I am going to have to step down from the project which lets down lots of people and is something I really wanted to do, but I physically cannot see how I am going to be able to continue. Even with meds last time I was signed off for a couple of months

pinkspring that sounds like a really sensible decision. I know the feeling of guilt about work - I had such a difficult preganncy this time I worked a total of 36 hours, over the course of 6 weeks in january/February, having been signed off in mid October after my first hospital admission at 5 weeks til i gave birth on monday at 34 weeks (the hyperemesis had very little to do with him being prem)! I work in a school and really felt/feel like I've let the young people down. I've been incredibly lucky that staff have supported me, with my line manager constantly encouraging me to prioritise me and baby and stay at home. You mustbprioritise yourself! And If you need to be off work, please do take that time -one of the best things you can do for yourself when battling this is rest, rest and rest! Along with taking the right meds, so please take those guidelines with you to your GP apt and be assertive- don't leave without prescription, and a plan for if whatever is prescribed doesn't work/isn't enough. This condition needs managing proactively and aggressively, and if something isn't working after a couple of days, it's unlikely to and something needs to change.