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.

@Jlw2020 - I forgot to add that when you mentioned fear of sickness it really resonates with me. I have quite severe emetophobia which made every day pure hell when I was at my most sick with my head over a bowl or the toilet. It's absolutely awful - I felt like I was plunged into facing my fears head on whether I liked it or not. Dreadful memories.

@LouJ85 I didn’t know either of these things were a thing! I’ve just cried and heaved for days and even when I get the moments of relief I have this constant ball in my throat which is what nenes me feel like I could throw up, I can’t believe it’s a real thing. Did you just ask your GP? I feel like I’ve just been a big baby but it’s been unbearable. I’ve had 2 miscarriages this year and so grateful to be at this stage but I’m constantly in floods of tears feeling so rubbish, sat to eat earlier and I couldn’t stop sobbing because I felt sick and was terrified I was going to be, I wanted the relief that comes from afterwards but I terrified of it happening. I think I need to speak to someone tomorrow I’m miserable and hate it. Thank you so much x

@Jlw2020

I was admitted to hospital at 6/7 weeks as I couldn't even hold water down. It was a grim few weeks. That's when I was put on the cocktail of meds including omeprazole for the acid reflux. The meds didn't completely stop the nausea but they stopped me being sick (although at times I was still dry heaving over a bowl- fun times!). I'd say I turned a corner around 11 weeks, and as I say I do still feel the odd wave of nausea coming over me but I've learned what triggers it and try to keep away from certain smells/foods.

Did you say you're on cyclizine? That's just a first line treatment for sickness - they prescribe it first because it's the cheapest. There are others that you can try - ask your GP about the alternatives if you feel the cyclizine isn't enough. How far along are you?

I honestly really feel for you! Emetophobia complicates HG massively - that intense fear or the one thing you know is inevitable when you're suffering from it (ie being sick). You crave relief but at the same time you're terrified of the process. Sending you a huge hand hold and hoping your symptoms ease soon

@LouJ85 I could have written that part! Ever since I’ve been little I’ve been terrified of being sick and it’s gotten no better, even when I had a bad hangover I’d cry want just want my mum of my OH 🙈 I’m 9 weeks today and it’s been about 3 weeks, 2 weeks on cyclizine and like I said it suppresses SOME of the sickness but not all and the nausea and limp feeling always there. I’m just wishing the days away but feel guilty for it. My OH is the best he’s so sympathetic and running around after me and just sits with me while I cry which helps but I just want to feel a little bit more human! I nearly passed out from nausea when I had a flu jab and the pharmacist suggested a ginger biscuit and I felt like headbutting him. I just keep burping ti try force the feeling away but it’s just lodged in my throat and won’t go away 😭

Definitely go back to your gp and explain it helped initially but now you need something else. They will probably give you stemitel. If they offer you buccal stemitel I advise say no, the taste is such a trigger it made me worse! I've also started having cheapy antacid tablets like these groceries.asda.com/product/heartburn-indigestion/asda-fruit-flavoured-antacid-calcium-carbonate-tablets/910002340719 but deffo fruit flavour not mint. They are helping with that rising acid lump, not always but they take the edge off definitely.
Main thing is don't suffer when there are options xx

Jlw2020 That does sound awful. Do mention the phobia to the doctor. Hyperemesis is bad enough without having to fight a phobia as well.
Can you get a sick note? You sound too ill to go back to work and in need of rest. I so agree with others, an anti acid should help, and also, Cyclizine doesn't seem to be helping properly so do ask for something added or instead of it. If the doctor isn't helpful about the phobia (but hopefully s/he will be ) do phone Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7630 2020 who I am sure will be phone back with great suggestions.
Lou985 I am so glad that Ondansetron and Cyclizine are helping you. Great advice for Jlw2020. It must have been awful fighting that phobia.
SweetpeaOrMarigold Excellent advice about anti acids. I am so glad they are working.
Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked.

I hope those who needed new meds got them and those who needed fluids got them too and have now been discharged.

@LucindaE thank you. I dragged myself to the local chemist this morning who wouldn’t advise me on any antacids so I’m having to wait until Monday to ring my GP. Had my most violent sick episode last night, I think I’d be able to manage more food if it wasn’t for fear of throwing it up I never knew other people felt like I did about it, I mean no one likes it?! Had some more tears this afternoon thought something was terribly wrong, crippling pain in my stomach I couldn’t stand - and then I did the BIGGEST fart you’ve ever heard and it went away. Went from tears of hysteria to can’t catch our breath for laughing 😂 can you tell I’m a first timer 🙈

about ripping off, and about that pharmacist being awkward about anti acids. Did he even refuse you Gaviscon tablets? That is totally ridiiculous! You can get them over the counter at a supermarket, if so...

Sorry Jlw2020 I didn't address that post!

@Jlw2020 how are you?

@LucindaE yeah he said if I’m on prescribed medication he wouldn’t advise taking anything without discussing with GP even though I already have Peptac which by the way tastes even worse the second time you taste it on it’s way back up!

@SweetpeaOrMarigold not too bad this morning, slept from 10-8 with only one wee wake up, haven’t slept in that late in forever! Quickly took my tablet and ate some toast and so far so good. Currently having a bath and keep prodding my boobs to check they still ache as I’ve only done one retch this morning at the dog food! Maybe in for a good day today which is annoying as I’d already pre planned my excuse for being absent at the in laws for Sunday dinner this aft 🤦🏻‍♀️ Back to work tomorrow and whilst I’m dreading it I think being busy helps me divert my attention. OH bought an abundance of bread salt n vinegar hula hoops and mini coke cans to store in my office and I’m calling GP in the morning. 3 weeks tomorrow til my scan, I’m so nervous already I’ve never got this far and we’ll finally be able to tell our families who have no idea about any of it! Nearest private scan place is ages away and OH doesn’t drive (yet) and I wouldn’t manage it. Pray it goes quickly! How are you feeling? Better from being admitted or back to square 1 now? X

Fingers crossed this is a good day then @Jlw2020!
I'm ok thanks, felt good yesterday so didn't eat immediately when I was hungry which led to vomiting before and after food, still losing weight too. Still in bed here, had breakfast in bed. Going to nip the supermarket and buy a load of crumpets and scotch pancakes because that's my only diet right now!

Hi everyone previous user name was HG warrior I am back and pregnant again after a miscarriage in August. I am 5 weeks 2 days but can already feel nausea creeping in with the constant need to eat to keep it bay as this isn’t my first rodeo I am waiting for things to get a whole lot worse but absolutely love this board for support so in preparation for the onslaught I’m here ! Sorry to hear there are so many poorly ladies here at the moment xx

Oh god wish me luck I'm at the in-laws who don't know I'm pregnant, about to be fed an enormous vegetable stew when all I can eat without vomiting is toast.

@Doughnut100 stay strong ! The thought of that stew right now x

Thank you. Very sorry about your miscarriage they are the worst. X

Sad welcome back @Wingingitatlifesincebirth I was the same at 5 weeks just waiting for the onslaught.
@doughnut100 definitely worth telling people sometimes
I'm going back to the gp tomorrow as the vomiting is cranking back up again.

@SweetpeaOrMarigold I would agree, but 4th pregnancy, no kids, I'm sick of people saying the wrong thing about my losses so strictly keeping it under wraps until after the NT test results /12 weeks scan. Hopefully only about 10 days to go 🤞🤞🤞

Oh and the stew went down surprisingly ok! Touch wood.

@doughnut100 fair enough and well done!
I've just eaten an entire tin of peaches and the juice. Hoping I've made a new food group because crumpets and scotch pancakes are getting a bit tedious. Have ordered some jellies and mousse and protein shakes in my morrisons delivery for Tuesday, so will see how that goes. Recording everything on MFP helps but it tells me off for not eating enough calories. Have added various vomits into the list so I can record those too

wingingitatlifesincebirth Welcome back. I am sorry to hear of your miscarriage. Congratulations on your new pregnancy.
Donought100 I am sorry about those three former losses. Of course, the chances are still greatly on your side still after three consectutive miscarriages, but it must be so horrible to suffer those and the anxiety and the insensitive remarks of people is the last straw. I still remember some very hurtful things said by people after I had one. I don't know why people are like that about miscarriages and Hypremesis! Much sympathy.

Jlw2020 Is there no chance of a sick note? Mother Hen clucks and flaps and says that you don't sound well enough to return to work. I am glad OH has got stocks of crisps and coke in for you.
SweetpeaOrMarigold I am so glad tinned peaches and the juice suits you. A lot of sufferers find them really good. A good idea to ask for alternative meds.
Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked.

Hi all

I’m going through my second pregnancy at 9w+5 and I am struggling majorly with the sickness again, this time it is harder due to having a toddler running around.
I have been put on metroclopromide does anyone know how long they take to kick in as I don’t think anti sickness tabs really work, well not for me anyway, but I’m hoping the placebo effect works.
I have already had my urine sampled by the GP but they didn’t find any key tones so no need for a drip but my skin is so dry, lips and now I have a hoarse cough.
All I want is a lovely big stank off water but the thought just makes me feel queasy. I can probably keep down 1 meal down the rest I have to nibble on and hope for the best it doesn’t come back up.
I’m seriously losing the will, I’ve been bed bound all weekend and called in to work again today.

Sorry just needed to vent, it’s such an isolating experience

X

@Alanares89 sorry to hear your feeling so rough I really went off water in my
Second pregnancy it turned my stomach totally but I did manage fizzy water which really helped give me some fluids maybe give it a try. Xx

First day back after a week off - done! Only a few wobblers, plenty of snacks - felt my worst at lunch time but I pop home to walk the dog so got some fresh air! Kept everything down and managed all my appointments so we’re doing okay, few dry heaves in to a bowl in the car but all okay. Feeling terrible right now but it’s always at its worst late afternoon in to the evening. Thank you @LucindaE it’s nice having someone else worrying about me as no one else knows yet, because my job involves meeting people at their homes (safely of course) if I feel terrible my go to is going to be a fraudulent track and trace scare (everyone is using it as an excuse and I’ve had enough of it so I’m going to use it to my advantage if I need to! Felt nice to brush my hair and put make up, apparently it’s been hectic whilst I’ve been off and in this mornings meeting a colleague said ‘you can tell you’ve had a week off look how refreshed you look compared to us!’ Make yo does wonders doesn’t it 💁🏻‍♀️