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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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kissingthebear · 31/12/2019 11:24

Hello everyone - sorry to read so many are struggling! Sorry I can't remember everyone to respond individually as I can't scroll up when on the app...

@Pastnowfuture
It's so hard. I say to my DH daily how much I HATE ALL FOOD. Thinking of food, looking at food, eating food, it's impossible. I'm starving hungry but with HG I hate everything. I know what you mean about the sympathy too, i feel like people think I'm being a drama queen.

I also hate talking about my pregnancy, yesterday my Dad put his hand on my bump uninvited and I nearly freaked out. People want to ask all the questions about it and keep gushing about how exciting it all is but I don't want to hear it. I just feel mostly miserable & I have no interest in talking about anything to do with pregnancy.

Nearly approaching 16 weeks and feel like I've been pregnant for eternity! Every time I think about how many weeks I have left I just freak out!!

Nearly out of Xonvea too so got to try and sort a repeat prescription either privately or via the GP (a battle I'm not sure I can cope with right now) x

boulevardofbrokendreams · 31/12/2019 13:13

Hi, can I join in?

Currently 9/10 weeks pregnancy (scan tomorrow!) This is my second pregnancy - I was very sick during my first but this time is worse and I’ve been told it’s HG.

I’ve tried cyclizine (did nothing) and now on metoclopramide. I was hospitalised at the weekend with dehydration/ high ketones / unable to eat and drink etc where I was given 4 IV drips and odanstatron through the drip.

Came back home and resumed the sickness/ nausea, averaging at vomiting 3/4 times a day. I’m able to keep some food and drink down but it’s very hit and miss and what works one day fails the next. I’m exhausted by it all.

My question is: at what point would be reasonable to insist on trying odansatron tablets? Each dr keeps telling me as it the strongest tablets and there’s still not enough evidence it won’t harm baby, they won’t give it to me. But I can’t eat or drink properly, I spend the day not playing with my child and I can’t work. I can’t work out at what stage I need to get to before I can get the better drugs! Any advice?

Bol87 · 31/12/2019 13:50

Def push & push for ondansetron.. it’s the only medication that stops the vomiting for me. I’m lucky to have stumbled across my GP, she gave me ondansetron really quickly & has been extremely supportive. Do you have the option of a different GP? Preferably younger & possibly female! I’d also suggest printing off some notes about medication from Pregnancy Sickness Support & take them along to your doc! At the end of the day, it’s your decision to take a risk with medication. Not the doctors. It’s so infuriatingly inconsistent across the NHS it seems!

Sorry you are feeling so awful, sending love 🧡

kissingthebear · 31/12/2019 14:39

@boulevardofbrokendreams
Sorry to hear how awful you're feeling. I'm not surprised they sent you home with such little in way of support plan with meds - it seems on the whole the NHS aren't very helpful when it comes to HG & taking the physical and mental strain on us seriously!
If it helps, I went to see a private obstetrician (in London) who was amazing. I'm on Xonvea and it's working pretty well. Do have the occasional vomit, but I was up to x20 times per day before it. It's best tested on pregnant women. He did also offer to prescribe Ondanastron but I wanted to try Xonvea first to see if it was successful. Xonvea tablets even have a little picture of a pregnant lady on so no GP can argue they're not safe in your first trimester.

Hang in there xxx

boulevardofbrokendreams · 31/12/2019 14:50

@bol87 - I’ve seen 2 GP’s at my drs and the consultant at the hospital who all said no to Odansatron!! Thanks for the advice about printing notes from PSS.

@kissingthebear - so far I’ve found NHS are kind, but not overly helpful! Thanks for recommending your tablets

Ummusomebody · 31/12/2019 15:08

Hi everyone. I am also on the Xonvea too and was prescribed to me by out of hours doctor. I was so worried that my GPs wouldn't prescribe it. Fortunately I got hold of a trainee who has just been rotating from A&E and had seen me there a few weeks ago. Said o, just read your hospital admission notes and my name is on it. I asked for 30 tablets and he gave 90! So I will aim for the younger drs for sure as they seem more sympathetic. Just say it's working. Surely, they can't deny you something that works?

I'm also in the same boat as you @kissingthebear with a 4yrs and an almost 3. My 3 year old says things like "ssshhh, mama isn't feeling well, sorry mama have some rest and wants to stroke my face". But even that can be too much for me especially if she's just eaten. I also have ridiculous heightened sense of smell right now and can smell anything and everything !

Whatnext11 · 31/12/2019 18:48

Hi everyone, I bet none of us will be partying at midnight?! 2020 babies will all be worth it.

Pastnowfuture I do understand not knowing whether you should contact GP/ go to the hospital, it's so hard to know when you are making a fuss and when it's needed. Don't beat yourself up for last decisions though, you tried your best at the time with the info you had. If your baby is due April I assume you have had 20 week scan, and all is ok, in which case no harm done, I think babies are probably more resilient than we realise. I also had times when I felt like I had no idea whether I should go in or not, if it wasn't for this forum suggesting keytone tests I think I'd still be clueless. Still clueless about lots of other things but feel like I know when hospital is needed.
I'm nervous about 20 week scan at the moment, can't yet feel baby so no reassurance that he/ her is in there!

Pastnowfuture · 31/12/2019 19:10

@kissingthebear Sorry you are struggling too. I honestly can't wait for the pregnancy to be over. I had a huge emotional wobble at 20 weeks because everyone kept saying 'already halfway it's flying by' and all I could think was 'Im only halfway. I can't do another 20 weeks of this'.

@boulevardofbrokendreams I would also suggest you pysh for stronger meds. I really regret not being more assertive. A midwife has since confirmed my suffering was unnecessary and as a minimum a discussion should have taken place.

@Whatnext11 Thank you for your kind words. No kicks for me before 20 week scan either but they started up just a few days later and he hasn't stopped since. The scan was fine and very reassuring.

When I think forward to giving birth I feel my experience of HG has made me anxious that medical staff won't listen to my wishes/views but I have just started attending a 'positive birth' group and the lady there is really helping me to feel more empowered.

I doubt I will manage to stay awake until midnight. Lol. But wishing you all a happy new year! I couldn't have got through 2019 without you. Roll on 2020 and our babies! Crown Smile

LucindaE · 31/12/2019 19:31

Welcome to boulevardofbrokendreams. Sorry you feel so bad. You've had great advice from others about obtaining Zonvea or Ondansetron. As it is your second Hyperemesis pregnancy, you will not need my 'have you got kesostix to check for dehydration as hospitals do take the measurements seriously' and 'do you find flat, full sugar coke, ice lollies and the juice of tinned fruit any good' spiel. Did your symptoms improve a lot at some stage in your earlier pregnancy? Most people find that they do get a marked improvement between 15 and 21 weeks and even the unlucky ones who suffer throughout only rarely suffer as badly later on as in the early weeks.
After New Year's Day It might be worth phoning Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7638 2020 for advice on the best way to obtain effective meds, but as others say, their print outs on obtaining meds are very good.
Pastnowfuture I am sorry you are having to wait for counselling. Maybe getting a partner for support from Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7638 2020 might be an idea? As others say, you mustn't torture yourself about not going in for fluids quickly; it is the fault of the inefficient medics that you didn't, and as Whatsup11 says, all must be well as you've had your scans. Most sufferers from Hyperemesis are more dehydrated than is good at as one time or another. Nobody has ever come back on this thread to say that the baby was damaged as a result.
Whatnext11 Brillant advice. Excellent advice from Bol87 too.
gmailconfusion Remind me what meds you are on? Sorry you feel so bleak. Things will almost certainly improve.
kissingthebear Most sufferers find it hard to be entuusiastic about the pregnancy. The bonding will come.
Ummasomebody The LO's sound very sweet. I am glad you got more Zonvea.
Much sympathy for everyone suffering this New Year's Eve. The next festive season will be a lot better. Flowers

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boulevardofbrokendreams · 01/01/2020 14:12

Frustratingly, I went for my scan today but it was cancelled due to an admin error as the sonographer wasn’t working today! Forced myself out of bed, struggled to drink all the water and now I’m suffering all for nothing.

@LucindaE I did feel better towards the end of my pregnancy, but it was such a horrible time I think I’ve blanked it out as I can’t remember when!! I gave birth to my DC at 35 weeks and worrying the same will happen again if I’m honest (luckily he was absolutely healthy for an early one)

Mothertoone2 · 01/01/2020 18:15

I would just like to say how amazing us women are for going through the dreaded hyperemesis and trying everything we can to support the growth and the well being of our babies. We are all super strong women and you should all be proud of yourself your doing the best you can! People who haven't had hyperemesis will never understand the struggle. This page is amazing lots of advice and support from people who understand this illness the most.

I've felt super low at times and felt as though I couldn't go on any longer. I'm starting to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm only being sick 3 times a day now and Im finally returning to work tomorrow after 3 weeks of. Not sure how I'm going to cope jumping straight back into full time though.

I just hope you all find some sort of relief soon! Wish you all the best and happy new year to you all!! X

kissingthebear · 01/01/2020 18:26

@Mothertoone2
Felt quite emotional reading that. I've been having such a tough day today. I've been in bed since about 3pm and have just tortured myself by scrolling through social media looking at all my friends (& total strangers) having a great time. I feel so low. So many friends I thought cared about me, have barely even checked in & have shown such little sympathy. Even some of those I've messaged haven't even replied. I feel like such a massive afterthought and really isolated.

I'm lucky my hubby is great but I still feel so sad and I know I'm going to come out of this with far fewer friendships than I had going into pregnancy.

Sorry for the moaning, just feeling like everyone has been out with friends and all the posts about new year and new you have just hit me. My own fault really for getting lost on Instagram - just feel so much worse now!

😭😭😭

boulevardofbrokendreams · 01/01/2020 18:42

@Mothertoone2 could you negotiate part time for a couple of weeks to ease you back in? Or a couple of days working from home?

LucindaE · 01/01/2020 20:05

boulevardofbrokendreams I am sorry to hear that you had a wasted journey. How infuriating. I am glad that things got a bit better late in your last pregnancy. I knew a woman who always gave birth at 35 or 36 weeks, and like your first her babies were always fine.
Mothertoone2 I so agree. Youare all amazing. Star I am so glad that the thread helped you. Please don't rush back to work, as that could end up with your having to be off again. As boulevardofbrokendrams says, can you arrange a staggered return?
kissingthebear Poor you. This scourge is very isolating, particularly at festive times of year. I am also sorry to hear that a large number of your friends are inconsiderate or plain self-centred. Better to suffer now, though, than in lovely summer weather. For distraction, do you find audio books any good, or the radio, if you can't face a screen?
I hope everyone starts to feel a lot better early in 2020.

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Jay2020 · 01/01/2020 21:19

Feeling very up and down. Could have written your posts myself pastnowfuture
I know I'm doing so much better than a month or so ago, and scan was hugely reassuring that little one is healthy and growing despite my mummy guilt that I've been starving them! Please tell me it's OK to still not be putting on weight at 23 weeks, having lost 10% in first tri??? I am really really trying, it feels like I am forcing in calories at times, and it makes me sad as usually food brings me so much pleasure Sad
I'm so grateful for this group, just feeling heard and a little less lonely is powerful right now.

Melleebacca · 01/01/2020 23:42

@Jay2020 my weight bottoms out at 16wks about 10% under my normal weight and then I slowly gain. DD2 was born weighing 8lbs and I was only 4kgs over my normal weight when I went into labour. Try not to have too much guilt.

Haven’t been on much despite still be sick. On NYE we were told baby now has a 96% chance of a chromosomal defect. Awaiting an amnio in two weeks for confirmation which is hideous while suffering through HG.

Jay2020 · 02/01/2020 07:48

@Melleebacca so sorry to hear you are you going through this right now, thinking of you for the amnio etc and coming weeks.

Pastnowfuture · 02/01/2020 15:55

@Jay2020 sorry to hear you feel this way too but at least we aren't alone. I'm due 27th of April- we must be close if you are 23 weeks?

@Melleebacca Just wanted to send my love. My close friend had this experience 18 months ago. Waiting is truely awful Flowers

LucindaE · 02/01/2020 17:26

Melleebacca I am so sorry. What devastating news to have at any time, especially on New Year's Eve. You have been amazingly stoic and helpful, and to be in this awful position is so unfair when you have had to endure Hypereremesis.
Jay2020 and pastnowfuture As Melleebacca says, many sufferers don't gain much weight overall, having lost so much in the first tri. Don't blame yourself for what is not your fault.

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OlivejuiceU2 · 02/01/2020 17:32

Hi ladies, can I join please? I was in hospital at the weekend where I was told I have HG. I have been badly ill since 6 weeks pregnant, now 11+1.

On my third different antisickness medication (cyclizine) and have seen some improvement today.

boulevardofbrokendreams · 02/01/2020 18:15

@Melleebacca - sending you lots of love and positive thoughts

Bol87 · 02/01/2020 19:17

So sorry to hear of worrying news @Melleebacca Sad I can’t imagine how hard it must be.. sending so much love & best wishes!

Weight wise, don’t panic! Some people don’t put on much personally but baby is totally fine! In both pregnancies, I’ve lost weight initially & got to 25 weeks with only gaining the lost weight back. But it slowly creeps on. I packed on the weight between 30-40 weeks last pregnancy, it was like my body held onto every calorie in desperation 😳 my weight is starting to go up now at 29 weeks, so I’m thinking the same might happen again!

Welcome @OlivejuiceU2 - sorry you have to be here. It’s a miserable period of time. Sickness meds are all about finding the one that works for you! Cyclizine is generally a first line drug & there are certainly stronger out there if you need them. But equally, if it helps then that’s fab! I hope things start to improve a little for you 🧡

LucindaE · 03/01/2020 14:17

Olivejuiceyou2 Welcome. Sorry you have been suffering badly. I am glad the Cyclizine is helping. As others say, if it doesn't do the trick, to go back and ask for other meds as it is one of the weaker ones, though wiht a long history of use in pregnancy. Things do get a lot better for most sufferers somewhere between weeks 15 and 21. Even the unlucky minority who suffer throughout almost never feel as bad later on as they do in the early stages. A good anti-acid can make a big difference. Some drinks and foods of a sort that have helped others: flat full sugar coke, ice lollies, the juice of tinned fruit, Lucozade, fizzy water, Elderflower water, Robinson's fruit drinks, fizzy orange, lemonade, Dr Pepper, Elderflower coridal and tonic water (eallison's tipple), 7Up, Iron Bru, soda water, ice cubes, chocolate milkshakes (maybe soya), cocoanut milk, orange squash and sips of orange juice if not too acid. Some foods of a sort: nibbles of chips and crisps, baked potatoes, cuppa soup, cheap ice cream, tinned fruit, slices of melon and mango, Scotch pancakes and biscuits. It might be worth investing in some kesostix if you don't have them already as while they are not the best test of dehydration, hospitals do take them seriously.
Melleebacca Thinking of you.
Waves to Bol87, boulevardofbrokendreams and everyone...

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LucindaE · 04/01/2020 19:10

I hope everyone is coping today.

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boulevardofbrokendreams · 04/01/2020 19:27

I’ve had 2 good days in a row - only vomited once a day and managed to eat some fruit. From last time I remember this may not last so trying not to get my hopes up!