My Story of Hyperemesis: tuesday..may 12th...i think...16.5 weeks

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

tuesday..may 12th...i think...16.5 weeks

i feel like i just can not do it. i am so tired of throwing up. i just want it to end, i wish i knew when it would end. brad has moved our bed to the living room so i can lay in bed all day, even sitting in our lazyboy chair makes me feel sick. i no longer can throw up in bowls because bowls are just not big enough. i throw up my stomach lining about 4 times every morning. i am so hungry! I am eating though it all comes up. Cheerios help keeps the throw up taste out of my mouth through out the day. With emmie life was getting easier by now, i can't help but think what if this doesn't end until i deliver...i will never make it. i am off all meds and though i am very sick i will not go back on them for the side effects are still worse. The migraines were literally killing me. When i shower or bath i throw up, every time i move i throw up, i throw up all the time. i go to the doctors tomorrow and i am afraid they will put me in the hospital...if i have lost more weight or have keytones i will have to either be put in the hospital or have a picc line put back in. i hope the doctor has some other options for me. i am wearing heavy clothes to the doctors tomorrow and some boots, hopefully that will help my weight.

FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH IS GROSS!!!!!!!!! WARNING!!!!!!!!!

One piece of advice i have for women who have hyperemesis: keep a soft stool in the bathroom it is easier to throw up from the stool then the floor, keep a pillow in the bathroom so when you are done throwing up you can rest comfortably until you have enough energy to crawl back down the hall, and finally Kleenex so when throw up is coming out your nose you can blow your nose and get the rest out (I had a noodle from my soup stuck in my nose!) One more thing towels lots of them especially when you need to wipe throw up off your face when it splatters back on you from the toilet!

thank you to the Miles family for a yummy dinner from Panera tonight
thank you heather and St. John for yummy stromboli (SP) last week for dinner

2 comments:

Hyperemesis Survivor Week 19 Michele said...: You have to get yourself out of this cycle. The vomiting and dehydration can set in rather quickly when the IV's stop. You can start small. I bought Rita's Ice by the gallon and then moved on to chicken and stars soup. If you don't want to go back on the fluids then you have to focus on at least staying hydrated. I know that you don't want to take the meds again but despite the side effects Zofran can really help you keep these fluids down and get back on track without being hospitalized or back on the PICC line. You have to start all over with the bland diet. The key is to find something that you can hold down in small amounts and then build up from there whether it's an Icee or popsicle. It will get better and you are so close to the turning point. These are probably things that you already know but you have to keep your mind focused and have a plan to keep in control.; May 13, 2009 at 8:40 AM
Christina Forshay said...: this post totally looks like I could've written it myself!!! I know those feelings EXACTLY!!!; June 4, 2009 at 3:22 AM

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!