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Pregnancy

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

Hyperemesis Support

987 replies

LucindaE · 10/12/2019 19:28

I hope everyone suffering from the Horrors of Hyperemesis will find this thread useful as a source of support and information.
There's no TMI on here - can't be by definition - and nobody should feel ashamed of moaning as much as they feel the need to.
MOH's wonderful website is full of useful information on this illness:
sites.google.com/site/pregnancysicknesssos
Another invaluable website is:
www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
If you need help in obtaining medication, phone them on:
024 7638 2020
Lastly, the NICE guidelines on treatment are useful:
cks.nice.org.uk/nauseavomiting-in-pregnancy
I would like to thank everyone who has given such invaluable support and advice on this and on previous threads.
It has been suggested that I add some practical tooth cleaning advice: a lot of sufferers find using a child's small toothbrush and strawberry toothpaste far less nauseating.
On my image of a pink castle: that is an image I use because when I was little, my family had a Snakes and Ladders board with an image on the last square of a pink castle in the clouds. As Hyperemesis is so like a grotesque version of Snakes and Ladders - eat a meal, go up a ladder, first thing in the morning bile run, down a snake - I have used the image of that pink castle on the last square of that Snakes and Ladders board as a metaphor for the happy end of Hyperemesis.
Remember when you are at your worst, 'This Too Shall Pass'. It really will.
So many women on this thread have thought they couldn't get through this, but they did.

Hyperemesis Support
Hyperemesis Support
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NonStopDisco · 26/02/2020 21:06

Hello everyone!

So, I’m back here after my first pregnancy in 2017, where I ended up being off work for much of it. The sickness lasted through labour, but stopped the instant I pushed out my baby girl, and despite all of my worries and concerns, when I got back to work after maternity in Sep 18, I didn’t forget everything, no-one thought I was less able and I got a promotion!

And then I fell pregnant again.
I’m only 6 weeks, but the past week I have thrown up ALL of my meals, and I’m back to eating crackers and drinking sips of water. A trip to the doctor yielded nothing after my ketones were measured, because my body is “coping with the vomiting”. I know the facts and the research but i was so low on energy and taken aback I just couldn’t fight! I’ve rung Pregnancy Sickness Support and they gave fantastic advice and sent a pack to take with me next time- my husband is coming too for support.

Connie222 · 27/02/2020 06:37

@Maz91 do the movicol! I had to take 8 doses over two days to get things moving. The lemon flavour doesn’t taste two bad - I was taking four sachets in a pint of water at a time. The relief was unimaginable. I now take 2 sachets a day just so I don’t get in that position again.

Connie222 · 27/02/2020 11:18

@NonStopDisco I hate the attitude that some drs have. Why should any woman suffer? If they have decided that medication is the route for them then they should be listened to. I really hope you get some help.

boulevardofbrokendreams · 27/02/2020 16:58

@sickandtiredofsick please persevere with trying to get in contact with the perinatal mental health team - no one should be left feeling that desperate and alone x

Bol87 · 27/02/2020 18:07

Hi everyone - just having a catch up on the board. Weirdly, since Christmas I’ve found any kinda sickness related chat so triggering. I’ve had to avoid talking about it, thinking about it.. my DD put on a TV show of nursery rhymes she watched on repeat when I was at my worst & I felt horribly ill for the rest of the day!

So sorry to hear of all the suffering, the early weeks are just horrendous. I hope so much things start improve as you head towards 20+ weeks and on!

@sickandtiredofsick - can you consider Metaclopromide with the ondansetron? I had to take both at regular intervals until about 26/27 weeks. It wasn’t drowsy. I’m now just on ondansetron. If it’s really bad, you can be considered for steroids too! I hope you can get some support for your mental health too.

I’m 37 weeks now & well & truly over being pregnant. Everything hurts. I still feel sick 24/7 (although it’s bearable these days). I can’t sleep. But at least I’m on maternity & it’s nearly over 🙈 D-day is 13th March as she’s breech (I think she’s got a pretty unstable lay although she’s been breech at every scan & check) .. I’m so nervous she’s going to turn & they’ll cancel the section, I think I’d cry! I’ve got all my hopes pinned on that date now!

Sending love to all 🧡

Dotty356 · 27/02/2020 18:24

Evening everyone,
Is like some sort of horror film in my house, when a I vomit I make my husband sick (he has a weak stomach so zero help). Just a nightmare.
Just wondered what everyone does if they vomit straight after taking a sickness pill? This keeps happening and I don’t know if I should try and take another after I have been sick?
Can only sip orange juice at the moment which I think may be giving me extra acid.

Again, sorry to see so many suffering. I’m not sure if it’s hormones or just sick of being sick but I cry most nights just to try and deal with it... Then the act of crying makes me sick! It’s such a mess isn’t it. I have never wished my life away as much as I am now. I just want to get to a point where things will be manageable at least! Everyday feels like a marathon!

LucindaE · 27/02/2020 19:24

Dotty356 Goodness, that is unlucky about your OH being taken that way. Yes, do take another if you can see the pill in the vomit - best not to tell your OH that detail! Are you taking an anti acid to help with the acidity of the orange juice? Poor you about crying. A lot of women with this scourge cry. It is so disheartening it is enough to make anyone cry.
Maz91I do hope you get an improvement soon.
NonStopDisco Welcome back. Congratulations on your pregnancy, even if it you are not congratulating yourself at the moment. If you were off most of your first pregnancy I think it is outrageous. I am glad PPS gave you information. If the surgery refuse you meds again, I am pretty sure you have the right to ask for a second opinion from a consultant.
boulevardofbrokendraeams I so agree with you that it would be a great idea for sickandtiredofsick to enquire about counselling available as no-one should be left to feel desperate.
Bol87 I hope she stays breech then for you to have that Cesaerean.
I know exactly what you mean about that odd connection. I read 'War and Peace' when feeling very ill and even the mention of the title makes me feel nauseated. It was nice of you to risk feeling ill by calling back in.
Great advice from everyone.

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LucindaE · 27/02/2020 19:26

Bol87 Sorry - re-reading your message I see that you are still feeling ill and it was a question of feeling more ill. That makes you all the braver.
Here's some Flowers for you.

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PippinStar · 27/02/2020 19:57

@dotty356 sorry to hear things are so hard. Just re the orange juice, it's one of the only liquids I can keep down at the moment (this seems to change weekly) but I have to dilute it 50:50 juice:water. Really takes some of the acidity away. Might be worth trying.

Dotty356 · 28/02/2020 07:28

@LucindaE thank you. I have been prescribed some acid tablets but they often come back up for some reason. I’ll keep trying to get them down.
Thanks @PippinStar I think that’s a good idea, I’ll try and water it down as much as possible. Hope you are ok?
Sometimes I get the odd craving for something it lasts about two seconds and def not enough time to find buy and eat that item to see if it will stay down. Quite frustrating.

Fingers crossed that everyone has a slightly better day if that’s possible. X

ConstantlyPanicking · 28/02/2020 10:48

Hi again,

I feel at such a loss. Feel like i'm trying everything possible and nothing is helping. Am on 2 lots of tablets now, some days they work and i feel totally normal, others they help a bit but not much and others they don't even touch the sides. This week has been particularly bad, i've barely kept any food down, if at all and feel so weak and exhausted. I'm still coming into work because I feel too guilty not too but all I want to do is lay my face on the cold desk.

A girl I work with had a baby last year and she suffered really badly with sickness, was every day morning noon and night until 22 weeks but she has anything but sympathy, if anything feel like she is judging me for being on medication because she didn't have any. Feel like when she asks me about it that i'm being dramatic.

I cant sleep properly because of it too...please send words of love and reassurance..all i want to do is cry! Sad

Connie222 · 28/02/2020 11:19

Oh @ConstantlyPanicking you poor thing!

God knows how you are continuing to work. Don’t feel guilt about taking time off. Being exhausted you are doing yourself more harm than good, you need to rest.

I know what you mean about the ups and downs on medication. I have days where I think I’ve cracked it and then the next day I wake up feeling like death.

And sod the other woman, anyone who judges someone for being on medication is an arse.

Dotty356 · 28/02/2020 12:09

@ConstantlyPanicking ignore the other women! You are absolutely amazing for making it into work. Everyone is different and we each cope in different ways. Me for example, I can’t cope at all with it. I have been signed off work.
Hold on to the good days! We just need to remember that this won’t last forever! Xx

kissingthebear · 28/02/2020 17:04

Hey girls

@ConstantlyPanicking sorry you feel that way, no one has the right to judge you, and don't let anyone make you feel bad. You do what's right for you and your baby! Medication is safe and sometimes it's the only way you can survive this nightmare. There's no medal for going through it medication free!!

How is everyone else?

I'm 24 weeks - seem to have a good day then 2/3 terrible days. It's soul destroying really. I have literally counted the exact number of days I have left, don't know if it made me feel better or worse!
Still struggling to eat certain foods and don't feel I'm getting enough fluids in but baby is tracking on 75th percentile so it's taking what it needs and leaving me very green in the process!

LucindaE · 28/02/2020 19:59

ConstantlyPanicking Sending you gentle cyber pats and here's some Flowers. I think you deserve a Star too, for somehow struggling on at work. I feel sorry for woman who somehow got by without meds, but it is bad that she is sitting on moral judgement on you when as others say, the meds have proved to be safe in various studies. Can you take any time off? You sound exhausted and that will make things worse. It might be worth asking if there is somehting they can add, if they only help you part of the time.

PippinStar Good advice for diluting juice for Dotty356 . Dotty I wonder if it is possible to have a liquid form of the tablets as that might stay down better?
Connie222 Excellent advice.
kissingthebear I am sorry it is such a Snakes and Ladders business of one step forward, two steps back for you on the way to the fabled Pink Castle at the end of the Hyperemesis Horror Experience. I don't suppose they can add anything to your meds? It is disappointing that the good days haven't increased in number. Poor you. Sad
Apologies to anyone rudely ignored.

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FeelingBeautiful · 28/02/2020 21:05

Hi there
Just to clarify, I don't have hyperemesis, so pls don't hesitate to tell me to get lost! I am suffering from worsening nausea and food aversions, since about week 10, and am now week 16 and it's still so hard to eat. I feel reassured that I was eating relatively well early on in the pregnancy but now am so scared about nourishing the baby. All I can manage some days in cereal and toast and sometimes can't keep water down. Fizzy water works wonders so I'm not too dehydrated. I'm on stemitol as I was so nauseas I have been off work for the past week and feeling low. Also ran into someone last week who put the fear of God into me about all the things that can go wrong in pregnancy anyway. Just looking for reassurance. These little bubs are pretty strong, yes?

I'm so sorry if this message doesn't really belong here, as I am not vomiting nearly as much as some of you.

Thank you xxx

abbs1 · 28/02/2020 21:09

@constantlypanicking I really feel for you hun. Can you see if you can be put on steroids to help with the vomiting and nausea? That was the only thing that helped me as antisickness alone didn't work unless it was iv anti sickness meds in hospital. The steroids helped me massively.
I had to quit my job at 8 weeks as I just couldn't work I was too unwell so please get a sick note if you need to so you can rest. People that haven't been through HG have no idea what its like. I really hope you start to feel better soon.

ConstantlyPanicking · 29/02/2020 01:42

Hey lovelies, thank you so much for the wonderful messages. Just a quick update I ended up in hospital this evening for my second round of fluids and they have confirmed it is HG, they've given me a 3rd medication to take alongside the 2 I've already got and they said that's the tablet form of the one they put in the IV at the hospital so fingers crossed. Feeling super sorry for myself but so glad I listened to my body today and they even said they can see I've had a rough time of it. I know it sounds ridiculous but hearing a doctor say that made it feel more justified than I had felt earlier xx

Connie222 · 29/02/2020 08:33

@FeelingBeautiful don’t worry - your baby is getting everything it needs from your body. It’s just you that will feel crap! Babies are wonderful little parasites! They take what they need from your reserves. I’ve had two healthy children despite either not eating for days on end or living off any bit of crap that I could force down x

FeelingBeautiful · 29/02/2020 08:48

@Connie222 thank's so much hon. That's good to hear! I started off a little overweight and so wasn't too bothered but it's going into week 17 now! Much relief from reading your message. I hope you and all the women here are doing ok xx

dillydollydarling · 29/02/2020 18:26

Has anyone here had any sort of counselling or similar after having HG? I had it in my first pregnancy in 2015, although after eventually being prescribed ondansetron I was able to continue working and even come off medication eventually.

I had another HG pregnancy in 2018. This one was awful, I was hospitalised 9 times, on 2 different tablets, ondansetron suppositories and my husband was injecting me daily with antisickness medication in an effort to keep me out of hospital. It did eventually clear up but then SPD kicked in so I never went back to work.

I desperately want a 3rd child, my husband would like a 3rd too. But we've said that realistically it's not something we can think about until the youngest is at school as the chances are, I will be very ill again. My mum is very against us having another baby and has said she's worried a 3rd pregnancy would kill me. I'm worried about the effect that me being in and out of hospital would have on my husband and our 2 girls. I'm really struggling with all the thoughts going on in my head about this. I wonder if talking to someone who isn't involved could help?

kissingthebear · 29/02/2020 19:26

Sorry to hear you ended up in hospital again, hope you're feeling a little brighter now and the new meds help soon @ConstantlyPanicking xx

@dillydollydarling I haven't had any counselling. I had my first HG pregnancy in 2015 and it's taken until now to pluck the courage up to go for another. I'd love 3 children but I know mentally and physically I can't carry again after this so I'm probably not the best person to help but the charity PSS may be able to guide you on this xx

LucindaE · 29/02/2020 20:02

FeelingBeautiful Welcome. What with not being able to keep water down on some days at 16 weeks, that sounds bad enough to be Hyperemesis to me. You have had great advice already about what effective parasites babies are. On meds, it was very unkind - and ignorant - of that person to lecture you about meds. The doctor would not have put you on any dangerous medication. They are incredibly careful about that now. Being dehydrated for too long is, however, dangerous to both mother and baby, which is what happens without meds. Here is my usual spiel which I hope may help. As others say, do ask if there are other meds they will give you. Here is my normal spiel below which I hope might help. Things do get a lot better for most people at some point between weeks 15-21. Even the unlucky minroity who suffer throughout almost never feel as bad as in the first tri. Have you got kesostix to check for the early stages of dehydration as even though they are not the best test of it, hospitals do take the presence of ketones seriously? You can get them from a chemists. An anti acid can make a surprising difference. ere 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, isotonic drinks frozen into cubes, flat full sugar coke frozen into cubes and fizzy water. Some foods of a sort: nibbles of crisps and chips, tinned fruit, slices of melon and mango, baked potato, toasted bagel with butter, grated cheese, cheese puffs, Scotch pancakes, cuppa soup, biscuits and cheap ice cream.
dillydollydarling Welcome back. I think kissingthebear's advice about phoning Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7638 2020 is a great idea. Counselling seems a very good idea. There are quite a lot of Hyperemesis sufferers who go for it a third time. I have only known the most severe cases be medically advised against it as long as they have had long enough to recover.
ConstantlyPanicking I am so glad you got fluids and another med added.
Waves to kissingthebear and Connie222.
I hope everyone is coping today. Another storm coming: this is astounding; one has followed another this winter.

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NonStopDisco · 01/03/2020 01:20

@Connie222 I found out, eventually, that the doc with sign-off on my prescription was a male doc, previously told me that if I took some exercise I wouldn't be depressed (didn't ask me if I did exercise, just took one look at my lumpy form and assumes).

The Receptionist on Friday asked if I'd like to see a female doctor, and I got put on to a forthright but pleasant doctor who treated me through my last pregnancy. She has put me on Buccastem which has meant I have kept down a small meal! And I feel more alive over the last two days. Except tonight when I have thrown up bile twice- must remember to make sure not to run on empty!

NonStopDisco · 01/03/2020 01:22

Oh, and I asked to be referred to a consultant recommended by PSS, and doc said it wouldn't be a problem. But now I am scared that I will be told off and I am not serious enough