My Story of Hyperemesis: Feb 23, 09

Friday, February 27, 2009

Feb 23, 09

Feb 23, 09

Well we have had a crazy month. My last period was Jan 6th but I have yet to start my period. We went to the doctors last Wednesday the 18th and had an ultrasound, the doctor could not see anything in the ultrasound...so I had to do blood work every 48 hours to watch my hormone levels. This was the e-mail I sent out to my friends last night:

Well, I think you are the only people that know what has been going on so I wanted
to give an update. The phone rang tonight and I didn't recognize the number so I let it go to voice mail..the message said it was my doctor and she had the results of the tests and I could call the office tomorrow and get them. I didn't think so! I had to wait another 12+ hours! I have waited all weekend..stressed out of my mind! So I called her back (the number was on caller ID). She said the blood work Wednesday was normal the hgc level (I think that's what it is called) then doubled on friday therefore I was definitely pregnant and everything looked good. She said the reason we couldn't see anything on the ultra sound was probably due to being very early, and that I was "Off" in January. I have an ultrasound on the 4th to see how far I am and my due date. I am not yet sick therefore another sign I am very early. I am very worried about being sick..fingers crossed! I am very nervous and won't be excited until the 4th when I see the ultrasound. Thank you for everyone's thoughts and prayers..I have not told the girls and anyone else who isn't in this e-mail...if on the 4th is good news I will share the news with everyone! Thanks again :) - Sarah

So, I am pregnant..YA! Something weird must have happened in January, like a late ovulation or maybe I ovulated twice? I don't really know. Brad and I were excited last night and we stayed up until 11pm reading our scriptures and talking about baby names. We will never be able to agree! He wants Daniel and I want Evan! I went to bed feeling great and then...It hit me somewhere between 1am & 3am until 9am! I thought I was going to die, I laid in the shower for hours, cried on the bathroom floor, I told Brad this was a bad idea! We should have thought harder about this. He replies, "We prayed about this, and this is what the Lord wanted us to do...therefore it will be fine!" Well I told him he was wrong as now I was crying so hard I was making myself even more nauseated! I really can't do this, I really don't want to do this. He was going to stay home today but then realized he had to pick a DVD player up for a friend (now this is a good friend and she would have totally understood if she didn't get the DVD player today), but he thought it was important and I was so tired I was ready for him to leave so I could get some air (he was hovering!). He left for work and I got a few hours of sleep. Then my life saver called, we will call her Lisa and came over and got the kids, they have not eaten, hair combed, or even clothes changed, and she came in grabbed diapers and a change for Emmie (Lizzie is just going to stay in the same outfit for 9 months..it is her favorite outfit..so don't laugh when you see my kids and they are always in the same clothes). Thank goodness for Lisa, but not only Lisa I have had so many offers from friends to help it has been so wonderful, I didn't have much help when Lizzie was at home and I was sick with Emmie. I will for sure take everyone up for help! Thank you for thoughts and prayers also. So I called the doctor and they put me to an advice nurse, she suggested I be admitted as soon as possible to the hospital before it gets out of control...I have to admit I was not very nice and I told her I am NOT going to the hospital I have 2 small children...I want to see my doctor, and I want home health care! She wasn't sure that was an option, and I told her I see my doctor or I find a new one (which will be an issue because I have called every OBGYN in the phone book and NONE will do home health care they want hospitalization!), so I see the doctor at 3:30pm but I have a call into my doctor I had with Emmie and if I have to I guess I will drive an hour each way to see him, he does home health care! So now I am laying in bed sick, and there is nothing on TV, and I am afraid to walk down stairs because I am weak, but I have the phone and computer! Brad will be home at 3pm (with the DVD...LOL)and to the doctors we go, if I get put in the hospital I will be so MAD! Luckily I am not throwing up though, I too will make it through this!

All right it is now 1:49pm and i am feeling human again! I took a shower (I no longer smell like throw-up!) and I am going to make it down stairs! I was able to talk to my girls on the phone..which was great and they are coming home to hang out with me (until I am sick again)...with the other 2 kids I was sick all day without a break...this break is kind of nice...even if it doesn't last long :) Off to Doctors at 3:30pm!

It is now 5:30pm and I went to the doctors. She is prescribing home health care which should take place by Wednesday. Until then she prescribed zofran dissolves. Brad is going to pick them up. They did another ultrasound and the baby has doubled in size since last Wednesday but is still "un-measurable" meaning they do not know how far along I am. I go in for another ultrasound next Tuesday and hopefully they will be able to measure the baby. I am still a little nervous about the baby's size but she said there is no need to worry. I hope it all goes well. I am starting to feel nauseous again but hopefully the medicine will help. Thanks a ton to Lisa for having the kids basically all day and letting them jump on the trampoline while it was wet, the kids are still talking about how fun it was! And the hair is adorable! Thanks for everyone's e-mails thoughts and prayers!

Guess how much money 20 zofran pills cost?

A.150.25
B.345.89
C.889.90
D.627.75

The answer tomorrow!

Also I lost 3 pounds since Wednesday!

I took my zofran pills tonight and I feel even better then I did this afternoon! Tomorrow night Brad and I are going on a date, and I really want to go, so these pills need to last until tomorrow night!

No comments:

Causes

The cause of HG is unknown. The leading theories state that it is an adverse reaction to the hormonal changes of pregnancy. In particular, Hyperemesis may be due to raised levels of beta HCG as it is more common in multiple pregnancies (though I never had multiples). It is thought that estrogen produces nausea and regurgitation of stomach acids in some women. A recent study gives "preliminary evidence" that there may be a genetic component (the only other person in my family who has hyperemsis is my cousin). More on causes and theories go to: http://www.helpher.org/hyperemesis-gravidarum/theories-research/index.php

Symptoms

When HG is severe and/or inadequately treated, it may result in:

Loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy body weight
Dehydration, causing ketosis, and constipation
Nutritional deficiencies
Metabolic imbalances
Altered sense of taste
Sensitivity of the brain to motion
Food leaving the stomach more slowly
Rapidly changing hormone levels during pregnancy
Stomach contents moving back up from the stomach
Physical and emotional stress of pregnancy on the body
Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessels in the eyes)
Difficulty with daily activities
Hallucinations

Some women with HG lose as much as 30% of their body weight. Many sufferers of HG are extremely sensitive to odors in their environment; certain smells may exacerbate symptoms.

As compared to morning sickness, HG tends to begin somewhat earlier in the pregnancy and last significantly longer (my last until 20 weeks or half way). While most women will experience near-complete relief of morning sickness symptoms near the beginning of their second trimester, some sufferers of HG will experience severe symptoms until they give birth to their baby, and sometimes even after giving birth.

Treatment

Because of the potential for severe dehydration and other complications, HG is in general treated as a medical emergency. Treatment of HG may include antiemetic medications and intravenous rehydration. If medication and IV hydration are insufficient, nutritional support may be required.

Management of HG can be complicated because not all women respond to treatment. In some instances, women with HG may be able to avoid hospitalization by eating a special diet of clear liquids and bland food rich in carbohydrates,and eating before rising in the morning; while these may be of some assistance, they are unlikely to resolve the disorder on their own. Hypnosis has relieved symptoms in some cases, though the majority of women do not respond to this measure.Wristbands used for motion sickness and seasickness have been shown by one study to be effective in treating some cases of HG, but not others; these are worn around the wrist at a traditional acupuncture point, 3 finger-widths from the joint, and are available at many pharmacies.There is evidence that ginger may be effective in treating pregnancy-related nausea; however, in general this is ineffective in cases of HG. Nothing but medication and hydration have ever helped me personally.

IV hydration - this is what i do

IV hydration often includes supplementation of electrolytes as persistent vomiting frequently leads to a deficiency. A and B vitamins are depleted within two weeks, so extended malnutrition indicates a need for evaluation and supplementation. In addition, mineral levels should be monitored and supplemented; of particular concern are sodium and potassium.

After IV rehydration is completed, patients in general progress to frequent small liquid or bland meals. After rehydration, treatment focuses on managing symptoms to allow normal intake of food. However, cycles of hydration and dehydration can occur, making continuing care necessary. Home care is available in the form of a PICC line for hydration and nutrition (called total parenteral nutrition). Home treatment is often less expensive than long-term and/or repeated hospital stays.

Medications

While no medication is considered completely risk-free for use during pregnancy, there are several that are commonly used to treat HG and are believed to be safe.

The standard treatment in most of the world is Bendectin (also sold under the trademark name Diclectin), a combination of doxylamine succinate and vitamin B6. However, due to a series of birth-defect lawsuits in the United States against its maker, Merrill Dow, Bendectin is not currently on the market in the U.S. (None of the lawsuits were successful, and numerous independent studies and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have concluded that Bendectin does not cause birth defects.) Its component ingredients are available over-the-counter (doxylamine succinate is the active ingredient in many sleep medications), and some doctors will recommend this treatment to their patients.

Antiemetic drugs, especially ondansetron (Zofran), are effective in many women. The major drawback of ondansetron has been its cost. In severe cases of HG, the Zofran pump may be more effective than tablets. Zofran is also available in ODT (oral disintegrating tablet), which can be easier for women who have trouble swallowing due to the nausea. Promethazine (Phenergan) has been shown to be safe, at least in rats and may be used during pregnancy with minimal/no side-effects. Metoclopramide is sometimes used in conjunction with antiemetic drugs; however, it has a somewhat higher incidence of side-effects. Other medications less commonly used to treat HG include Marinol, corticosteroids, and antihistamines.

Other medications that are frequently prescribed for HG are Compazine, Tigan, Phenergan, and Reglan. These can be given orally or intraveneously, or administered as a rectal suppository. They are considered safe for use during pregnancy.^[15]

Nutritional support

Women not responding to IV rehydration and medication may require nutritional support. Patients might receive parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding via a PICC line) or enteral nutrition (via a nasogastric tube or a nasojejunum tube).

Beyond Morning Sickness

BEYOND MORNING SICKNESS......I have read the best book on Hyperemesis and wanted all of the people who read my blog to go out and get this book and read it. You can find the book on amazon.com or go to the author's web page at www.beyondmorningsickness.com it is a wonderful book on hyperemesis. The author has also written a children's book about hyperemesis titled, Mama Has Hyperemesis, and my children loved it! The web-site also offers a great support system and other woman who have gone through hyperemesis!

Spiritual Connection!

I Thank my Heavenly Father every day for the beautiful children and family I have. I know that it is through God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost that I made it through my 3 pregnancies. I know they have a plan for me, I know they love me and watch over me. Through Prayer, scripture study, and church they make it possible for me to survive hyperemesis. You need to be spiritual strong to survive hyperemesis, and the Lord will provide your way. I am happy to be a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.

Hyperemesis does NOT equal abortion!

I have come across many web-sites for women with Hyperemesis that are pro-choice. Some even promote and support women who have hyperemesis to terminate the baby. This upsets me. There are positive treatment options for hyperemesis and women, children and families deserve better than abortion. I do not believe women, and families should choose abortion when there are other options to help with hyperemesis. I hope this blog helps women to choose to keep their baby because if I can do it, anyone can do it! Let us support one another!