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.

Excellent advice for sickandtiredofsickfrom everyone. As boulevardofbrokendreams says, round 9 to 10 weeks is often the worst. I hope you are feeling a bit better today.
It is ages since I put up the Due Dates list. Meanwhile one set of 'TWINS!' has been born.

Due Dates
Ribenaberriesgowoo82 28 January
Marshmallow 1992 29 January
MumbleLumble 19 February
Katela18 22 February
Bray23 23 February
Twistsandcurls 3 March
Dinosauraddict 10 March
yellow25 17 March
Bol87 18 March
Sprite25 29 March
Catconfusion 15 April
RaynorEsme2019 19 April
pastnowfuture27 April
Moonstone12 1 May
Pastnowfuture 7 May
MrsH497 18 May
Ummasomebody 20 July TWINS!

Hey ladies sorry for the silence, I have really been struggling the last few weeks.
Does anyone take Xonea? I have read about it and it seems to be a wonder drug!
My hospital and gp won’t use it as they haven’t heard of it and it’s not in their care plan. I considered going private but I have been told there aren’t any private gynaes in my part of Scotland so I’d be assessed by the same consultants and be no further forward help!!!

Just to remind anyone as I haven’t posted in ages, currently pregnant with my second, I’m 10 weeks, lost 10kg in weight and had 4 hospital admittances. Taking other medication at home which isn’t helping.
Help girls!!!

@Jomum2020 if none of them are working have you tried steroids? They should try them as a third line if first and second don't work.

@LucindaE can I be added to the list too- 18th July

@sickandtiredofsick do you have any family that could help out? You are an utter hero for trying to look after your toddler during the day aswell

@LucindaE can I be added too? 2nd August

@Jomum2020 I'm on Xonvea, have been since Christmas and it's reduced my nausea to a more manageable level. Prior to Xonvea I was throwing up everyday sometimes a few times, sometimes x20. I know throw up occasionally. It's a wonder drug for me, and no nasty side effects. I wonder if pregnancy sickness support can give you guidance here, I don't think they can refuse it. I went to see a private obstetrician in London who prescribed it and my GP now continues with a repeat prescription for me. My GP was reluctant to prescribe prior to me seeing the obstetrician- I think it's largely due to cost! It's not cheap x

Can I be added to the due dates too please? 24th July

I weighed myself yesterday and I've now lost 12lbs. I'm managing half a meal a day and I'm really fed up of this now. 14 weeks so I have a bump so god knows how much weight I've actually lost not including baby. I'm signed off AGAIN. I spent all day on the sofa yesterday unable to even wear leggings because they're too tight on my tummy. Even the slightest pressure and I'm sick.

Today I thought I felt better so I'm dressed and was just about to leave the house to do some shopping but projectile vomited in the kitchen so I guess I'm not going anywhere for a while. I don't understand how people do this more than once. I can't wait for July and for this to be over. I'm so grateful to have a baby and I've wanted this for so long (5 miscarriages) but I feel like I'm being punished for something. Life is really getting me down at the moment.

@Areallthenamestaken what meds are you on? Worth asking them to add more in? It is awful and to be honest I've questioned a lot why I've done this again. It's worth it though, although I'm never doing this again. It's actual hell with a toddler to care for as well.

I've been taking cyclizine but it only helped with nausea which I thankfully don't get anymore. I haven't been taking it recently because I could cope with being sick once every day or so while being able to eat. I should start taking it again because I'm back to not keeping anything other than plain carbs down.

I was given buccastem to take with it but ironically that started to make me sick as soon as as the tablet dissolved so I stopped. UGH. I hate this so much 😔

Definitely don't try and cope without meds. If the cyclizine doesn't stop the sick then get different ones.

Please may I join? I'm 11 weeks and have been suffering since Christmas. I was hospitalised a fortnight ago after getting really dehydrated and I've lost about a stone in weight. I've worked my way through cyclizine, metoclopramide and am now on prochlorperazine, which seemed to be helping but I've been really sick and nauseous again today.

I haven't worked since Christmas and can't imagine how I'll even be able to drag myself off the sofa, I just feel so rotten. But I'm self employed so need to start earning some money. Feeling a bit sorry for myself, but reading the past couple of pages, I realise there are others who have it so much worse.

This is baby number three for me, but I didn't have it with the other two, just normal ms, so it's all come as a bit of a shock. And managing two little ones while feeling like this is hard work!

Will read back soon. Have been doing well on minimal meds, but finding when I do too much the sickness returns. I've had no sickness except for when I do too much 'activity',wondering if I will get back to normal ever!

Monsteamio Welcome. Sorry that you are suffering. It must be very hard with two little ones to look after. Do you have any support from family and friends? If Proclorperazine has stopped wroking, do ak for additional meds. That is a large weight loss and four admissions is a lot. it is a great shock to get this after two normal pregnancies. Things do get a lot better for most people at some point between weeks 14-21. Even those whoare unlucky enough to suffer throughout almost never suffer as badly as in the first tri. Between weeks 9-11 is often the worst time. Have you got kesotix to check for dehydration? That's probably a silly question as after so many admissions no doubt you have. Not as if they are the best test of it but hospitals do take ketones measurements seriously. An anti acid can make a big difference. Here are some drinks that have helped others. Full sugar flat coke, ice lollies, the juice of tinned fruit, Elderflower water, tonic water and Elderflower cordial (eallison's tipple), Lucozade, soda water, lemonade, fizzy orange, orange squash, Iron Bru, orange juice if not too acid, ice cubes, Dr Pepper, Chocolate milkshakes (maybe soya), 7Up and fizzy water. Some foods of a sort:
nibbles of crisps and chips, tinned fruit, slices of melon and mango, baked potato, Scotch pancakes, cuppa soup, biscuits and cheap ice cream.
justtheonethen Excellent advice as ever. I never knew that about third line medication being steroids. I have added your date.
I am all admiration about your and anyone's coping with Hyperemesis and a toddler.
Jomum2020 Sorry to hear that things have been bad. Some people have been really helped by Xonvea, and not by meds which are supposedly stronger. It is, as others have said, worth phoning Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7638 2020 who will phone back with good advice about taking meds.
Areallthenamestaken I am so sorry to hear about the five miscarriages. I so agree with others, don't try and struggle on withhout meds. Do ask for more if you need them. I've added your date. It is very hard to get through this.
kissingthebear Great advice from you and everyone. You may well be right about the cost of Xonvea.
Monsteamio Welcome. Sorry that you are suffering. It must be very hard with two little ones to look after. Do you have any support from family and friends? If Proclorperazine has stopped wroking, do ak for additional meds. That is a large weight loss and four admissions is a lot. it is a great shock to get this after two normal pregnancies. Things do get a lot better for most people at some point between weeks 14-21. Even those whoare unlucky enough to suffer throughout almost never suffer as badly as in the first tri. Between weeks 9-11 is often the worst time. Have you got kesotix to check for dehydration? That's probably a silly question as after so many admissions no doubt you have. Not as if they are the best test of it but hospitals do take ketones measurements seriously. An anti acid can make a big difference. Here are some drinks that have helped others. Full sugar flat coke, ice lollies, the juice of tinned fruit, Elderflower water, tonic water and Elderflower cordial (eallison's tipple), Lucozade, soda water, lemonade, fizzy orange, orange squash, Iron Bru, orange juice if not too acid, ice cubes, Dr Pepper, Chocolate milkshakes (maybe soya), 7Up and fizzy water. Some foods of a sort:
nibbles of crisps and chips, tinned fruit, slices of melon and mango, baked potato, Scotch pancakes, cuppa soup, biscuits and cheap ice cream.
justtheonethen Excellent advice as ever. I never knew that about third line medication being steroids. I have added your date.
I am all admiration about your and anyone's coping with Hyperemesis and a toddler.
Jomum2020 Sorry to hear that things have been bad. Some people have been really helped by Xonvea, and not by meds which are supposedly stronger. It is, as others have said, worth phoning Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7638 2020 who will phone back with good advice about taking meds.
Areallthenamestaken I am so sorry to hear about the five miscarriages. I so agree with others, don't try and struggle on withhout meds. Do ask for more if you need them. I've added your date. It is very hard to get through this.
kissingthebear Great advice from you and everyone. You may well be right about the cost of Xonvea.

Due Dates
Ribenaberriesgowoo82 28 January
Marshmallow 1992 29 January
MumbleLumble 19 February
Katela18 22 February
Bray23 23 February
Twistsandcurls 3 March
Dinosauraddict 10 March
yellow25 17 March
Bol87 18 March
Sprite25 29 March
Catconfusion 15 April
RaynorEsme2019 19 April
pastnowfuture27 April
Moonstone12 1 May
Pastnowfuture 7 May
MrsH497 18 May
StayClosePooky 20 June
justtheonethen 18 July
Ummasomebody 20 July TWINS!
areallthenamestaken 24 July
boulevardofbrokendreams 2 August

I hope I have got the new dates added.

Whatnext11 Cross posted. You will certainly return to full health at some point! Maybe you will not feel delicate until the baby is born, but all will soon enough be well afterwards.

Gosh it's rotten. But it does get better. For all those suffering please hang onto that. There will be an improvement. It's frustrating having to go through trailing all the meds especially when you're feeling so low. It just feels like you're at the bottom of a big black hole. You can all do it! We're in this nightmare together & we'll all come out of it eventually.

I'm wondering when I may be able to start tapering off my meds, at the moment I know I'll be throwing up again if I attempt to reduce. How I survived my first pregnancy without any meds I'll honestly never know!!!

My due date is 23rd June 🙏🏻

Hi all
Just sending lots of love and best wishes to everyone feeling rotten. I am 20 weeks now and just feeling over the sickness and hoping it stays away. I was very bad weeks 9-11 and not great 12-16 but it is easing so hang in there.

Just another random suggestion that worked for me. I have taken meds but at the same time tried an electro pulse watch device called emeterm. Found it on amazon and you wear it like sea sickness bands and it stimulates your vagus nerve which connects brain and vomit centre / stomach. I wear mine every day and turn it on different / higher settings the worse I feel. It really really helps me. I also read up on vagus nerve stimulation and massage (mainly neck area) as this is how acupuncture works to relax the body and slow down the sensations that make you sick. Not saying it’s a miracle cure but I wanted to try everything and I just wanted to share in case it helps anyone else

Xx

Oh and a quick request for advice please. Can you take cyclizine and Omeprazole together? I now have started with the heartburn and acid reflux and can’t tell when it’s morning sickness nausea or that. So I was told I can take both and they do different things. Is anyone else doing this?

@JKD1982 yes you can take them together for sure.

Can you please add me to the due dates list :) 30th May

After my wonderfully positive message I've had such a crappy day! Feel so much guilt for not being able to be my usual self around my little boy and feel like some friends are so useless at understanding/supporting me through this despite the fact I've explained how I'm feeling so many times

I think it takes so little to remember to message someone and check in, yet it happens so rarely with the vast majority of friends. Don't get me wrong, a few are fabulous, but I've been left disappointed with some and wondering how I'll ever get over it x

JKD1982 That's fascinating about the 'emeterm' device and I am so glad it has helped you.
justtheonethen and kissing thebear Fine advice.
kissingthebear I amsorry to hear about the bad day and the insensitive friends. Sometimes, people don't know what to say. There are times - with people suffering very badly, in hospital for weeks etc - when I don't know what to say, and I've been doing this thread for ten years. I've added you.
BeautyandtheBump I've added you too.
Apologies to anyone rudely overooked.

Due Dates
Ribenaberriesgowoo82 28 January
Marshmallow 1992 29 January
MumbleLumble 19 February
Katela18 22 February
Bray23 23 February
Twistsandcurls 3 March
Dinosauraddict 10 March
yellow25 17 March
Bol87 18 March
Sprite25 29 March
Catconfusion 15 April
RaynorEsme2019 19 April
pastnowfuture27 April
Moonstone12 1 May
Pastnowfuture 7 May
MrsH497 18 May
BeautyandtheBump 30 May
StayClosePooky 20 June
kisisngthegbear 23 June
justtheonethen 18 July
Ummasomebody 20 July TWINS!
areallthenamestaken 24 July
boulevardofbrokendreams 2 August

@kissingthebear just quickly on reducing medication. I was on 3 times a day metoclopromide and ondansatron along with steroids etc if you see my post to @justtheonethen
I stopped my evening dose of ondansatron at 25 weeks then my lunchtime dose of ondansatron at 28 weeks and as of today stopped my morning dose of metoclopromide at 31 weeks. I'm gonna see how I feel over the coming days but I wouldn't stop too early as it may back track you to feeling worse.

I hear what you're saying about friends, kissingthebear. I've had one in particular who told me "I know exactly what you mean" and then talked about her perfectly ordinary ms. Which I'm sure was grim at the time (I remember it from my first two pregnancies), but is a million miles away from HG, dehydration, hospitalisation, cocktails of meds etc. I really felt it undermined what was actually happening to me. Some people just struggle with empathy, I think.

On the other hand, some less close friends have been unexpectedly kind and understanding, so it's swings and roundabouts.

I hope tomorrow is a better day. I also have the mum guilt, but they still get so much from you, even when you're not firing on all cylinders and it's not going to last forever.

Hello everyone can I join in?

I’m 14 + 3 and still struggling with constant nausea/vomiting and unbelievable fatigue. I’m also now having weekly 2 day migraines.

Obviously this means I haven’t been able to work for months. I’m a doctor so the guilt of letting the team down in a struggling NHS is really getting to me (although the hospital and my colleagues have been incredibly supportive)

I’m taking cyclizine, buccastem and ondansetron - it means I am now only vomiting 2-3 times a day (instead of the previous 20!), but I’m still constantly nauseous and am mostly just managing white bread. I’ve had 3 hospital admissions for fluids and iv antiemetics.

I’m so fed up! Just wanted to have a moan with people suffering the same. My husband and family are great (and thank god this is my first pregnancy, I don’t know how people manage this with other children to look after!) but I’m lonely and grumpy and feel like I’m rubbish at pregnancy, my job, my social life and general life admin. SIGH.

@Nelbert19 would you consider a course of prednisolone? It's the only thing that's stopped the vomiting and even the nausea for me.

Nelbert Welcome. I am sorry that you are suffering badly. I am glad you have got support from family and friends. As you are a doctor, you certainly don't need my advice about kesostix and things getting better for most people between weeks 15-21 and meds and so on. I hope you turn a corner soon, and the migraines go away. Mine went away some point in week 14, having been horrific for the first tri. With any luck yours will go soon. Here are some drinks that have helped others. Full sugar flat coke, ice lollies, the juice of tinned fruit, Elderflower water, tonic water and Elderflower cordial (eallison's tipple), Lucozade, soda water, lemonade, fizzy orange, orange squash, Iron Bru, orange juice if not too acid, ice cubes, Dr Pepper, Chocolate milkshakes (maybe soya), 7Up and fizzy water. Some foods of a sort:
nibbles of crisps and chips, tinned fruit, slices of melon and mango, baked potato, Scotch pancakes, cuppa soup, biscuits and cheap ice cream. A dreadful diet!
Montasmo I am sorry: I got your name wrong; I think I spelt it Monteasmo. People can be very insensitive.
abbs1 Excellent advice about meds.
Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked.