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.

@StandsForComfort so sorry to read your experiences. There is one regular user who came to the same decision as you last week, and many have considered it seriously.

I’ve just entered week 16, down to one Stemetil a day, will stop it altogether next week. I haven’t been sick in a few weeks so hopefully I’ll be fine.
I am however tired and constant heartburn, and I’ve completely lost my parenting confidence. DH will return to the office next week and I am panicking and crying how I’ll manage the nursery runs and looking after my wilful toddler mornings and evenings. I am a complete wet lettuce, and too tired to parent… any advice?

My nausea has whacked up to unmanageable levels today and it has brought back the terrible memories and caused me to have a panic attack I’m so scared to have to endure this again. I’m feeling I can’t. Feeling so desperate. 🥲
Hello to everyone @StandsForComfort I feel you x

StandsForComfort Welcome. Sorry you are suffering again. Have you told the doctor about your inability to carry on without stronger meds? Do ring Pregnancy Sickness Support on 024 7638 2020 for advice about obtaining effective meds before you make a decision. They will have to ring you back, but they will give good advice. As you will know from following this thread over the years, they have helped many on here to get meds which have enabled them to carry on.
FateHasRedisgnedMost Wishing you better asap
7Worfs It is happy news the sickness is a lot better. You will probably feel very drained from the lingering weakness from being ill and on such an insufficient diet for a good few weeks; no doubt that is the cause. Are you anaemic as well? I hope others will come on and advise about how they dealt with toddlers, tantrums and so on.
Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked.

Sunnierdays7 Oh dear. Then the Ondansetron and Xonvea combination is not helping?

@StandsForComfort I'm sorry you've experienced that. It's an incredibly hard decision to make and I wish you the best in whatever you choose to do.

@7Worfs Seems I completely get the parenting confidence being knocked. I don't have the strength to have the parenting battles with my child at the moment. I put the tantrums down to boundary pushing since I've not been around much. I've resorted to distraction and if I know it won't work, just either picking my battles or trying to find a good compromise. Unfortunately, I'm listened to a lot less than I was 4 months ago. Hopefully that will change during maternity leave.

Has anyone got any tips on when they knew they were ready to go back to work? I'm scared of going back too soon and getting worse as although I might be able to work from home, I have a large portfolio of clients and don't know how I'm going to do it.

@7Worfs I think it's completely normal. You've presumably had to have more help than normal while ill, and your body's still catching up from everything! Once you get going I'd imagine it'll be fine, but it seems daunting to go back to anything after a break!

We found out yesterday that my 12 week screening has shown that my levels of bHCG and PAPP-A are both low. Apparently the HCG they expect if you've been "very sick", but the Papp-a is completely unconnected.

Having a bit of a sulk that nothing seems to be going smoothly with this pregnancy, nor did it with the last. Though it does mean I already know when I'll be induced which is a silver lining!

The ondansetron is helping, but I still feel too nauseous to eat most of the time. Losing hope slightly at the return to work on Wednesday.

Hi ladies,
I have been reading the posts here too anxious to comment but have nowhere to turn.
I am almost 6 weeks pregnant and don’t feel I can continue this pregnancy although somewhat planned.
I am still suffering with PND/PTSD following previously had hg twice. Once with my last son and that ended in medical termination.
I am suffering with 24/7 relentless nausea and every thing I force myself to eat comes back up violently. I am taking a concoction of medicines. Xonvea/ metaclopromide and Odansetron and nothing is helping. Told today I will need IV but can’t bare to leave my 2 ds.
I feel a termination is the only way. I wish I could’ve string like you guys. I just can’t do this x

Sorry my last son is 5 my second preg ended in medical termination

@Zandasstar7 I am so sorry you are having such a terrible time! You are 6 weeks, which for me was one of the worse points and was when I had to have IV fluids, I can say it has marginally gotten better since then. Take each day as it comes. There is absolutely no judgement on this thread and whatever decision you make you can get support from this thread! We all understand how absolutely horrendous HG is and we all suffer at different levels, it doesn’t make anyone more or less strong than the other.

Zandasstar7 Welcome. As you have been reading the thread, you will have seen my advice to two very recent sufferers who have said the same as you about ringing PSS on 024 7638 2020 before making a decision. Sympathies.
BFPDec2021 I think those dealing with a toddler and Hyperemesis deserve a medal! That sounds like excellent advice about parenting one when debilitated.
rainbowzebra05 Sorry to hear of that - I must admit to complete ignorance about those measurements.
I hope everyone is coping today. Apologies to anyone rudely overlooked.

Sorry for the radio silence everyone, had issues logging in this week!

I’m on day 3 of no ondansetron, and it’s rough, really rough. I’m not sure exactly what is going on, but will take an ondansetron again tomorrow, and also do a RAT to see if it’s covid. Trying to get the constipation under control this week has been awful. I’m mentally almost as bad as I was in the first trimester.

@FateHasRedesignedMost I’m so sorry to hear you’ve got covid. Being pregnant makes your immune system so much weaker without adding in HG, so I hope you’re getting well monitored. My midwife has said I will have to be closely watched if I test positive, so trying my best to stay negative.

Waves to everyone else!

@Melleebacca sorry you’re feeling worse, and I really hope you test negative for covid.
I’m back on the ondansetron, though I keep throwing it up before it has a chance to work so the constipation hasn’t hit yet (one small silver lining I guess!)

I keep checking my SATS, they’re stable at 95% and HR almost normal now so I think I’m over the worst.
I have antibiotics for a chest infection so those don’t help with the vomiting/heartburn!

GP did a risk assessment and I have to self inject with heparin for 2 weeks to reduce risk of blood clots (covid and HG together tip you over the cut off if over 35). I don’t mind too much, I’m more impressed by the modern pre-filled syringes!

Hi All, just wanted to let you know there was light at the end of the tunnel for me. Baby arrived 5 weeks early but 3.3kg so I think we can see where all the nutrition has been going! Very happy and relieved!

alipnia That is lovely news. I am so happy for you.
Enjoy your baby. Welcome to the fabled Pink Castle at the end of the Hyperemesis Horror Ride.

@alpinia Yay! You got to the end! Congratulations.
I’m hoping this not so wee one comes early too, although I’m working up to 38wks, so no earlier than that please.

@FateHasRedesignedMost I have been doing a RAT a week just as surveillance. With me working at a school, and the kids at school and kindy, we just keep checking. Plus the change in season doesn’t really help matters.
One of our deputy principals ended up in hospital with blood clots, and she was under 35, and not pregnant (but she also didn’t rest as she should’ve). Glad that you’re listening to medical advice.

I’ve also been incredibly fatigued. I’m not sleeping well, plus I’m anaemic, so I’ve actually spent a lot of time on the sofa this week. Or in any position that helps the constipation. I need to up my iron intake, but I also don’t want to get more constipated. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Cheering you all on. Still very happy about alipnia. I think it is such a boost to everyone when someone comes on saying her baby is born and how it was all wholly worthwhile.

I’m still here clinging on. I am 6 weeks today and taking metaclopromide only as petrified of severe constipation I had last time.
Nauseas 24/7 but not vomiting too much yet. Just wanted to say I’m still here that’s all. @alpinia congrats of baby. My 5 year old was my first successful hg pregnancy and I’m praying I get to the pink Castle again.

Hi all. I was here 2 years ago roughly when pregnant with my first. She's now 18months and I'm pregnant with #2. 6 weeks at the moment and the nausea has finally kicked in and I've thrown up a couple of times. I know what's coming and I've no idea how I'll manage with a toddler :( last time round I was on antiemetics but the constipation was horrendous and I found they all made me lethargic and rather depressed? I'm keen to stay off the meds as long as I can but don't know if it's realistic. Trying to snack little and often to keep the nausea at bay.

After a week of feeling a bit better I'm back. Sorry to be self indulgent but I'm really struggling.

The sickness is back and worse than ever. My toddler is unwell and I've been a rubbish shouty mum because I just can't cope. I was gearing up to go back to work tomorrow after 3 weeks off but now I've caught the flu and because I haven't had the vaccine (was going to get it same time as whooping cough) I've been prescribed Tamiflu which is making me even more sick. I am so tired and hungry. I miss my family because all I can do is lie in bed. I feel disgusting because I can't manage a shower or bath.

Husband and I talked and have decided this is our last baby regardless of what happens. I can't put myself or my family through this again. 12 week scan is soon. Hopefully that will boost me a bit but I'm just so depressed. My body hurts from flu and being so sick. This is just so unfair.

@Avonacha hi! first of all congratulations on your pregnancy, even though you don’t feel like celebrating atm :( my DD is also 18 months and I’ve been in the HG boat since 5 weeks, I’m now 11 weeks. I can’t lie, it’s been quite hard. I’ve been bed bound since and the only way I’ve managed with DD is to put the tv on in bed and had cuddles with her whilst she watches mainly anything baby shark! I still interact with her lots and talk to her but it saves the running around! Thankfully DH works shifts so he’s been able to have her the majority of the time but this is what I do when I’m alone :) and have lots of snacks on standby haha. I’m on xonvea and have managed to stay away from the ondansentron atm because I’m already badly constipated so GP and I have agreed to go without ondansentron as long as possible! I’ve had no significant side effects with it and I’m taking two at night and one in the morning. It’s definitely helped the vomiting, the nausea, eh, not so much.

@ohCARP oh this is not what you need! And yes sorry to say but a common side effect with tamiflu is nausea, let’s hope that maybe it isn’t the HG but the meds that have made it seem the HG is making a comeback! You can’t even take day nurse which I swear by with flu :( I am the same..some days I can’t even brush my teeth and I feel absolutely rank! I have to keep apologising to DH and telling him not to come too close. Ohh when is your scan? I’ve got mine on the 30th :) hopefully that will perk you up a bit. I too have said to DH, we aren’t doing this ever again. I couldn’t imagine being this unwell with 2 to look after! So much respect for those mums that can and do. Keep going though, and sending hugs for a speedy recovery from flu!

Also, you won’t be able to get your flu vaccine after March as flu season finishes then and pharmacies and surgeries stop them. Baring in mind I wouldn’t recommend getting it within the next 10 days whilst your body fights flu as your immune system is already up and fighting! You may have to wait until September for the next flu season to start.

Wishing everyone some strength for the week ahead. I'm so flipping exhausted. 12w scan on Thursday for me, trying not to get my hopes up that I'll feel better anytime soon.

@ohCARP I hope your flu doesn't linger, that sounds horrific.

@Zandasstar7 those early weeks are hell, sending you

Does anyone know if bloods are taken at 16w midwife appointment? In terms of keeping an eye on iron levels etc

Avonacha Welcome back. You've already had such great advice - and from those dealing with toddlers as well as Hyperemesis, that I can't add to it.
Sympathies to all.

Hi everyone, I’ve been looking at this thread for a bit of advice/comfort every now and then, but haven’t posted before, I hope it’s okay to now.

I’m 14 weeks pregnant with my first baby and have had really bad all day sickness since week 6. I haven’t officially been diagnosed with HG and thankfully have not been so bad I’ve needed to go to hospital, but I begged for anti sickness tablets at 7 weeks and have been on various combinations ever since which I think has stopped it getting that bad (I have still been signed off work and generally bed bound for most of the last 8 weeks though.)

I was hoping some people who have had HG in previous pregnancies might have some advice on weaning yourself off medication (or not, if it’s a bad idea!). For the last ten days I’ve been on 6x 4mg of Ondansetron and 3x 50mg of Cyclizine per day, which I think is the max recommended dose for each (GP originally had me on 2x Ondansetron per day but it did nothing, so she upped it). For the last 5 days I have felt so much better, it’s genuinely been life changing. When I started on the high dose of Ondansetron my GP seemed to suggest I should reduce it gradually if/when I started feeling better, but I am really scared to, given how 2x Ondansetron didn’t work at all.

If you’ve been in a similar situation, when did you start to reduce the daily dose? I will of course ask my GP but my experience so far suggests they have very limited experience and just give a very generic message about ‘the lowest dose you can manage with is best for the baby’ which I don’t think is very helpful!

Thanks very much in advance

@ChloeHel my scan is 30th too! I hadn't had the flu jab because the midwife was like meh flu season is basically over you'll probably be fine. Little did I know 😑

I managed to eat this evening and not be sick so that helped when I took the tamiflu. Hopefully the next 4 days won't be as horrid as today has been. I came home from the GP and went back to bed and that's where I've been since.

@nee22 thank you

@AnnaNext sorry to hear you're suffering. I haven't taken your drug combo but I tend to taper off how much I take when the side effects from the tablets are worse than the sickness. So for me, when my medicine was knocking me out for the majority of the day I started taking less and slowly seeing how I went. I think I've just learned to live with the nausea but I am now able to go into my kitchen sometimes so that's progress.

The main thing to remember is it's not linear and some days will be tough and others will be ok. It doesn't necessarily mean you're back to sickness for (what feels like) ever.

@nee22 I don't think they do bloods at 16 weeks but worth checking and requesting it if you think you need it