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.

Deaddoorpost, hope you're okay! So easily done, at least it was your bum and not your bump.

I need some advise please. Had to call in sick again today. As I said before my boss is not taking it well. Its a smallish business so no hr department or anything like that. My manger is fine but not the owner. He's asked me to come in for a meeting on Sunday. What are my rights? I've taken at least one day off for the last 3 weeks which I know is a lot but I physically couldn't get out of bed. He knows I'm pregnant and that I have HG. I told him when I was 9 weeks and he had a go at me for not telling him sooner (that's the sort of person he is)

I'm on the list for the duty doctor to ring me back and I'm going to ask if they will sign me off sick. I hope to god they do.

Hi everyone, firstly my heart goes out to any of you that is going through hg it truly is an awful illness to have to deal with.

My story is finished but I wondered if I could share it anyway.. I doubt it'll help any one apart from myself but here goes.

With my dd (who is almost 5 now) I had horrendous morning sickness, you know the drill, vomiting for 20 weeks, sleeping sitting up, crippling nausea etc, however I had nothing to compare it to so I thought it was normal, my mum didn't get morning sickness at all so she had no idea either. However I got through it and enjoyed the last half of my pregnancy.

When she was 2 I really wanted another baby so me and do tried again, I got pregnant straight away, no fuss, I was so so happy.

Then it started. I was vomiting up to around 45 times a day, the midwife I saw just didn't even take any notice. (I saw her very early because I was concerned about the vomiting)

The first time I was admitted to hospital I walked to the gp and to be honest I've never seen a doctor look so worried. I was 5 weeks gone. I had 4 massive iv's, I skin and nails turned blue and I was intensely shaking because the water was so damn cold and I had so little actual fluid left in me.

That was the first time I was admitted for 2 days. They gave me ondensetron which seemed to work and sent me on my way, I thought it was great, I had been treated really well and thought I had the "cure".

2 weeks later I was admitted again, the same thing happened, so they gave me something beginning with "m" (forgive me, it's been a couple of years now) aswell as the ondensetron.

Again.. 2 weeks later, rinse and repeat, with an increase in dosage and sent home.

I was feeling really awful long before then, I had a 2 year old who I couldn't look after, a partner who couldn't work, no family help, no money, no strength, vomiting 45 times a day, in so much pain, my throat was bleeding... It was awful.

Then around a week later I was admitted again. I had an iv, the nurse was arsey etc Then in the morning the bombshell.. I had the resident doctor, a doctor I saw on the first visit, 3 nurses and 2 trainees in my room. They said I was doing it myself and if I turned up again they would turn me away because they need the bed for some one with genuine problems. They more than halved my medication and sent me home, they didn't wait for someone to collect me, just pretty much said the bed wasn't available any more and made me wait in the lobby even though I still was having problems walking through being shakey.

2 nights later, I still don't know what happened entirely, but I was on the bed thinking I was losing the baby, I was in so much pain, for about 2 hours nothing happened except the usual sick, so I thought I'd sit on the toilet and see if anything else happens. I ended up grabbing my dds potty, throwing up in that so much that it over flowed all over me and then my dp comes in, his face I can still see now. He said he was sat outside (thinking privacy) but he couldn't take it any longer and he thought I was going to die. The hospital put some sort of block on me if that's possible and said I couldn't go in.

I spent 3 weeks without barely any medication or medical help but in that 3 weeks we arranged a termination. I was 13+6 and killed our much wanted, much loved, baby.

I've seen my gp since (different one) and was on anti depressants for 18 months, I've just fully weaned off around 6 weeks ago.

I so much want another baby, I so do, but I know I can't, I can't do that again, not just the Illness but I can't possibly handle another termination. I had postnatal depression with my dd and I feel like I didn't appreciate being her mother for a long time and I still have some self hatred for that.

My sil, and my best friend, though has had another baby since, and one is due in a couple of weeks and I love all 3 (she has a boy same age as my dd) so much. It killed me for a while but I think I'm in a good place now (apart from a new fear of vomiting)It hurts and I think it always will, there'll always be a special place for our baby but it doesn't rule me like it once did.

Thank you for reading, especially if you read it all.

All my love to every single one of you, it doesn't matter if you're sick once a day or 60 times, my heart goes out to each of you xxx

That is one of the most heartbreaking stories I've ever read. I don't even know what to say. You poor thing, I'm sorry no one took you seriously, I am so angry for you. Honestly that is absolutely shocking treatment.

Baddabing I had to reply, reading your story has made me so sad and angry for you I cannot believe you went through something like that and had no help from the very people who were supposed to help you.

In my first hg pregnancy I had no idea what was normal and what wasn’t and was turned away from hospital by 4 different hcp incl dr’s and nurses and it wasn’t till my midwife came out to the house and tested my urine that she urgently sent me in for me to realise how bad things were.

Its incredibly hard to go through something like hg esp when it takes a lot of courage and mental preparation to even consider doing for a 2nd, 3rd etc time. There is nothing I can say to you that will be enough but that you truly are a survivor and a warrior, the guilt altho isn’t easy it isn’t your fault. I thank you for sharing your story as although things re hg have come a long way there is still so much more and awareness that needs to be raised.

Dead sorry to hear about the slip, glad bump’s well and hope everything goes ok for you in the next few busy days. Sorry to hear about your friend losing her dad xx

Mumble sorry to hear you’re still struggling, take one day at a time (my new mantra alone with this too shall pass!) Your boss sounds like a dimwit, you have a lot of rights re work when pregnant. It can’t be used as an excuse for dismissal or depromotion I know that as well as it not being seen the same way as normal sickness in regards to disciplinary routes. I would probably check the government website as I’m sure there’s more info on that.

I’ve now been signed off completely till mat leave starts and altho I was scared and anxious about it its for the best, my managers have confirmed they would rather I look after myself and baby and not worry about work.

My doctor has signed me off sick for a week. I'm so relieved. I will then have 1 week at work and I'm on holiday for 2 weeks. I feel like a weight has been lifted.

mumble glad you've been signed off!

I'm still aching, but I'm more concerned about the front pains I'm getting across my pubic bone. They've been there for maybe 2 weeks now and sometimes moving hurts too much so I have to take it really slow. I feel really bruised, but don't know how it's happened.

Should maybe have clarified about bf dad dying... my bf died 5 years ago, I forget people on here don't know me personally...anyway, his dad died. I'm relieved and sad for the family after everything they've been through.

Baddabingbaddaboom I am, like others, so sorry to hear about the shocking treatment you received. It is terrible that sort of thing still happens. You mustn't blame yourself for the termination, for PND, or anything else. Are you seeing a counsellor? They can be very helpful for overcoming guilt and PTSD.
DeadDoorPost Poor you, what a dismal couple of days. I am glad the baby is OK. Are you allowed to use Arnica in pregnancy? An arnica ceam - available I think from health stores, is wonderful for bruises.
MumbleLumble I am so glad you have a sick note. I don't think even a small firm is allowed to count pregnancy related sick leave, but it is defintely worth phoning Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7638 2020 and asking for their advice about that. They will have to phone back, particularly as it is the weekend, but they will with excellent advice and they have helped many on here. What meds are you on atm?
composed It's awful you were turned away from hospital too in your first pregnancy.
Waves to beforeihit30 and everyone. Another hot day here,but I believe raining in other places.

@DeadDoorpost oh dear, I hope everything is okay - both emotionally and physically. The slip must have been a fright, but glad to hear everything is fine with baby and mainly bruising for you (albeit uncomfortable I’m sure!). I also have a scan Monday!

@MumbleLumble you have a raft of protections, thankfully. Unfortunately it doesn’t stop your employer from breaching them, but it does mean they could be in breach by not following them and therefore gives you a route for action against them. It doesn’t matter what the size of the business is, what your contract says, whether or not they have HR - these are statutory protections that apply to all pregnant women in employment.

Firstly, they know you’re pregnant - brilliant, this means that as soon as they were aware then they became beholden to statutory provisions. For instance, sickness due to pregnancy should not be treated the same as regular sickness - as in it can’t be a reason to take disciplinary action or fire you. If the company has an absence policy (eg max 5 days ill in a year otherwise disciplinary action is taken) this cannot apply to pregnant women, so the amount of time you have taken for sickness is irrelevant. He cannot ‘have a go’ at you for not declaring your pregnancy sooner - you are only legally required to inform your employer 15 weeks prior to your expected due date (so 25 weeks pregnant), however most women declare earlier than that due to needing time off for antenatal appointments, sickness etc and the general statutory protections that apply once their employer knows. So basically he’s already putting himself in a precarious position legally. I would be concerned as to what the nature of the meeting is - as mentioned, they can’t discipline you for reasons related to pregnancy so they’re treading on thin ice if them calling you in is in any way related to your pregnancy (also is Sunday a normal working day for you?).

Maternity Action is a very good charity for advice and information relating to maternity rights for pregnancy and maternity leave. The Gov.uk site on pregnancy rights is also helpful and links to the Acas guide on pregnancy and maternity discrimination. Acas in general is a good source of information. The EHRC have been doing a lot of work in this area, this is more general but again provides lots of useful resources and toolkits which outline what employers should be doing. Again, ALL employers - doesn’t matter one jot if they’re a small company.

Write down everything that has happened so far, to the best of your memory, including dates, people, what happened etc. Eg on this day owner told me off/said this because I hadn’t informed him of my pregnancy sooner, I was 9 weeks pregnant when I told him. Include any details that may be relevant, eg owner shouted, seemed very unhappy, made this comment. This will be a very handy record if you end up having to go down a more formal route - hopefully you don’t, but given their behaviour so far I wouldn’t trust them to suddenly become caring and legally compliant. Although you have only put a few things down, it already sounds like it could be building into a pattern of discrimination.

Final bit, even though you’ve got holiday booked for the period after your fit note runs out you could still consider whether you want to go to the GP and get signed off again for sickness if you’re still struggling. I imagine for you it will depend on things like whether you’re on SSP or full pay etc, as if you’re signed off sick instead of taking holiday then whatever sick pay entitlement you have will apply, but just something to consider. Although I’m sure your employer wouldn’t be happy! But there are rules/rights relating to employees being sick on holiday or having to cancel holiday because of sickness (I’ve included the Gov.uk link here but other organisations like Acas also have useful advice). But your employer can’t force you to take your holiday as holiday if you’re sick - it’s up to you to ‘cancel’ your holiday and take sick leave instead, and you still accrue your annual leave entitlement whilst sick (so you don’t lose that time).

I have a low tolerance threshold for employers trying to shirk their statutory obligations...

@composed glad you have been signed off and can look after yourself, and sounds like your work are being supportive too.

Did the ‘place of birth’ tour at hospital yesterday, I know where I’m going (no choice haha! The induction means I’ll be on the delivery suite once I’m in labour) but it was good to see the facilities and learn more about the various options, as I had my other two in a different hospital. It all looks really good and quite modern, it was refurbished not too long ago, so I feel quite positive about what is available to me during labour.

beforeihit30 Excellent advice for Mumblelumble! Do have some and a from me. I so sympathise with your low tolerance of employers who try and avoid fulfilling statutory rights.

Hey guys. me again!

I just wondered if anyone had any success stories with the nausea aspect of this awful condition? I’m on 8mg Ondanestron & I fully appreciate I’m one of the lucky ones where it does stop the vomiting. Which is the main thing. But I am still fairly floored by a feeling of needing to be sick 24/7 Its really been getting me down. I’ve spent most of the weekend so far crying & feeling generally awful.

I know ondanestron is pretty much the gold standard of anti-emetics so I’m thinking maybe not.. I did try different meds to no success last pregnancy but that was more focused on the sickness to be fair.

My doc is happy to prescribe me some extra meds but she seemed unsure what to try. At the time, she suggested upping my ondanestron to see if it helped..

Anyone else found ondanestron useless for nausea? And had success with anything else? I know nausea is part & parcel of pregnancy so maybe I just need to put up with it but it’s so extreme & i’m struggling to care for my daughter & just basically function. I move & I retch and repeat

Cyclizine, or Phenergen could work well with ondansetron I found @Bol87 or possibly a heartburn tablet. I got prescribed Phenergen, ondansetron and Ratinidine together once I'd been admitted to hospital the 2nd time.

Thrilled to report I'm not looking for support as out of the hell of hyperemesis now (4 month old).

But interested as from people I know I wonder if there could be a link between hyperemesis and babies with bad reflux and sleep issues?

Wondering of anyone's experiences if they're onto 2nd or more pregnancies?

Hi all can I please join? My problems aren't as bad as a lot on here but I've been given cyclizine for all 3 of my pregnancies as the nausea ccan get so awful sometimes. Im only around 6/7 weeks so a while to go until the sickness eases up I reckon but every day seems to last so long. DD5 and DS 2 have been OK but sometimes they want me to play or do stuff with them but I just want to lay down and sleep. Usually it helps if I eat little and often but today nothing seems to be helping

Silversplodge - only have one child so far but she did have awful silent reflux, she ended up on omperazole & gaviscon.. sleep issues not so much. Well, she was a newborn who never slept in the daytime but nighttime she wasn’t too bad. She quickly learnt to self settle which was a win!

My little girl had awful silent reflux too - it only stopped when I cut out all dairy (which she still can't have). Baby #2 will me here soon so I really hope he doesn't have any reflux issues, it was really difficult x

DS has had sleep problems but then so did I, so can't really tell if it's down to HG or not. But then, DM had HG with me so maybe it is linked...

Really glad to have found this thread. I'm 17 weeks, hyperemesis has not let up. I've been on ondanestron, which sort of works. Also makes me incredibly constipated.
Dr has now prescribed Restavit, haven't tried it yet as I'm worried about being drowsy.

I'm signed off work until September. If it isn't better by then I won't be back though. At this point I'm so nauseas and feeling like shit all the time that I don't even care how annoyed my work are.

@Baddabingbaddaboom your story broke my heart. I'm so angry at those doctors for you. I can't even express it. I'm so sorry

Welcome to thejudgesaidhewasatitandiagree. Sorry you feel so bad. Ondansetron is a menace for tied up bowels. I must admit I haven't heard of Restavit. Was this as a laxative? I believe many swear by Lactulose. There are also the jelly suppositories but chemists won't prescribe those to pregnant woman though they are used in hospitals and I think if the bowels are truly closed they are less effective. Brave souls try Fibregel. Take heart, most people get an improvement between weeks 14 and 20 and even those unlucky ones who suffer throughout almost never feel as bad as in the early days. Have you got an anti acid as that can help with nausea?
Some drinks and solids that have helped others: 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, baked potato, Scoth pancakes, biscuits and cuppa soup.
Have you got kesostix to test for deyhydration, available from any chemists? They are not the best method compared to scanty dark urine, dry mouth, h eadache, etc, but A and E departments do take them seriously.
Sprite25 I don't think I can better DeadDoorPost's advice. Maybe B6 as well, I have heard? Dont despair, as you know from before as a veteran, things will get better. It is very hard with LO's. Can anyone else help so that you can rest - holiday clubs, relatives and friends?
Silversplodge Lovely to hear from you. I had only the one and a pregnancy ending in an mc before that, but what you said interested me as my daughter had 'three month colic' and was sleepless, sometimes awake for 18 hours at a stretch as a newborn. I wasn't given any meds save anti acids, so meds were nothing to do with it in her case.
Waves to Bol Norbert DeadDoorPost and everyone.

3rd scan tomorrow. Going to also hopefully get my pains checked out. Sounds like SPD. Will have to mention the slip down the stairs obviously. Sigh.

Will also hopefully get more sickness meds on Tuesday when I go in for the tour of the birth centre.

Very briefly - Hi to all- I have been absentee from mumsnet for such a long time- have returned to join threads regarding another health issue but needed to come and say Hi on this thread too- hope you remember me LucindaE?
To all of you I have suffered with severe Hg twice (1 singleton and 1 twin pg) and I often think of many of the ladies I have met on here!
Sending lots of love and strength to you all xx

@thejudgesaidhewasatitandIagree
I have been taken ondansetron which is helping the nausea and vomiting but it’s also making me severely constipated. Have you taken anything for the constipation? I got lactulose from the chemist but I don’t feel it’s done anything. Has anyone else tried lactulose?

Thank you @LucindaE for the advice. Restavit is an antihistamine, a sleepy one. It's used routinely here in Australia. It's doxylamine.

@Marshmallow1992 sorry you're constipated too! Today it got so bad I was in agony, unable to move from the toilet but unable to go! I was in a cold sweat with the shakes. My friend so kindly brought me an enema. I now have pelvic pain I think from the straining or maybe I'm still constipated but at least there was some movement.
I haven't used lactulose sorry. I've been told to use Coloxyl and that the enema was safe, Microlax it's called.

@LucindaE I didn't realise an antacid would help with the nausea. Thank you, I'm going to try it.

Hi everyone, sorry I've not kept up to date with all the posts, it's been pretty full on being the school holidays.

Around 16 weeks I felt so much better. I was back to doing normal things, just having to rest a bit more. I'm now almost 20 weeks and today and yesterday I've been feeling awful again. Is it normal to have a relapse at 20 weeks? I've been vomiting today for the first time in weeks. I'm so grateful to have had some respite but I don't know how to cope with this yet again, it's soul destroying 😓