hyperemesis gravidarum

[Jamie.d]

Had a really terrible relationship with my family over the past 3 years, we've barely spoken at all..

Met up with them all for the first time a couple weeks ago and found out my sister is pregnant! very happy for her and it's helped us all become closer but just found out she's been hospitalized with hyperemesis...does anyone know much about it?
I've been very lucky to just get the bog standard morning sickness but it sounds like she's having a horrible time bless her, and only 11 weeks!
The doctors don't seem to be doing much at all as she's ended up on a drip for dehydration :/ Is there anyone with experience of it that knows what might ease it for her?

 

[GBLiz]

i was put on ondansetron which stopped me actually being sick so much which prevented ketosis and dehydration, however it didnt stop me feeling sick., luckily it passed by about 16 weeks so just because its really awful doesnt necessarily mean she will have it for the whole pregnancy.....its really horrible much more than just feeling sick ....you just feel awful and just have to lie there and forget about trying to do anything productive!

 

[Jamie.d]

Oh no that's terrible!
I really hope they find something that works for her... My mum is a midwife and she's super cross they just left her to it for weeks she can't hold down water or any food x

 

[BunnyN]

I had it and it was truly awful! Honestly labour was a breeze in comparison. My last pregnancy was the worst. I was in bed for 6 weeks unable to even move my head without being sick. It got to the point that the only way I could eat or drink anything at all was to get up at about 4am which was the only time I wasn't quite as bad. I lost 3 stone. Honestly not sure if I would have survived it without IV fluids. Thankfully it improved rather suddenly at 13 weeks and was gone by about 17 weeks. It can last the whole pregnancy but that isn't all that common.

Medication works well for some. It is well worth trying stonger meds because the standard MS medication often doesn't do much. It can take a bit if experimentation to find something that works which takes a doctor who takes it seriously or a lot of persistent pestering. I am very anti medication, especially during pregnancy but it gets to the point that the benefits outweigh risks.

I totally relied on others for practical help because I could barely go to the bathroom on my own. OH did everything in the house, looking after the kids etc. When i could eat and drink iI needed someone to bring me food, hold a glass of water with a straw etc. As he was also trying to work etc it was a lot for him and help from family members meant a lot. I could only cope with bland flavours and couldn't smell any cooking smells. I don't know how close you live to your sister you could offer if there is anything you can do for her. Shopping, cooking, cleaning etc. Also it gets lonely being sick all day. I spent hrs lying in bed alone. Just getting a text message from someone sympathetic is nice.

There is some great online support for HG.

 

[Jamie.d]

We haven't spoken for years and she lives a fair distance from me, wish I could be closer to help :/

She has been offered specific medication but she doesn't want to take it in case it's harmful.. will text her and ask her what it was! Hopefully it will ease off.. I think I know what you mean about the risks, I think my mum has explained to her that it's more important for her to keep fluids down etc I just feel pretty naff and useless lol

 

[BunnyN]

Obviously it's up to her if she doesn't want meds. I didn't want meds with my 1st pregnancy. Things got pretty bad but I was able to keep small amounts of food and liquids down on a regular basis if I didn't do anything else so preferred to avoid taking anything. Like I say it was much worse with my 3rd pregnancy and I was at the point I would have taken just about anything (which is very unlike me). It can get a bit exhausting when everyone has oppinions about what treatments you should try so I wouldn't push it if she is sure.

If you are not close enough to offer practical help then send a text or a letter. Just saying you are sorry she hasn't been well and it must be really hard, congratulations on the pregnancy etc. You could send a card or little gift to cheer her up. Like I say it can be lonely feeling rubbish all the time and being limited in being able to get out etc. Little things like that from friends meant a lot to me. It's not like I was in a state to spend much time visiting or anything, especially when I hadn't showered in a week.

 

[Jamie.d]

She's definitely not one to be told what to do

Have sent her text messages to see how she's feeling etc so will possibly send her some flowers or something! Thank you x

 

[BunnyN]

That sounds good. I hope it doesn't last too long for her.