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.

They are monitoring my thyroid levels so want to see if it has gone up or down by then I assume - it is end of Feb they want them checked again so over 6 weeks away. It is more worrying because I haven't been told anything else just given vague info i.e. you need a second lot of bloods for something to do with your thyroid in 7 weeks... so I don't really know what is going on.

I have a feeling I have border line pregnancy related transient hyper/hypothyroidism - hence the wait. After a long Google there have been studies that link HG with thyroid problems in pregnancy so it is most likely that.

Woke up at 3am from nausea and couldn't get back to sleep for ages as I felt too queasy. Just had to lie perfectly still or risk waking the vomit monster but had my first dose

Oops posted too soon

First dose of ondansetron while still in bed so have managed to not be sick so far today - nausea is incredibly strong today I'm 11+5 now and so so tired of feeling sick I don't really remember not feeling like this anymore.

@Whatnext11 I'm so glad someone understands. That is a good idea. I might go wild and try a french stick or something.

I have hashimotos and need my TSH level checked every 6 weeks I had to put my thyroid tablets up by 25mg as soon as knew I was pregnant so I think there could be a link as I’ve always had HG

I’m worried agaim like last time about ondansetron I keep reading things about cleft palate and heart issues but I feel so ill how will I function as all other medications caused me extreme drowsiness and dizziness

@HairsprayBabe I used to set an alarm for the middle of the night to take my Ondansetron as it made the morning slightly easier!

@sickandtiredofsick the actual risk is tiny. Something like an increase of 3/10000 to 4/10000. They also don't know if HG itself is a cleft palate risk rather than the meds.

I worried the last time as well and he was fine but I really can’t cope I know I need it
I’m only 6w now I started it at 7w last time it doesn’t make a difference how early you start does it as tbh I think as soon as I can get some ill be starting as I cannot cope another day of this

@Jomum2020 I agree with what @Whatnext11 said about having something similar to cheese and bread to ease you in.

I’ve had a couple of good days but this morning has been ridiculous - awake from 3am, threw up twice, then back to bed at 7am. So glad I’m still signed off work

@sickandtiredofsick no difference at all. If you need it you need it. I've been on it since 5weeks.

@boulevardofbrokendreams oh no, that's such a horrid feeling when you have had some ok fats.

*days!

Hello All,

I'm afraid I had to stop posting as I was finding it all quite triggering.

I gave birth on Sunday night to the most beautiful little girl, she is perfect.

This round of HG, particularly the first 20 weeks was the hardest thing I have ever done. I felt I had failed my toddler and we very nearly lost our baby several times.

I wish nothing but strength and love to all you ladies currently suffering this hell. Don't ever underestimate how well you're doing just by getting through one more day. The relief that it is all over now is immense. Never, ever again!

Take care x

Oh @putputput that is lovely news. Congratulations. What a beauty!

It is certainly not quiet on this thread now!
sickandtiredofsick Welcome. I am so sorry you are suffering again.
As you are a veteran, you certainly dont need my spiel about having kesostix and the usefulness of ice lollies, flat full sugar coke and the juice of tinned fruit. You have had great advice from others about the tiny nature of the risk with Ondansetron. If you had it last time, you obviously know about the need fo a laxative with it.
putputput Congratulations on your lovely DD. What a beautiful baby. Thank you so much for your message of support.
HairsprayBabe I am sorry about the worry. I hope they can give you reassurance before that date.
Jomum2020 I am sorry you had to be admitted. I am glad that the Grannies are helpful. I think sufferers with toddlers deserve a medal.
Here's a star, anyway.
Whatnext11 Excellent suggestion. As you say, a lot of sufferers get a relapse wih the hormonal surge round week 20 so that they have a relapse, and I hope it is so with you.
boulevardofbrokendreams Sorry that the sickness is back. But those good days are such a good sign.
justtheonethen I am so glad that combination is helping you a lot.
Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked.

Oh beautiful baby huge congratulations! And thank goodness it’s all over!

I’m not sure we crossed paths but I’ve felt so similar, like I’ve been failing my toddler & failing at life & my new job I got a promotion to a month before this pregnancy! Thankfully, baby has been fine throughout. I will be raising a very large glass & piece of chocolate cake to never having to do this again come March 😄

I get the ondansetron worries, I’ve always felt very nervous taking it in the first 12 weeks or so! But equally head strong that without it, I’d be not eat or drink or stop vomiting for 9 months.. so swings & roundabouts!

Thinking of those really suffering at the mo!

Oh my gosh @putputput! What a cutie.
Congratulations!

I have set “trust me, I’m a doctor” to record tonight, it’s on bbc2 apparently they will be talking about HG so I’m interested to see what they have to say!!

Also random comment- I was being so sick this afternoon I feel like I pulled a muscle in my face?! Can that even be possible.
Felt like my eyeball was going to pop out!! It’s just the gift that keeps giving.

Hi everyone,
Sorry I can't keep up with naming everyone individually, but sympathies to all those suffering. We're on this painfully crap road together.

It's definitely possible to pull a muscle, I was coughing and spluttering so violently that I ended up pulling my intercostal muscles (inbetween ribs). A osteopath put me on the mend and I'm nearly back to normal now, but it was soooo painful! Like someone said, it's the gift that keeps on giving right?

17 weeks & counting the days. Midwife appointment tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to hearing the heartbeat. Can't feel any movement myself (& it's my second) so hoping that comes soon...

I just feel like a fraction of myself. When will it get better? Arghhhhhhhhhhh

I happened to catch Trust Me I’m A Doctor by complete chance. HG had a slot at the end.. nothing particularly ground breaking but nice to hear it acknowledged as often being under diagnosed & treated poorly!

Justtheonethen that made me laugh, going wild with a French stick! I was trying to explain it the other day, good becomes so complicated, I didn't explain very well, the person hadn't been through it and it sounds so odd having to think through what you'll eat to check you'll be ok! My go to foods when I'm well enough to eat but picky ate quiche - carbs and cheese so good, current teacakes, pasty - not very healthy!
Maybe mix up your sandwich with some crisps or a couple of grapes when you feel brave.
Thanks LucindaE, it does feel like the nausea is worse at the moment at 20 weeks, resisting going back on the full dose of meds (on two thirds atm) as they make me so tired but going to see how I get on.
Putputput I love seeing baby pictures, makes it real what we're doing it all for. Massive congratulations and well done.
Good to hear the Dr programme diagnosed HG properly, I do think awareness isn't great. It's definitely not 'morning sickness'!
Kissing the bear sorry to hear you are suffering, hope you see an improvement soon
Sorry not replied to all, welcome to new people

Congratulations @putputput - she’s gorgeous!

Sorry to hear so many are having bad days :( Is anyone else struggling with insomnia? I find I’m out like a light then I’m tossing and turning from 3am onwards

Jomum2020 and Bol87 I missed that.
kissingthebear I do so hope you get that boost soon. There is plenty of time yet for you to get a lot better.
Whatnext11 There is nothing like Some Quality
Time Alone with a French stick.
boulevardofbrokendreams Insomnia is so dismal when added to other woes. Much sympathy.

@LucindaE thanks for the encouragement
@boulevardofbrokendreams I'm sleeping ok I probably have more of an issue of staying awake during the day, I'm generally in and out of bed from 5pm. Sleep wise, can you try the neom pillow spray, I find it helps relax me. Maybe if you're waking up at that time every night your body needs it's routine breaking. Could you try a different bedtime see if it helps?

Sleep is definitely much harder when you're pregnant, I always sleep on my front or back so I'm finding the whole "sleep on your side" thing tricky.

Had midwife appointment today, a few ketones in urine she said but nothing to worry about. Whenever I check myself with ketostix I'm always fine strangely. Trying to up my fluids but it's not easy as drinking too much just makes me feel even more 🤢

Was nice to hear the baby's heartbeat. Trying not to count the days down, but it's hard not to isn't it?

I wasn't sick yesterday - felt all day but no actual being sick.

Life has been a bit of a shit show here this week. First the thyroid problem, then we found out DHs work are being arseholes and won't give him the time off for our scan on Monday - legally they have to give him two appointments off - but it dosn't have to be the first ones he requests. Wednesday night our waste pipe from the upstairs loo literally exploded over the garden. Yesterday DH diagnosed with shingles and guess who has never had chicken pox?? Yup me... Queue emergency blood tests yesterday that I am still waiting on the results for...

On top of all that I still feel awful all day and I just want to lie down in a dark room and cry.

Last time on ondansetron I felt great but if constipation this time even after a couple of days I have the worst headache ? Is there anything I can do or will it fade as I get used to taking them again ?

That sounds awful - not what you need on top of everything else @HairsprayBabe
How many weeks are you now?
It's bad enough getting through each day without all the extra noise/drama life can throw at you. Have you managed to find safe foods you can at least peck at?