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.

@pygmyseahorse
Sorry tagged the wrong name!

@Fredsgirl19

Thank you so much for your message. I can relate to this so much!

It's our 2nd, the 20 week scan just seems so far away and too far in to the pregnancy too at the same time.
I miscarried twice before dd and so obviously that's pretty raw too

It's just so hard, the waiting, the need to make decisions within 24 hrs with not much information or time to get our heads around it and with covid my dh can't come to any of this.. Just so hard to cope with

You are so strong to have gone through what you have, especially with those odds. I'm so sorry you had experienced that but so happy you had a happy ending to it all

I'm hoping this sickness acceleration is part stress, I'm hoping the new meds help as you say it's almost tolerable when you have this healthy baby at the end snd much harder when that may not be the case.

Thank you so much for sharing that with me
Sending love

I think we may find out the gender with the iona test, or with amnio but otherwise would have done at 20 weeks as we did with dd and i agree I felt more connected... I'm just scared if we find out I will feel that way again when I want to distance myself and not get excited... It sounds awful I know

Sadly they've refused any detailed scans so it'll be waiting 8 weeks for that which like I said just seems to far away to now :(
It's great you were offered one though x

@pygmyseahorse sending love to you. It must be just awful not being able to have your DH with you for all these tests... it really is a cruel time in terms of the health care system, especially if extra tests are being carried out. Thinking of you xx

*also very frustrating about your experience with the Dr who suggested ginger/ toast. That is infuriating. The medical profession need to be adequately trained about HG and you (or none of us) should be met with such inane comments from dismissive professionals. There is no other area of anyone’s life where a doctor would accept someone throwing up multiple times a day for months on end.... total
Blind spot when it comes to pregnancy it seems. Very frustrating.

Isn't it mad!
I have my full history right there, its the 5th call in 8 weeks and I'm crying with frustration.. To be asked what lifestyle changes I've made to help.. To be asked if I can try ginger and toast and if no better call next week.. Its just ridiculous!

I know that perhaps women go seeking meds when they don't have HG and there are issues with that but it's pretty damn evident! I was wretching on the phone to him for crying out loud!!

I'm lucky that one Dr at the surgery also treated me with dd and so she's pretty decent but I was just so taken aback at this Dr today

Going for my test at 2pm today so at least that's prompt

@Snowwhite2020 how are you feeling today?

Sending love

That’s great you’re going for your test at 2pm. I would even be inclined to put in a letter of complaint/ concern to the practice about the difficulties you have had accessing medication... it’s really not on and if it has happened to you, it will happen to others there. Lifestyle changes!!!? Please....
any of us would do anything to stop or lessen the sickness it is so far out of our control with HG.

I am doing ok thanks @pygmy I had a wrenching session followed by committing this morning upon opening the fridge. So got that out the way before managing to get in my morning medication. Sigh. I have been suffering from bad acid reflux that really started in earnest this week come the evening and that often leads to sickness but in general not too bad and feeling brighter in between times than in earlier weeks.

Good luck for your test. You are very brave. Love you you xx

*vomiting

@Snowwhite2020 aww poor you, acid is really awful and so painful at times. Hopefully it'll calm down a bit soon, extra hard when it helps to eat a little to help but you are vomiting :(

Just written a letter actually, I know I'm a wreck atm but i think it was poor practice tbh

Sending love

@Pygmyseahorse thinking of you... it's just ok horrible times on top of everything else 😞 I'm just nearly ten weeks so I'm dreading my tests etc all coming up as I know how I felt last time having those results... praying I don't have that again. What's the Iona test? How far on are you again now? X

@Pygmyseahorse good for you writing the letter! I’m sure as a lawyer you will write a cracker! Xx

@clarkel1 thank you :) oh poor you, I bet it is a worry for you. Really hope it'll be OK this time and you don't have to go through that again. How are you feeling otherwise?
I'm 12 +5 now and amnio is only from 16 weeks, cvs wasn't an option nor any scan before 20 weeks :(
Iona is like the harmony test, so blood test which looks at baby's dna to see if it has downs, Edwards or pataus syndrome and I think is 99% accurate. I should hear back in the next 10 days or so which will be a long wait!

@Snowwhite2020 haha you flattering but not quite a lawyer yet! (unlikely I will be!)

@Pygmyseahorse not great really I had bleeding at 6weeks again at 8 weeks scams showed all fine both times, I've had awful peeing constantly and headaches handed in a sample today and she called and said I have a urine infection and then there I've just been to the toilet and there is bleeding (just brown) again and cramping again don't know if infection is the cause or what's going on I just feel awful have terrible anxiety and I suppose that's causing the headaches now panicking again as I can feel a bleed on the way and I told my kids and family at the weekend even though I'm only ten weeks I thought well scan had been fine twice now I'll feel a million percent worse if anything happens but can't even get the energy to care as I feel that crappy if you know what I mean! Just wish this sickness headache and persistent peeing would do one 😞

@Clarkel1 Like you, I had a bleed at 6 weeks. I had a scan, all was well but I did have a urine infection. They did say this can cause bleeding. I then bled again at close to 7 weeks, theY refused to scan me this time as they had already scanned me. (I also had cramping). Again at 10 weeks I had another bleed and was convinced that it wasn’t good news, thankfully again.. a baby was there wriggling around. Never felt so relieved in my life. Now over 14 weeks and haven’t bled again since. I also bled with my son too.. so whilst bleedings a worry, trust me I was horrendous every time and so worried.. I can tell you it is very common. I know it doesn’t stop the worrying but just wanted to reassure you, I was exactly where you were a few weeks back. Take care of yourself 💗

@IGottaGetThroughThis thanks so much for your reply, I didn't know urine infection can cause it, I handed in the sample today and had barely drove away and doctor called said it was showing up everything so 7 days antibiotics and they will also send it away to see what bacteria grows, the cramps are really quite sore. I am getting myself in such a mess, as each time I think ok here we go. My husband just came home from work and I broke down because I honestly really don't know how I would tell my little girl should anything happen she talks about it all day and we only told her Friday. I will call the EPAS in the morning but I know because I was only scanned Friday as a follow up to the scan at 6+3 they won't see me I don't think 😞 it's just a horrible time really. And I feel dreadful into the bargain convincing myself my boobs aren't sore even though the are and that I don't feel nausea even though I had a bowl of broccoli for dinner as I couldn't stomach anything else and the guilt that I'm being a rotted mum to my kids because I'm in my bed A lot. 😞😞 feel I'm heading for a breakdown 🙈

@Clarkel1 honestly, this could have been me writing this exact same post 4 weeks ago.
I was googling everything imaginable.. going to the toilet every ten minutes to check if I was bleeding anymore then the last visit. I wanted to keep checking, but equally was scared every time I did. It’s complete torture, and I completely sympathise with you. I had antibiotics and like you, my urine continued to show protein etc in. A second lot of antibiotics did seem to cure that. I also didn’t realise it could cause bleeding, but I believe it’s the irritation in your bladder.. I was told the same with my son. Also urine infections can cause cramps, I presume they are magnified when you’re pregnant.
Deffo give your EPU a call, they may see you again.. particularly if you say you’re cramping. I cramped a lot and they were painful... even at 10 weeks. The midwife got me in for a scan the next day. Our body does weird things to us, and you do symptom check every little thing. I got myself into such a mess also convincing myself my breasts weren’t tender, i didn’t feel as sick (I certainly did). Your hormones will be all over the place at the minute and you’re bound to feel worried and scared, just don’t be afraid to ask for support and ring your EPU or midwife! That’s what they are there for. Mum guilt is another massive factor, and I was told by many lovely ladies on here that our children are made of tough stuff and they soon forget this time. Just be kind to yourself, your body and mind are going through a lot all at once. I promise, it will get better and this time will pass.

@Clarkel1 sorry to hear about the bleeding. I hope everything is ok. Urine infections are nasty though and it could very well be that if it has gone on for a while undetected xx

Pygmyseahorse I am so sorry you are going through this awful strain. I hope you saw my message below: I had a 1 in 33 chance too and the chances are so much on your side. The wait is awful and makes the sickness far worse. I hope the Cyclizine helps. I can't believe that the doctor talked of ginger, for goodness sake. I am glad you have had your test by now and hope you get results asap.
Clarkel1 I am sorry to hear about bleeding. It certainly is often connected with a uti, and I hope you soon get reassurance.
Fredsgirl9 Thank you for the lovely message of support for Pygmyseahorse. I am so sorry you had such a high risk given you. It must have been truly dreadful waiting. I am so glad all was well. How is the sickness now?
Seeker2020 I remember the adrenaline rush from my Sportsfighting days, but not from pregnancy, but it was a long time ago for me! I do associate it with hunger normally, though. I am sure others can advise better.
KatieFTM I've added your date. A lovely Christmas present!
SnowWhite2020 Wonderful advice and support as ever. You are invaluable.
Great support from everyone...
IAmSeriousAndDon'tCallMeShirley Poor you back then on the sofa with the 'orange bucket' . I hope you feel a lot better. Some sufferers hate their bucket so much they throw it out - or should I say, recycle it.

Waves to boulevardofbrokendreams and everyone.

Due Dates
BeautyandtheBump 30 May
kissingthebear 8 June
StayClosePooky 20 June
justtheonethen 18 July
Ummasomebody 20 July TWINS!
areallthenamestaken 24 July
boulevardofbrokendreams 2 August
Calliope87 20 August
sickandtiredofsick 29 August
Connie222 3 September
ConstantlyPanicking 17th September
Lemondrop99 6 November
Nifler2019 13 November
IAmSeriousAndDon'tCallMeShirely 22 Nov
FilthyforFirth 26 November
SnowWhite2020 26 November
IGottaGetThroughThis 6 December
Pygmyseahorse 18 December
KatieFTM 20 December

Silly me! I left BeautyandtheBump on after her happy news.

Due Dates
kissingthebear 8 June
StayClosePooky 20 June
justtheonethen 18 July
Ummasomebody 20 July TWINS!
areallthenamestaken 24 July
boulevardofbrokendreams 2 August
Calliope87 20 August
sickandtiredofsick 29 August
Connie222 3 September
ConstantlyPanicking 17th September
Lemondrop99 6 November
Nifler2019 13 November
IAmSeriousAndDon'tCallMeShirely 22 Nov
FilthyforFirth 26 November
SnowWhite2020 26 November
IGottaGetThroughThis 6 December
Pygmyseahorse 18 December
KatieFTM 20 December

@IGottaGetThroughThis thank you so much that makes me feel better, maybe the antibiotics will help with the up all night peeing too which is causing me anxiety as I'm not sleeping then getting anxious about not sleeping. I know I won't sleep tonight again due to this bleed I'll call the EPAU in the morning , this has been my hardest pregnancy yet and I'm only ten weeks. I wish I had a scan machine at home and a midwife for constant reassurance , it's really scary. I really appreciate everyone comments this little forum has really helped me today x

Clarkel1 Thinking of you.
Sorry, IGottaGetThroughThis I managed to overlook saying what great advice you gave, as ever.

@Clarkel1 I'm so sorry to hear you are having such a rough time with it, bleeding is so scary let alone when you feel so unwell
It's heartening to hear you are on antibiotics though, are you managing to keep them down?
Fingers crossed in a couple of days you'll be feeling a little better, you don't deserve this :(

I'm sorry I cans share advice but sending you love

Waves to everyone

Sorry for overlooking, promise I'll be better at replying soon and hopefully supporting you lovely ladies as you have done for me

Sending love

@Pygmyseahorse I am not actually sick that often I wish I was it feeling sick all the time it makes me feel worse and when I'm sick it's water.😞 the bleeding has stopped this morning and I actually got about 6 hours sleep last night which is good, called EPAS who will call me back but the lady on the reception said probably won't see me as I was seen on Friday 😞 have no idea why the bleeding and pain is there just keep thinking something has happened inside and I don't know even though baby was fine in scan Friday. It really is a roller coaster. The cramps are still there but no blood... for today yet anyway hope your ok today xx

@Clarkel1 so pleased to hear the bleeding has stopped and you managed a little sleep, even though its not much its something.
Poor you, I think the constant nausea and wretching is sometimes worse than just being sick, for me I can't sleep until I've been physically sick

It really baffles me when they refuse to see you or scan you if they have recently, surely they should be seeing you and sorting the actual problem out :(
Sending love, really tough time for you at the moment but you'll get through it. Take things minute by minute x

@Clarkel1 at least they scanned you once... I had pain but no blood at a certain point around 11 weeks and was really worried about it and I phoned midwife AND EPU and neither would see me and the advice given to me was to wait a week and take a pregnancy test, if it came back negative to call them back.... I am not kidding. Apparently this was due to coronovirus and no additional scans permitted except emergencies (which they did not consider mine to be). So I had an anxious wait to the 12 week scan which due to being 12.5 days, was nearly two weeks later! Needless to say everything was fine with the baby and no such scares since but really didn’t put my faith in the NHS, especially as a FTM...

Hope things improve for you and congratulations on 6 hour sleep. I slept poorly last night also but in general my sleep has improved over last few weeks as the sickness/ nausea pattern has changed and in general improved a bit (now 16 weeks). Love to all