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/topics/nausea-vomiting-in-pregnancy
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.

It's Hyperemesis Awareness day today. Not as if that's a whole lot of immediate help to those caught up with it, but hopefully, awareness is spreading.

@LucindaE ah I was just coming back to say the same thing! I've been thinking about these threads today as I've been reflecting on my own experiences.

I hope you are okay and honestly you really are an absolute gem for these threads. I know if I ever come across somebody suffering with HG I will certainly let them know about this thread. As I've said before I'm not sure I would have coped without these. Both times!

I promise to anybody suffering with HG at the moment there is light at the end of the tunnel. I'm almost 8 weeks PP with my second and last HG baby. All I can say is remember you have a serious condition, be kind to yourself & take it day by day. I know it's easy for me to say though 

@snapple21 congratulations so lovely to read your update, I hope you are enjoying newborn cuddles and are feeling a lot better now x

Anya212 Thank you so much for your lovely and encouraging message. I'm sure you are enjoying your baby, who must be smiling now, which is always so heart stopping.

It was so nice of Anyat212 to leave that llovey encouraging message. And guess what - with my dyslexia, I STILL managed to get her name wrong as I did when she was on this thread.

...And I mistyped 'lovely'. Not doing well today...

Hi everyone.

I just wrote a really long post and my phone went all funny and deleted it

But the basics of it are that I am 8 weeks pregnant suffering with HG. I have been hospitalised twice already and I am struggling with the guilt of being miserable when I should be happy and also blaming myself should something go wrong.

I’ve also started wetting myself a little when I vomit due to the force of it, which is awful. I don’t feel like my work place have been very supportive of me having to be off and are just wanting to know when I’ll be back. I cant even wash my hair as it’s too much effort and takes it out of me so much I need a nap afterwards.

I’m so hungry I could cry but everything I eat I vomit I just don’t know where to turn from here. I have been seriously considering termination which also makes me so mad at myself when this is a much wanted baby.

Hi all,
I dont know where to start to be honest.
I dont even know if I am suffering HG or not so dont want to sound dramatic if what I am feeling is 'normal' and mild? I happy for people to tell me Im just being dramatic.

Im almost 11 weeks now. Found out bang on 4 weeks and had nausea for about 4 or 5 days before I took a test, no vomiting though. Nausea and tiredness continued until 5 weeks along with other general symptoms then everything stopped. Was scanned at 6 weeks and all was well and then the symptoms returned.
Ive generally been feeling exhausted, as in, I want to go to bed at 9pm everynight and fall asleep on the sofa all the time.
I have zero appetite. No food appeals to me at all.
I have had vomiting, not every single day, but most days. Even when I havent eaten anything, I will still find something to bring up but the dry heaving is the worst. The nausea is always there in the background.
Liquids are becoming a problem, in that I dont feel thirsty most of the time, then Ill get a sudden thirst and vomit. So small sips is my only option. And I can only stomach weak squash.
Ive lost almost 1 stone in weight. I am a bit over weight so not the end of the world, but its worrying me.

I brought up my worries with my midwife who basically shurgged it off. I explained how concerned I was as i didnt want to be admitted to hospital and basically she said I could afford to lose the weight due to my BMI being 30. There was no reassurance or advice.

Today ive struggled massively. Ive eaten small amounts and kept the food down. But im not eating enough by any means.
Ive tried to take Gaviscon for reflux and my vitamins but just vomited them right back up.

My GP is useless and just trying to get through to them will be a mission but that will be a job for tomorrow.
Does this sound like HG or am I just having normal symptoms?
Its my first pregnancy and I know its not meant to be easy but I honestly feel so down and fed up with feeling sick all the time. I just want to be able to eat a normal meal and not feel rubbish.

Any advice is welcome

Hi everyone another update, I’m 15+2 days I was in hospital yesterday (my 4th visit) another 4 keetones in my urine and Saturday was a really bad day I was passing out and everything it was awful 😞 I would just love to no when this nightmare is going to end 😭 I can’t even be excited Iv got a gender scan Friday and I don’t even think I’m going to go for it :( the hospital have given me some anti sickness called ondansetron as anyone had them and are they useful? Because nothing is working for me at the min xx

I got diagnosed fairly early after hospitalisation and checking urine samples. I think persevere and get all the help you can. I am still suffering just now I feel nausea 24/7 but when you get to that point where not even water stays down you absolutely need to seek help - if you have a supportive gp it makes all the difference as I found the hospital won’t see you without that referral.

Hi everyone,

I’m 13 weeks today and I’ve been on Ondansetron since week 6, which only partially worked, so my doctor added in promethazine and increased the Ondansetron a week and a half ago. So I basically take an anti sickness medication every 4 to 6 hours. Ever since then, I’ve only thrown up once. I still have a lot of dry heaving, but the nausea is actually a little better. So those who are wondering about those medications, yes they work (for me), and there have been a lot of other women on this thread who they’ve worked for as well. So definitely fight for those meds, and if you’ve been prescribed them, take them. For me they have been life changing and I actually want to keep this pregnancy now. Please note, you need a laxative with Ondansetron as it can cause pretty bad constipation. I hope this helps someone!

Good luck and I hope everybody can find a tiny bit of relief today ☺️.

Is anyone suffering with stomach side effects from taking Ondansetron? I only take 4mg a day but I can't poo properly at all - tried a laxido sachet a day but I'm still struggling. Got awful stomach cramps. Does this wear off?

@thetoughgetgoing I have had constipation issues since I started Ondansetron 7 weeks ago. I’m in the USA so I’m not sure of the same names where you are. But every night I take Colace (stool softener)c and about ever three days I have to drink milk of magnesia a laxative (which I usually throw up but it still helps). Also prune juice, apple juice, and apples if you can stomach any. Unfortunately for me at least it hasn’t worn off.

Iv taken ondansetron today and surprisingly had a good day I didn’t wanna get my hopes up but Iv got energy .. and Iv managed to pick at food even tho my apetite isn’t back yet Iv had a lovely bath and even put the music on and enjoyed it [confused rather then getting dizzy and haven’t to get out after Iv washed! I’m really hoping this is my turning point now hope everyone else is having a good day xxx

Having to get out after Iv washed that’s meant to say haha xx

@Marnie1234 yay I’m so glad the Ondansetron helped and hoping it’s a trend in the right direction for you! Just don’t forget your laxative, you’ll need it in a few days. It seems to build up in your system.

@JessicaM2021 I’ll make sure I get some tomorrow, as it helped for you? I’m hoping it’s not just the meds but my hyperemasis is clearing up as I am coming on to 16 week soon 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 I can only wish like I do each morning I open my eyes x

@Marnie1234 I take a stool softener every single night, and a laxative every three to four days and it helps greatly. I sure hope your hyperemesis is coming to an end too! I thought I was rounding a corning but all of a sudden spent the entire morning throwing up. Although it’s the first time in about a week. So I can handle that!

It might just be a off day don’t let it put you off, I might just be having a good day and tomorrow might be bad that’s why I don’t wanna get my hopes up 😔 @JessicaM2021 I hope you feel loads better tomorrow xx

Hello all, its been a while again. Ive been struggling a bit these past few weeks back on ondansetron and have had my consultant agree to a c section at 37 weeks, which is this week. Not ideal but my bp is playing up again and I keep having protein in my urine.

Sorry not to name check but a few things to share, if unhelpful gp ask for a consultant referral or see if you can speak to early pregnancy unit or maternity assessment at your local hospital re meds. PSS wensite has a great list of all meds available and if one doesn’t work theres others that you can try. In addition sometimes mixing more than one meds works for some and failing that they can try steroids too, do NOT be fobbed off!

Anyone on ondansetron take a stool softener e.g lactulose/movicol regularly or you will unfortunately suffer the consequences. Try diluted apple/prune juice to see if that offers any help too. Also when on the toilet elevate your feet up by resting them on a stool as that also can help.

Someone mentioned going back to work? If you have to then speak to your gp about getting a fit note for work which can state that you need to be on ammended duties or work different hours to maybe avoid the worst times for you when dealing with hg? Speak to HR for extra support or ask to speak to occupational health if you have one at work, they can also assist you in this and advise manager etc things that will help you do your job.

Anyone having dark thoughts, you are not alone and never will be when dealing with hg. As hard as it is try to take each day at a time and not think too far ahead, know that this will end. Be as kind to yourself as you can in the meantime and eat/drink whatever you can manage and fancy in the meantime (I have been exclusively on coca cola for the past 7 mths as I literally puke water up as soon as i drink it, told my midwife who has been amazing and said whatever helps for me to do. HG is not normal pregnancy sickness)

As time goes on things do get better keep that in mind. If you can’t manage a bath/shower use a wet cloth and have a wipedown when you’re upto it, do not worry.

Anyone with kids and the feeling of guilty, totally understand but once again hg has a time limit. Ask your lo to read next to you or draw, when you feel upto it maybe watch a film. Ask them to make a list of things they may want to do when you’re better so you have something to look forward to. Get a support bubble in place to help with childcare as much as you can as rest is as important as meds I always say.

As I said im sorry not to have name checked but I hope the above will be of help to someone. @LucindaE

Goodness, it is suddenly busy after being quiet.
Welcome to Inthecanyon and Flutterby8.
Inthecanyon Don't be guilty about dark thoughts, as others say, almost everyone with this has them. There is lots of support on here. Things do improve for most people, so don't despair. What meds have they put you on? Below, after my greeting for other newcomers, is my usual spiel, which I hope you may find helpful.
Flutterby8 Losing a stone is not normal pregnancy sickness, even if you have a high BMI. How are the liquids staying down? There is a dnager of dehydration with this. You sound as if you need meds. It might be worth phoning Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7638 2020 about obtaining effective meds. They will phone b ack with good advice. Below I have copied my noral spiel which I hope may be helpful.
Here is my normal spiel which I hope might help. Most sufferers find that they improve a lot at some point between weeks 14 and 20. Even those who are unlucky enough to suffer throughout generally are not as ill later on as they are in the first part. A good anti acid can make a surprising difference to the sickness. Kesostix are worth buying online or from a chemists, as while they aren't they best test of dehydration, hospitals take them seriously. When reporting on the vomiting to doctors, remember to emphasize the number of heaves in each vomiting session, as doctors tend to count these as 'vomits' and this can lead to their underestimating the severity of your symptoms. Besides drinking through a straw, here are some drinks that have helped others: full sugar flat coke (if you don't find it too acid), ice lollies, the juice of tinned fruit, Lucozade, apple juice, Ribina, Dr Pepper, soda water, Elderflower water, tonic water, ice cubes, Iron Bru, lemonade, lemon squash, orange squash, orange juice (if not too acid), fizzy orange, 7Up, isotonic drinks, sips of chocolate milkshake (maybe soya), fizzy water, apple juice, Robinson's fruit drinks, Rubicon sparkling mango drink , raspberry Lucozade sport and frozen ice cubes of flat Lucozade sport . Foods of a sort include tinned fruit, cuppa soup, nibbles of crisps and chips, cheap ice cream, Scotch pancakes, bagels and biscuits and slices of melon and mango.
thetoughgetgoing Defiinitely, as others say you need a laxative with Ondansetron and I wonder that doctors don't prescribe one as a matter of course. Do ask the surgery or hospital which prescribed the medication for one like Lactulose. You can get suppositories which are good from pharmaticts, but they can be awkward about prescribing them for pregnant women, though they use them in hospitals. Some can endure drinking Fibrogel.
composed Lovely to hear from you again. Great news that your
C section is in days. All luck for that . Sorry to hear of the relapse and attendant complications. Excellent advice, as ever. We will really miss you on here.
Ysa15 Great advice.
Marnie1234 Sorry aout the hospitalisation but I am glad to hear that things are better.
JessicaM2021 Not sure if i just said to you before that a few good days can be a sign of more to come. Sorry to hear of the relapse. Good advice about laxatives.
Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked.

Anyone else have a time where they feel the only thing that stops the nausea is to eat? It’s like when I’m eating the safe foods I feel normal than a minute later, nauseas back! It’s so strange.

I am finding my meds a real struggle to take and past 8.30pm I’m dead to the world. I dread to think how anyone could work like this. Typing this is an effort.

Be kind to yourselves

@LucindaE thanks for your reply.
I have been able to keep some liquid down and strangely, I seem to drink more when I am at work. Food has just been a huge issue. With no appetite absolutely no food is appealing and no matter what I try, I struggle.
Even being in the kitchen and opening the fridge is a problem.
I finally spoke to my GP this am. They have said it is hyperemesis (hooray for confirmation). They're prescribing anti-nausea medication for me and have said if they dont help to get back in touch as there is a variety to try.
I feel really sad about my midwife situation though. Having met her once and told her how much I was struggling with nausea and weight loss etc, I would have hoped for a bit more advice or something because I feel now, its just been going on too long. I've put myself and baby at risk because as naive as I am, I thought it was 'normal' because a healthcare provider didnt say it was any cause for concern.
I feel like an idiot now.
I wish I had read this thread so much earlier than I have.

Flutterby8 Don't feel guilty about not challanging that midwife; they unfortunately often give bad advice and are not as well informed as they should be on the difference between Hyperemesis and normal pregnancy sickness. There is, of course, a grey area between the two conditions, and one can tip over into the other, which complicates the situation. I am sure baby is fine. You have been able to keep drinking liquids, which is the main thing. It is amazing how Hyperemesis babies thrive on liquids and bad diet: they take what they need from you. I am glad that they are offering you meds and have defined it as Hyperemesis. Do invest in some kesostix either online, or from a chemists shop, to check on ketones.
Ysa15 It's an odd thing, but a lot of sufferers have that. It at least keeps the ketones at bay!

I hope everyone is getting by today.

@LucindaE
I feel like someone has waved a magic wand over the last 24 hours!
I was prescribed Prochlorperazine to take 3 times a day. I honestly didnt think it would make any difference as Ive used it before for travel sickness with little effect.
Somehow, and Im not sure how, I managed to eat and drink yesterday, and today, and Ive kept it down!
No sickness. Little nausea. But I suddenly feel better (I wont jinx it though).
The GP did say if they didnt work pretty quickly then they prob wont work, but I am shocked.
Im keeping my fingers firmly crossed that it continues for now!!!
Still have a bad, lingering headache and Im absolutely wiped out but I think I can deal with that fot now!