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.

Trigger warning - has anyone thought about terminations with HG. Very much wanted baby but I’m not sure I’m mentally strong enough. I seem to flip between feeling guilty the thought even crossed my mind to I just want the sickness to stop to if I miscarry then no one will have to know my secret thoughts. Is this normal??

@Waddlegoose yep, with first pregnancy not that much but now I have a toddler and HG and no support beyond DH, I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I won’t do it, but I want to.

@7Worfs oh thank god I thought I was the only one with these thoughts. I know I would regret it, and wonder why I didn’t power through but I keep thinking with having older children is this really worth it. Very much the same didn’t have these thoughts with my first pregnancy but now I have children depending on and me and only my husband it seems an impossible task.

My mind turns to miscarriage and it’s awful I know, there’s so many women who want a baby but HG is so cruel.

Hang in there, @Waddlegoose what week are you in?
I’m wk 13 and physically am starting to get a little bit better but mentally going worse… talking to DH more, but he can’t quiet my anxious mind - I need to think my way out of this pit.

Waddlegoose Dark thoughts are very common with this scourge. It might help if you let off steam to a counsellor; it might be worth making enquiries of Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7538 2020 or through your doctor's surgery.
rainbowzebra05 Does an anti acid help you with the nausea? It can be as difficult as the vomiting. Many find it worse.
Wise words from 7Worfs and everyone.
Melleebacca Puppies, being toddler dogs, have got a terrible amount of energy and mischief. It's interesting about dogs being anxious about you; when I had migraines our family cat (now, sadly, dead) would lie on my head and purr.
abbs1 Looking forward to welcoming you into the Pink Castle and the end of the Hyperemesis Horror run.

@7Worfs not even 5 weeks on my 4th set of meds which are most definitely helping and was in at 4 weeks for fluids. I’ve never had it this bad this early on. I’m more scared about the weeks to come and if it will get worse. Tbh I’m absolutely petrified.

I have booked an appointment at the hospital when I’m 6 weeks to date the pregnancy so that if it really got to much / I was in hospital and they can’t control the sickness I have an opinion not to progress. I would regret it I don’t want to go down that route but it makes me feel more in control.

@rainbowzebra05 Hope you had success with the meds. I'm with you the nausea is by far the worse bit. It's so draining. Hope you find something that works for you.

@Melleebacca hope your today is better for you. I had a friend her her kids drop in unannounced this morning - I was still in my dressing gown after a rough start to the day and as lovely as it was seeing them my quiet morning before going out with dd this afternoon went out the window 🙈 but at least dd has had a day of friends which isn't a bad thing.

@LucindaE you're right, I hope the nicer days are a sign of times to come. Just the more energy would be nice, but I'm also aware the rough days could be a lot rougher so I'm mindful not to get too complacent.

Waves to everyone and hope you are all having some kinder spots of the days.

So many of us suffering :( it’s just awful. I’ve noticed a lot of people saying this is the worse HG compared to other pregnancies. My SIL hasn’t got HG but has bad morning sickness and never had an ounce with her two previous pregnancies. My brother has an idea he thinks COVID may be playing a part, as SIL and I have both had it..but who knows?!

I’m going to keep fighting, the cyclizine has completely worn off now, I’ve been nonstop throwing up today. Ringing the GP tomorrow and demanding the xonvea! I’ll even ask them to do a private prescription and I’ll pay for it! I need some quality of life back :(

Advice please
So I’m on metoclopramide, cyclizine and prochlorperazine
Not working and they’ve finally put me on Ondansetron. But not been told if I need to stop taking the others or continue? What’s the best thing others found worked

@Sicksmellymess I’ve been on ondansetron and cyclizine this time around, so you can have multiple meds on the go at once, especially since they work differently to treat nausea/HG. I’m not sure about the others, but if GP hasn’t told you to stop, it should be ok.

@Waddlegoose yes. Generally weeks 9-14 I’m in such a dark place mentally that there are thoughts of terminations etc. I was diagnosed with prenatal depression with my second. This time around, I managed to work for 2hrs a day, and that made me feel like I wasn’t a burden, and gave me a distraction etc. It still is a huge mental challenge!

@ChloeHel some people notice their MS gets worse with subsequent pregnancies, which could be related to age and also the level of stress etc our bodies are under. My SIL was fine with her first, got HG with her second and just had a blighted ovum that caused terrible HG. In her case it appears to be just like an allergy in which subsequent exposures make the reaction worse. I know my body reacts to the HCG (and creates extremely high levels of it), and also high levels of estrogen, so I’m a little better this time around due to carrying a boy.

Did this work for you @Melleebacca?

@Waddlegoose
TW

This is my second pregnancy, my first one was about 5 years ago where I had already decided to terminate it. I had to go away a 2 hour train journey and wait however long for the termination appointment.
I was so ill, scared, lonely. I was only 18 and had recently been estranged from all family and spent months of being 17 homeless.
I was really ill with what I now know is HG, I was so poorly I laid in bed sat in and day out and remember I went days without even going to the toilet, just constantly being sick everything I drank or ate straight back up.
My boyfriend (now ex) was unsupportive, I had no friends and I think I completely switched off. I went from a size 10 to a size 6 which was still baggy on me.
I remember dreaming of the day the termination would come, I ordered comfy clothing online and remember how they were too big and how small I became. I also remember travelling the journey, how long it took me to get there, how I was too weak to open the hotel room door. Getting the pill and throwing it back up, crying and not wanting to tell my partner because I couldn’t physically drag myself to the clinic. Because I threw up I believe it took longer to pass than what they say it should take, maybe it was a miscarriage in the end? I didn’t bleed until days later.
The sickness didn’t stop until a while later but unfortunately the depression started.
I didn’t tell anyone due to being scared of judgement when really I had nothing to be ashamed of.

Sometimes fixing one problem can start so many more, I got depressed, self doubt and grew to hate my boyfriend until we eventually separated as I held a grudge against him for how he wasn’t present during a hard time.
But do I regret it now? No. I did what I knew I had to do for me.
At the end of the day there is only ever going to be one you, you have to always look after yourself and trust that gut feeling.
I hope your sickness passes, I hope you make your own choice x

@Sicksmellymess oh, you poor thing. Dealing with all that and not knowing that pregnancy doesn’t need to be so hard. Sometimes I think women feel like they have to suffer, that to get HG and get through it without meds is a test of their strength, when really the strongest admit they need help. I’m so sorry you had to go through that, and I’m glad to hear you’re in a better place now.

Yes. Cyclizine and Ondansetron combo worked a treat for me. Vomiting daily from 5 to 13 weeks still on max dose of both, but I didn’t lose as much weight, and didn’t ever need fluids. It could also be that this one is a boy, so less estrogen messing with my system. But definitely my most “healthy” pregnancy. But I have lost 1.5kg in the last month after returning to work after the summer break. I am doing too much, and I’m well aware of it, and suffering in the evenings because of it. Hopefully things improve as the temps drop and the puppies go to their new homes.

Thank you PP re tapering off meds.

@Waddlegoose this is my second HG pregnancy and I've thought and talked about termination a couple of times. It's not what I want as this baby was planned but HG can be such a physical and mental challenge that you can end up in a really bad place, especially when you see it taking a toll on your family. I'm halfway through my second trimester and sickness is still there but not like in those initial weeks. It can ease up and I really hope it does for you. I also hope you have some cheerleaders around who can keep reminding you to keep your eyes on the prize if that's what you want, as support is essential.

@Sicksmellymess I'm sorry you had that experience It sounds like you have that reflection this time around to deal with this pregnancy in the way that you need and want to.

@Melleebacca sorry to hear work is taking it's toll on you. Fingers crossed for cooler weather and puppies' new homes.

I’ve managed to get a phone appt this morning and GP has happily agreed to xonvea. What a relief. Thank you all for recommending it to me.

How long did it take before you starting noticing the benefits of it?

Feeling physically and mentally exhausted today, had a terrible night with extreme nausea and strange pains in my upper abdomen! Felt like it was going to explode!

I’m currently on all 4 medications now and the doctor said I need to find a combo that works rather than all 4 at once, I felt a bit better last night after some ondansetron and okay this morning so far. I’m scared to take one of the other ones away incase I go back to feeling ill.
I know Mellebecca said cyclizine and Ondansetron works for her but what other combos worked for others or just the same?
Okay which tablet is the best to take away first? Metoclopramide, Cyclizine or Prochlorperazine? It’s giving me huge anxiety

@Sicksmellymess I've not had Prochlorperazine with Ondansetron regularly at home but have been given that mix whilst on IVs before.

I've had Ondansetron with either Metroclopromide or Cyclizine. Sometimes one (Cyclizine/Metroclopromide) will stop working as effectively but then I'd have the other to fall back on to try that combination. For me, I have no preference over either but do they seem to work well together so if it were me, I'd cut the Prochlorperazine first. What works for one person may not for another with HG though.

Pregnancy Sickness Support have a helpline and may be able to give you some more advice on combinations you can try.

@Sicksmellymess I’m so sorry you went through this and thank you so much for sharing. It must have been so tough.

It’s crazy isn’t it that a baby can be so wanted but they make you feel so sick that it’s hard to separate HG from baby. I still have thoughts of termination even though it’s not what I want. I keep wanting to miscarry / basically a reason the pregnancy to stop that isn’t my choice. I think most women with HG have had these thoughts. I also think in a years time I could have a little baby and never ever am I doing pregnancy ever again. This is the final baby which also sounds pretty epic.

@ChloeHel I am on xoneva too, started a few days ago and the doctor said give it 2-3 days to really get into your system. I definitely felt better the day after I started taking it

@LucindaE

Waddlegoose Dark thoughts are very common with this scourge. It might help if you let off steam to a counsellor; it might be worth making enquiries of Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7538 2020 or through your doctor's surgery. rainbowzebra05 Does an anti acid help you with the nausea? It can be as difficult as the vomiting. Many find it worse. Wise words from 7Worfs and everyone. Melleebacca Puppies, being toddler dogs, have got a terrible amount of energy and mischief. It's interesting about dogs being anxious about you; when I had migraines our family cat (now, sadly, dead) would lie on my head and purr. abbs1 Looking forward to welcoming you into the Pink Castle and the end of the Hyperemesis Horror run.

I'm on omeprazole, I was on lansoprazole before pregnancy and if anything the omeprazole is a step down unfortunately. I have a hypermobility linked condition that's connected to GORD so they're a permanent fixture! It doesn't seem to be helping the nausea at all unfortunately

I only now read Stemetil side effect is harder to fall and stay asleep - this has been plaguing me for a while.
I’m set on starting to reduce my intake from next week (week 14) as the nausea is under control I feel, except for a bit after dinner while doing bedtime with toddler.
I’ll drop the night one first, and move the lunch one to 3pm, my breakfast one will remain 7.30pm.

Is this a crazy plan?

Waddlegoose I do hope Xonvea continues to help you. It is normal to have negative feelings about a pregnancy that makes you so ill. Of course,t you are so right how worthwhile the end result is.
ChloeHel I am glad you got Xonvea.
Melleebacca Mother Hen says as ever, don't over do it with work!
Wise words from you, BFPDec2021 and others.
7Worfs That's interesting. I didn't know that. Some, oddly, find the same with Cyclzine, though it makes most sleepy.
rainbowzebra05 I am sorry to hear that; that's dismal. Heartburn is miserable.
Sicksmellymess I am sorry to hear of that horrible experience.
PopGoesBang Sympathies over the nausea.
Well, abbs1's baby may well have arrived by now.
Sorry if I've overlooked anyone.

Due Dates
Pleasedon'tworry 25 March
MrsNovember 25 March
Derbee 26 March
theconfused 29 March
Catconfusion 3 April
alpi ia 4 April (provisional)
kalidasa 5 May
FateHasRedesignedMost 22 May
Melleebacca 3 June
HopefulJ2018 14 June
Starbeach 17 June
BuffyFanForever 19 Jun TWINS!
PopGoesBang 7 August
FarmWife 12 August

I hope everyone is coping today.

@Waddlegoose I wanted to step in front of a bus on several occasions and I did have a termination last time due to my hg but my gp refused point blank to give me any medication as I didn’t know if I wanted to keep it at the time just moved to a new area hadn’t been with my partner very long had no job but had I had some help I would have been able to think properly and would probably have a toddler now