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.

@LucindaE quietly shitting myself to be honest.

Hi @LucindaE and everyone

Been battling a bit with all this going on - I've got to go to hospital next week for a Gestational Diabetes test and the thought of going into a hospital right now makes me feel so full of dread.
I barely slept worrying about how I was going to get through it all without coming into close contact with anyone

Worrying isn't helping the sickness of course.
Will they cancel my section? Will the hospital refuse me? Every irrational thought right now!

Hope you're all keeping yourselves safe ❤️

I’m just getting worse and worse 😭 I can keep some good down if I lie down for an hour or so after eating but I can barely drink at all. I’m not ketotic (or minimally so) because I can get some food in which is a plus, but it also means struggling on at home. I just feel like I’m dying.

kissingthebear Can they advise you of their plan? They must have a scheme in place for planned c sections. It must have been really difficult at the hospital. Do they have a plan in place to keep pregnant women away from other patients?
bientrinkwasser Much sympathy. At what stage are you now? While it is good about the lack of ketones, a lack of sufficient liquids is horrible. Is your urine very dark and scanty, or your mouth dry?These signs seem better at indicating dehydration than the ketones, though the hospitals rely on those. I can imagine you don't want to go to be rehydrated at the moment. Are ice lollies, flat sugary coke or the juice of tinned fruit any good?
connie222 It is alarming, but with the containment methods perhaps we can turn the tide more quickly. The good thing is, most people are isolating themselves if they can. I am very old; I remember the days before car culture really took off. I have never seen so little traffic on the roads since I was a kid.
Thinking of you all at this time.

Hello,

I have been battling on this past few weeks. I was faced with an awful choice yesterday and ended up having to go in for fluids. No one wants to be at hospitals at this time but I had no option as I hadn’t kept anything down for days. I refused to be kept overnight after the terrible treatment during my last stay.
I have found that I can keep down some flat coke today. I have never liked coke before so this is unusual for me. I have been through the entire shelf of drinks at the local co op to try and find one that I can keep down. Poor husband been sent out so much at such a risky time as well.
I have my 12 week scan next week, providing it isn’t cancelled. I’m nervous because I have to go alone and as I have been on steroids and other drugs before the recommend time I’m fearing the worst. But I had no option but to take them.
Also, any else had this? I have had a blocked nose for the past two months! Can’t breathe through it. Not helping the situation at all. I also look like death dug up! Suken eyes etc! This is just awful.
I hope everyone else is managing in some way. If it helps the nurse said she would rather see people come to hospital rather than leave it too late and be really sick. That is what they are fearing. People putting off illness that will get worse and then need more Intensive treatment. I was kept away from other wards and put under strict measures. So if you are really struggling and not keeping anything down please do not be afraid to go in.
X

I think I’m in the same boat as @Connie222 Just very worried about everything, I’m only 21 weeks but having a real panic that if this isn’t under control soon I’ll be forced to give birth without my husband.

Also like @kissingthebear, I’ve got a test at the hospital on Monday and worrying about whether it’s absolutely necessary for me to go. It’s the second half of testing if baby is likely to come early. Internal scan very much pointed towards no, so I’m tempted to skip it. I’ve got GD test in a couple more weeks which I will go to.

Hi ladies, another worried one here!
I got hospitalised all weekend just gone and the labour unit & ward was on lockdown due to it all. I was coughing whilst being sick and had a group of midwives charge in thinking I was just coughing. I shit myself 😂

I have my 31 week midwife appt tomorrow and it is still going ahead. The drs have assured me that the surgery is closed & no one will be in the waiting room the same time as me but I'm still a little wary even coming into contact with the midwife...as she is still seeing lots of people every day...but I know these appts are important now so 🤷‍♀️

@LucindaE I’m about 8.5 weeks so feel like I still have ages to go 😩 Keep telling myself that at 10 weeks last time I was able to sit through staff training for a week so must have been slightly improved by then. And there is a photo of me swimming at 13 weeks so again, I must have picked up a bit around then. I was still on metoclopramide and Ondansetron everyday but it must have been more manageable.

Pretty much all I can get in at the moment is tinned fruit and occasionally cereal. I’m barely peeing, when I do it’s brown/orange and I haven’t pooed since the weekend. There is nothing in me.

@BeautyAndTheBump1 @boulevardofbrokendreams

It's a worrying time to be pregnant isn't it? Let alone with HG thrown into the mix. I've got the GD test next Wednesday & am then due in the following day to see the midwife, all at the hospital. It's my 28 week appointment so is it an important one? I can't bare the thought of 2 days on the trot in hospital. I'm dreading going.

I've heard the hospital is pretty much like a ghost town with a security guard on the door where we are 🙃

I wonder when the virus is going to peak here? Obviously we can't hold our babies in, so I know the maternity wards will stay open, but still, it's unsettling.

Dotty356 Sorry you had to go in. Of course you will be anxious about the scan, but the chances are massively on your side. The risks of the meds are far less than those of being permanently severely dehydrated. It is interesting how so many can stand coke - I think because of the sugar, but this is a time when that doesn't matter. Were Dr Pepper and Iron Bru no good either? Chocolate milkshake perhaps, even soya? I remember that awfl treatment you had and those greedy people. It was outrageous that they used a ward as a cafe, and that the nurse encouraged it! [anger]
BeautyandtheBump Sorry you had to go in as well. They were obviously being careful,but that sounds awful.
boulevardofbrokendreams I find it hard to believe that they would insist on your givng birth alone. I have a gut feelnog that this will go more quickly than many believe. I also have a gut feeling that millions in the Uk may have had it already without knowing, and that this will change the prognosis. I may be wrong, of course, but let's hope I'm not.
Bienentrinkmasser I am glad about the tinned fruit. Is this juice the only fluids you can stand? You do sound rather too dehydrated, yet I can see why you wish to avoid going to be rehydrated. Is there a chance of your getting advice from the surgery or will the lines be too busy?
kissingthebear Sympathy to you and all worried by this horrible crisis. I do so hate this virus and the misery it has caused.

@kissingthebear at the 28 week appointment they usually give you the anti-D injection if your blood type is negative. Do you know your blood type?

Hi all, I'm 10 weeks with my first baby.

I've had nausea and sickness for weeks but the past 2 weeks has been hell. I can't keep food or drink down. Excessive saliva, I'm sick 15+ times a day (yes I'm counting).

I'm already slightly underweight due to my metabolism & I've lost weight this past week.

I rang my GP who prescribed anti emetics to start with but I've yet to receive my prescription.

I'm so anxious & scared. My midwife couldn't help either as she can't prescribe meds so that's why I rang my GP.

I'm bringing up acid as my tummy is so empty & I'm shakey.

Given what's going on in the world I'm just not sure what to do. This sickness seems excessive & unmanageable :(

I've read up on HG & don't want to self diagnose but I'm so unwell.

boulevardofbrokendreams That is a good suggestion for kissingthebear.
SophieJosie95 Welcome. I assume that is 15 separate bouts of vomiting. That is certainly not normal pregnancy sickness. I think you may be dehydrated and should phone the surgery for emergency advice an d to be tested for it. Unfortunately, you may need to go to an ante natal unit for fluids but if so, from what I hear, they will keep you well away from other patients. Also, do stress that you haven't received your meds, for whatever reason, and do mention that you hare having 15 separate bouts of vomiting, as doctors tend to call each heave a vomit (this is a grotesque subject, but we have to have those on here). It is a worrying time to be pregnant, and it is anxiety making to have Hyperemesis now, but this dreadful virus will pass. It isn't as infectious as 'flu, after all, so with self isolating and the antenatal clinics keeping their patients protected, you are hopefully being kept from it. Here is my usual spiel which I hope may be of some use. 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 onlin e. 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.

Soooo I had my 31 week appt yesterday, iron is low so put me on iron tablets, but my bump was measuring just above the 3rd centile line. At 28 weeks it was 50th centile. So now being sent to the hospital for a scan on Monday. I know how inaccurate the measurements can be but it still hasnt stopped me worrying 😫 especially with all this sickness it's making me fear its affecting him now and not just me. But then worrying is making me vomit worse so I just cant win 😥

BeautyandtheBump1 Much sympathy. It is troubling, even though as you point out, these measurements can be so inaccurate. Remember howabbs1 who was so worried at the predictions of her having an undersized baby, had one who was small but fine an d heavier than they'd estimated.
I hope SophieJosie1995 got through to someone and everyone is coping; just about, anyway.

As yesterday. I hope everyone isn 't feeling too horrified or too ill - and stress making things worse with Hyperemesis, those things go together.

I hope everyone is coping. These are stressful times. But you have already shown how strong you are by surviving with Hyperemesis.
I hope SophieJosie95 Got some treatment - sounding very dehydrated. I hope too, tests etc have gone OK.

Hi ladies, me again.

Thankfully the constant vomiting has stopped now but it's still minimum of 2/3 times a day and the nausea is worse than ever. I'm 16 weeks this week.

I don't want to sound ungrateful for the support at all because I know I'm so lucky to have supportive family, but my mum is doing my absolute head in. I know she's excited but all she talks about is the baby and names that SHE has thought of for it. I don't feel like I can talk to her as my mum anymore because everything is centred around the baby. When I feel shitty especially I find it so difficult. Has anyone else found this or similar? Feeling a bit emotional and fed up x

ConstantlyPanicking Sorry to hear that your nausea and vomiting continue, even though it has reduced. I hope it reduces massively further. After all, a lot of people find that it tails off massively at some pont between weeks 15- 21, so there's plenty of time still for improvement. I do think some mother's get wildly excited at the idea of being grandmothers. Is she a names geek, to be so fascinated with names? Perhaps she is trying to cheer you up as well, by concentrating on the positive.

Hello everyone.

Some of you may remember me, I have 2 DC (born in 2015 and 2017)... and suffered badly with HG.

Well..... here I am again! 6 weeks pregnant and already being sick out of my nose (how could I forget that gem?)

So thought I would seek you all out, and let you know my news and catch up on the latest advice.

Hi all, I survived the hospital appointment but I'm not going to lie, it wasn't pleasant. I was shocked how few precautions people were taking.

I'm feeling a bit deflated about everything - I've got 10 weeks left to go now but things are so unsettling right now with coronavirus and reduced antenatal care - trying not to panic and just take things in my stride but it's hard.

Hope you're all ok and sorry to anyone new that finds themselves here x

IAmSeriousAndDon'tCallMeShirley Welcome back. Was it really so long ago? I couldn't forget your name. It might be an anxious time, but it will, like all bad and very good things, pass. There is a new anti emetic medication Xonvea, which some swear by. I can't remember which meds you were on. Remember, anti acids can be really helpful, too.
kissingthebear I am so glad you got through that appointment!I hope they tighten up the precautions. The NHS seem to be asserting on television that ante natal care will go ahead as usual, though some appointments will take place over the phone. Hopefully, by ten weeks things will have relaxed a bit.
Thinking of everyone

Hey all. Sorry I've not been on, I found that reading/talking about sickness made me worse for a while.

I'm doing ok. 24 weeks. Still on a very low maintenance dose of steroids along with ondansetron/metoclopromide/cyclizine but I'm not being sick and only having occasional nausea if I keep up the meds.

I am annoyed my growth scans are cancelled due to Coronavirus. So much for maternity care being essential . I have a history that makes me high risk and it's stressing me out.

Lucinda- Thank you, yes my youngest will be 3 in May! So far my GP has been very reluctant to prescribe anything at all, I only got 10 days of cyclazine. Last time I was on 4 different meds after served hospital trips and will still sick. He wants the consultant to prescribe, but that's not likely to happen before 12 weeks and I don't think I'll make it that long. I also happen to be on some steroids for a crohns flair up at the moment.

Kissingthebear- sorry to hear your appointment was a bit rubbish. Fingers crossed in 10 weeks we will be a bit closer to normal....

Just- sorry that your scans have been cancelled, it's an anxious time as it is and then to not have the scans to assess must feel really difficult. I hope they manage to find a way to monitor you

IAmSeriousAndDon'tCallMeShirley If you were on four meds before, it seems ludicrous not at least to give you the prescriptions so that you can take them if necessary. They know far better than me that taking pre-emptive meds can mean it doesn't get the same foothold. I wonder if Pregnnacy Sickness Support on 024 7638 2020 might be able to advise how to get meds pre-emptively? After all, they want to keep hospital beds free.
justtheonethen I so agree with I'mSeriousAndDon'tCallMeShirley. I do hope they can find a way to monitor you effectively when you are anxious about growth.
Thinking of everyone. You every one of you is a