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
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.

@abbs1 I'm already under the care of the local EPU, I had a scan a couple weeks ago and have another one booked for Tuesday.
I didn't think they would be able to do much for this?

[quote SkaterChick]@abbs1 I'm already under the care of the local EPU, I had a scan a couple weeks ago and have another one booked for Tuesday.
I didn't think they would be able to do much for this?[/quote]
They should be able to give you IV fluids and medication or at least an injection of ondansatron. Thats where I had to go to get the help I needed. They then had a room within EPU called gynae ambulatory unit (GAMBU) where I went on a daily basis for IV fluids and medication so I turned up at 9am everyday they were ready for me and they got me sorted within the hour and I sit there till around 4pm and left feeling so much better each time.

Is your hospital on this list at all for HG day units? www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/get-help/treatments/hg-day-clinics-across-the-uk/

The EPU and the HG clinic are at different hospital. The EPU here won't see me for HG and I have to be referred to the HG clinic by my GP. I'm STILL waiting for my 'morning call' from the nurse.

@SkaterChick

The EPU and the HG clinic are at different hospital. The EPU here won't see me for HG and I have to be referred to the HG clinic by my GP. I'm STILL waiting for my 'morning call' from the nurse.

Oh I see. Could you ring 111? I did that when my GP surgery didnt have same day appointments when I called and 111 made an appointment through their system to my GP so I still had a call or was seen that day. I'm so sorry no one seems to be taking you seriously. Once youve had one 1 referral to the HG clinic I would make sure you can go whenever you need and not have to be referred each time.

@SkaterChick if you’re not keeping anything down, some IV fluids and stronger meds will make the world of difference. I can get IV fluids here at my GPs, but you really have to push. You may need a support person who is able to advocate for you. And don’t try and make it sound better than it is. Every little vomit is counted, every smidge of fluids you can get in, and also be aware of how much pee you can produce. Your body is no doubt trying it’s best, but a helping hand from iv fluids will really make a difference.

@PopGoesBang I know exactly how you feel. I had to miss all work events at the end of the year because they were in the evenings, and revolved around food, and it was just too much. My team understood. Yesterday I had work and then took the girls to swimming class after school. I spent between 5pm and 9pm trying not to vomit. It’s so easy to do too much. I’m glad for my rainy 3 day weekend of resting, hopefully I can get the sickness under control again before I’m back at work.

Waves to everyone.

@PopGoesBang

I know what you mean, I keep missing all sorts of food-related events. Friends keep gathering for pizza or takeaway and I have to decline as I can’t stand the smell of food let alone join in. Tomorrow hubby and son are visiting friends for lunch but I’ve had to decline (again) as I can’t face sitting in someone’s house feeling sick for hours, or vomiting in a bag in the car! Hubby’s worried I’m becoming a social hermit, I reassured him I’m just nesting until the baby’s born. Luckily I see and chat to a few school mums each day at drop off/pick up so not totally isolated, and get 4x 10min walks in the fresh air going to and from school. The walks are getting harder though, as my bump grows the hip/back pain (SPD) worsens!

I have to be careful not to do too much when the pain and sickness eases, or my back’s agony for days. Today I went to son’s school assembly, then did some laundry, a bit of weeding, fished the pond pump out of the silt (it had fallen off the tubing) and swept the moss from the back yard. Now I feel like my back’s breaking in half though it didn’t hurt at the time 😩

Still vomiting every morning too. Roll on May!

@Melleebacca hope the sickness has calmed down.
@FateHasRedesignedMost the school run has its perks for being mildly social.

You are both right, it was just too much to do, so I'm about to head to bed and find something to watch.
And the not over doing it is so hard. You get a good bit of the day and feel like you shouldn't waste it. I put a wash on in good meaning and then by times it's finished the effort of doing anything with it to dry it is just too much.
A nice quiet weekend planned here, and nothing 'extra' next week so hoping I can pace things out.

Hope you both have a good weekend and take it steady!

@PopGoesBang I had another busy day yesterday, trying to beat the rain and get outside stuff done, plus we sold the last 3 puppies (although they don’t go to their new homes for 4 more weeks). But I rested lots, and went to bed early so the sickness definitely was noticeably less.

@FateHasRedesignedMost I’m counting down too, but also trying enjoy the now a little bit. I really love summer normally, so it’s hard to be wishing it away right now. I’m really excited that I’ve got lots of things in my garden that I can harvest and freeze so that I can enjoy them in winter when the baby is here.
I also missed 3 work events last week for back to school that were food orientated.

@Melleebacca glad you got to rest as well as feel productive, it's a balance that unless in this situation you can easily take for granted. Bitter sweet feelings about the pups, I mean I know that's the plan, but to know they will be gone soon must be hard. All to lovely homes I'm sure, and they've had the best start. I'd be far too soft! We've considered studding our boy, he'll be 2 in sept - not entirely sure he'd know what to do tho 🤣

@PopGoesBang I think with Baby coming in May/June, having the puppies leave in March is good timing.
I think you would be surprised, dogs have very good instincts. Our girl freaked out with the birth of the first puppy, but quickly became a pro.
I don’t think I’ve done a very good job of resting, I’m feeling the lump of vomit in my throat a lot today. Early night I suspect.

@Melleebacca Hope you got an early night. I was in bed by 7.30 last night. I don't find I'm sleeping straight away, but being in bed and laying down is far better than sat up.
You're right it's good timing with the pups, you get a bit of time to baby focus.

Hope everyone else is doing ok and the weekend is being kind to you.

Hey everyone, so I ended up being admitted to hospital on Friday, got out later yesterday.
While I feel better and I'm keeping stuff down I still feel so so drained and tired. Haven't done anything other than nap and sit on the sofa. I've been eating but I can only manage a few mouthfuls before I start to feel bloated and then a little sick so trying to graze and sip water often.
Got a week off work so I can recover and hopefully get some strength back

@SkaterChick Glad to hear you got the help needed - no wonder you aren't up to doing much. Make sure you do rest as much as possible and hope you continue to feel some improvements.

@SkaterChick

Hey everyone, so I ended up being admitted to hospital on Friday, got out later yesterday. While I feel better and I'm keeping stuff down I still feel so so drained and tired. Haven't done anything other than nap and sit on the sofa. I've been eating but I can only manage a few mouthfuls before I start to feel bloated and then a little sick so trying to graze and sip water often. Got a week off work so I can recover and hopefully get some strength back

Oh Im so glad you got some help. I bet your shattered from it all bless you. Try and rest as much as possible. Try and just eat a couple bites and then wait a bit. I found I had to graze. If I ate a meal or anything my body couldn't handle it from being sick so much and I would just be sick. I found ritz or tuc crackers with apple juice good or some dried apple or apricots. Or some dry cereal like cheerios was good. I hope you get in a good restful week to get your strength back. Don't hesitate to go in again to hospital for help. Sending hugs 🤗 🤗

I’m 40+1 weeks today. I’ve noticed the last 3 days or so my hyperemesis is gotten much worse. Not sure if this is normal being so close to giving birth. Anyone else notice this too? Also how long after birth did this awful sickness go away? Feels like it will never end…

@LindSan

I’m 40+1 weeks today. I’ve noticed the last 3 days or so my hyperemesis is gotten much worse. Not sure if this is normal being so close to giving birth. Anyone else notice this too? Also how long after birth did this awful sickness go away? Feels like it will never end…

Your so close now OP! Keep us posted on your baby news! I definitely found HG got worse esp as baby was pushing so much on my tummy. I was vomitting in labour but as soon as baby was born and the placenta delivered the sickness was gone and I felt a million times better! I hope you find the same and get relief.

Have they got an induction or anything booked or you just waiting on baby?

I'm nearly 36 weeks and my nausea has gotten really bad the last week or so. Cant wait for baby to come now. I'm discussing induction with my consultant in a week or so to see what the plan is.

Can anyone tell me how early on in pregnancy you can start drug treatments for morning sickness?

My daughter has just had the weekend from hell. She's mainly been in bed. She has a daughter who is 2 yrs next month. Her partner is fabulous and has looked after them both brilliantly. But my daughter is conscious that this can't happen every day.

She was being sick throughout the day at work all last week. It's not looking like she'll be able to go tomorrow.

She's tiny/petite as it is and has visibly lost weight as her face looks gaunt.

She had bad morning sickness throughout her first pregnancy and didn't mention this until the midwife noticed she was losing weight.

It seems more severe this time.

She hasn't had her booking appointment yet so she's reluctant to 'bother' the doctor. Her partner and I have been trying to get her to ring 111 this weekend to get some help but she thinks it's too early to be seen. (She had a miscarriage in the autumn.)

She is 7 wks - is this too early for drug treatment?

@MyOtherCarIsAPorsche

Can anyone tell me how early on in pregnancy you can start drug treatments for morning sickness?

My daughter has just had the weekend from hell. She's mainly been in bed. She has a daughter who is 2 yrs next month. Her partner is fabulous and has looked after them both brilliantly. But my daughter is conscious that this can't happen every day.

She was being sick throughout the day at work all last week. It's not looking like she'll be able to go tomorrow.

She's tiny/petite as it is and has visibly lost weight as her face looks gaunt.

She had bad morning sickness throughout her first pregnancy and didn't mention this until the midwife noticed she was losing weight.

It seems more severe this time.

She hasn't had her booking appointment yet so she's reluctant to 'bother' the doctor. Her partner and I have been trying to get her to ring 111 this weekend to get some help but she thinks it's too early to be seen. (She had a miscarriage in the autumn.)

She is 7 wks - is this too early for drug treatment?

Hello OP,

7 Weeks is definitely not to early. She should be asking for medication. The GP will normally start by offering cyclizine but she will most likely need stronger medication like ondansatron (main one given in hospital) or a metoclopromide or a combination. She doesn't need to have her booking in appointment to access medication.

I was started on cyclizine but didnt work. The GP refused anything else so I went to EPU for help. From 7+4 weeks I had my first injection of ondansatron in hospital and then attended hospital on a near daily basis for IV fluids and IV ondansatron and was given tablets for home as I couldn't hold water or food down. They then added in metoclopromide from 9 weeks to take alternatively every 4hrs with ondansatron.

Please get her to seek help. If the GP says no which sadly many do go to a and e or EPU at the hospital.
If you can show her this link it has hospital units for Hyperemesis sufferers to get access to the help they need. Even if your hospital isnt on the list still call EPU or go to a and e. Its really important. Dehydration in pregnancy is far more dangerous than medication. Sounds like she needs IV fluids as well as medication.

www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/get-help/treatments/hg-day-clinics-across-the-uk/

Pregnancy Sickness Support (PSS)can also offer a lot of help so have a look round the website for more support.
I hope she gets the help she needs. PSS can also offer a peer support person which I found so good.
I'm sure other sufferers will offer you more help and advice as well.

Many thanks for that @abbs1

I'm so sorry that you are badly affected. There's nothing worse than constant nausea.

We've just been messaging - she hasn't managed to wee since 5am.

Nothing has stayed down this weekend. She is dizzy and breathless when she stands up. Her daughter has been calling for her and she's upset that she can't face her.

Little one is in bed and I've told her to concentrate on sipping any liquid she fancies. This just set her off retching again. She's frightened that the muscles she's pulling is harmful.

Luckily I am childminding for her at her house tomorrow and will ring her surgery first thing.

I will pass on the links - thank you for your advice.

@abbs1 I will be induced on the 11th if she doesn’t come out by then. I’m terrified of vomiting while having contractions during labor. Does it make it more painful?

@MyOtherCarIsAPorsche

Many thanks for that *@abbs1*

I'm so sorry that you are badly affected. There's nothing worse than constant nausea.

We've just been messaging - she hasn't managed to wee since 5am.

Nothing has stayed down this weekend. She is dizzy and breathless when she stands up. Her daughter has been calling for her and she's upset that she can't face her.

Little one is in bed and I've told her to concentrate on sipping any liquid she fancies. This just set her off retching again. She's frightened that the muscles she's pulling is harmful.

Luckily I am childminding for her at her house tomorrow and will ring her surgery first thing.

I will pass on the links - thank you for your advice.

Oh bless her. Please give her reasurrance about medication. My little boy is perfectly healthy and will be 2yrs old next month. Im due a little girl in a few weeks and thankfully not near as sick as with my son but stillhad medication from 5 weeks pregnant. I ended up on steroids with him as they couldn't control the sickness by week 12 and didnt want me to continue in hospital every day and id lost so much weight so please make sure she gets help asap.

She sounds very dehydrated. Some women find flat coke and lucosade good, sucking icecubes etc. The retching is awful poor thing. She needs to count these as being sick. If she can try to keep a count of how often shes retching or being sick its really important and make sure shes really honest with how poorly she is to the Dr. If shes not in work, I'd highly recommend if she can to go to a and e first thing in the morning between 6-7am when its not usually too busy to get seen and get some help and relief eith IV fluids and medication. Its so important. I left it far too long before i got help and it took weeks to get me fully stable on fluids and medication.
If she doesnt have mumsnet I'd highly recommend this group to her to give her help and support. It honestly got me through my first pregnancy to have women to talk to that understand or who she can just vent to if she needs.

[quote LindSan]@abbs1 I will be induced on the 11th if she doesn’t come out by then. I’m terrified of vomiting while having contractions during labor. Does it make it more painful?[/quote]
Aah right. Fingers crossed she comes very soon for you.
I was induced due to pre eclampsia and was in pain due to sky high BP that caused severe pain in my ribs and exploding headache as well as then back to back contractions so I wouldn't want to fully base it off my experience but I wouldn't say it was anymore painful but because i was in agony already and only allowed paracetamol and gas and air due to my blood pressure I wouldn't know if it was worse. Maybe someone else on here can give advice on that.

I do know each time i was sick i threw up 3 times i felt 1000 times better after each one. When baby was finally in my arms honestly all the horrendousness of hg was gone from my mind and body and it felt so amazing.

I really hope you have the same and get instant relief.

@LindSan oh you poor thing, going overdue and still feeling so ill! I vomited in labour with my first, and it wasn’t bad, but it did mean that when I had my second, I had 3 days of irregular contractions and didn’t eat or drink much during those days, so it meant there was nothing in my belly when I was in labour. So I didn’t vomit, but quite honestly within 20mins of baby being born, I was euphoric from eating chocolate. It was amazing.

@MyOtherCarIsAPorsche oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter. I take meds from the moment I get a positive test. Consistent meds help get it under control. It’s lovely that you’re there helping out.

@SkaterChick I’m glad you’ve gotten some fluids. My general rule is it takes half the time that you’ve been sick to fully recover. Remember that this is just like a very bad tummy bug, and even when the vomiting stops, it takes a long time to properly feel better. And as someone who has spent half this week trying not to vomit after 8wks of not vomiting, all because I’ve overdone it. There are 3 things that help HG - rest, meds and fluids.

@PopGoesBang I’m feeling awful still today, from not enough sleep, but I’ve been resting lots. I’ve been having Braxton hicks all day, which I never had with my girls, and it’s from stress, so Im a little worried.

@Melleebacca Im so sorry your still so poorly. How many weeks are you now?

I'm getting a lot of braxton hicks this time too. I didnt with my son. Im neaely 36 weeks and been having them more and more frequently from 32 weeks. Seem to come on a lot at night as well which wakes me up worries me.

I hope you can get some good rest hun.

@LindSan

You may vomit with contractions (I did and many do even those with no HG). But they’ll give you anti sickness injections and they’re used to it. The pain of contractions sort of eclipses HG so no I don’t think it makes labour more painful. Good luck!

@SkaterChick

Glad you’ve been treated! Hugs. Give it time! Your body’s going through a lot!

@PopGoesBang

How are you feeling?

@Melleebacca

Sorry you’re feeling awful. I’m getting frequent Braxton Hicks too (I’m just over 25 weeks) and had them this early with my son too. It’s worrying but I think it’s just our bodies practicing. Or the baby rolling and triggering them!