My Story of Hyperemesis: August 2009

Monday, August 24, 2009

In my 33rd week!

Family picture...AND YES I am in my 33rd week in this picture!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!

Well, I can't believe the time is coming closer and closer. I have been having contractions off and on especially in my lower back. This baby needs to stay in a few more weeks! But, I have faith it will stay in (probably past my due date).

I have been so blessed with this pregnancy with all the help I have had from family and friends. Thank you so much to everyone. Hyperemesis luckily in my case seemed to go away around the half way point and though I have had small ups and downs since the half way point I feel so very blessed that I did not have to struggle with hyperemesis the whole 40 weeks. There are many women out there that struggle for 40 weeks and even after they deliver. There are also many woman whose hyperemesis is so much more extreme that what I experienced. I want those woman to know that they can do it and God is with them. God does not give us anything that we can not handle. My prayers are with you woman, stay strong!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Close enough to 32 weeks.....8 weeks left!

Today was my doctors appointment, and I gained 1 pound...YA (I was afraid I gained 5)! My blood pressure was under 100 again, CRAZY! I felt really sick at the doctors because they were running a little bit late and I didn't have anything to eat and I thought I was going to pass out, that is the worse thing about being hypoglycemic, is remembering to always have a piece of fruit with you! I was not impressed with the doctor (I have never seen her before), she came in sat down and said, "I looked over your chart and would like to know how you are going to prevent another pregnancy". Like it is any of her business! I am how old? Happily Married with 3 kids! If I want another one in 6 months whose choice is that? (not that I do). I was not feeling good so I told her I was not worried about it, and she wanted to give me some pamphlets! I told her "No Thank-You!" She told me to take them and look them over I didn't have to decide today. I told her to keep the pamphlets, I was not interested. Drove me crazy! It didn't help I was not feeling well, but come on, I still have 8 weeks! I am not making any decisions with her today! And NO Pamphlets! But, besides that the baby sounded good and everything else was fine!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Wednesday!

Well yesterday and today I have not felt so good. Nothing particular just yucky feeling. I think it is part of the 3rd trimester "joys". I can't sleep, I have heart burn at night. I have RLS for 3 hours before I go to sleep, pregnancy = not so fun! I am nauseous in the morning from not eating all night. The low carbs is still helping though :) I feel huge and when the baby starts kicking it hurts so bad, but still so cool to feel the baby moving inside of me.

I went through all of the baby clothes, 4 big boxes! I washed 8 loads of baby clothes (I think 6 of them were all pink)! The baby has 75 (not joking) outfits from ages 0-6 months...she will never wear all of them! 25 pairs of Pj's, and tons of blankets and burp rags. I kept everything from the last 2 girls. I just don't have enough closet space! I was hoping the 3 girls could share 2 dressers, but I am not so sure that is going to work out. But, everything is washed, cleaned, and folded and ready to go for baby. All I need is diapers and a lot of them! I feel very prepared which keeps me not stressed out! Bassinet is up and ready to go also! PREPARED!

Monday, August 10, 2009

30 weeks and 3 days! So, about 9 weeks left!

Overall I have felt well. The low-carb diet is working great but still has a few ups and downs. I had a caramel apple Saturday and I throw up a whole bunch. I guess too many carbs? I don't know. It is hard when I am out running around to grab something to eat, the only thing I can get at fast food is a salad, and you can't eat that in the car while driving. Taco Bell you can get a hard shell taco, and it only has 12 grams of carbs. The car broke down this week-end and luckily Kevin was able to fix it, thank you Kevin. Went back to school shopping and got Lizzie 2 new pairs of jeans (15.00 for both), and socks. Now, all she needs is shoes but I can't find any that I like for the right price. I have been doing a little shopping for baby #3. So far I have bottles, nipples, bag for bottles, pacifiers, and wipes. This week-end we are going through baby clothes and blankets. I think the only thing we really need now is a car seat (oh and a baby name!).

***So, I am going through a funny baby stage wanting to make sure everything is ready. So...Brad got out the 3 boxes of baby clothes out we have in the garage, I have so many clothes! I am trying to wash them all but it might take me all week! We got the swing, and high chair out and cleaned. It feels so weird! I don't know why? Well, we seem to have everything pretty set :)

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Doctors day!

Well I had to go to the doctors today, and guess what I lost 4 pounds! I was so excited I could have hugged the doctor. 4 pounds in 9 days! The doctor was not thrilled, but I told her that what do you expect? I go from eating whatever I want, to only eating fruits, vegies, and meat...that was going to happen. Everything else looked and sounded good!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

In my 30th week!

Well I have been feeling great with this low carb diet. We went to the store last night and I shopped for low carb items, it was very hard. This is what I came up with:

Fruit...(that I like)
Grapes
Oranges
Apples
Watermelon
Strawberries
Bananas
Can Peaches
Apple Sauce
(nutella and peanut butter to dip in them)

Vegies..(that I like)
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots (A little high in carbs)
Romaine Lettuce
Snow Peas
(I miss potatoes and corn)

Meat...Well I like all meat!

Then I got things to make fluff (jello, pineapple, cool whip, and cottage cheese)...VERY LOW CARB!

Low Carb Pizza (for dinner tonight I am making)

So, I am very excited after my shopping trip to have food I will be able to eat!

I looked at my BMI and even being 30 weeks pregnant (they don't take pregnancy into account), so if I was NOT pregnant and at my current weight, I am not considered obese. That made me feel a little bit better. And still no stretch marks (those things scare me)!

I have the hardest time falling asleep at night, I have bad leg cramps and RLS, and it takes me hours to fall asleep, I toss and turn, I hate it!

I am starting to buy things for the baby like pacifiers (This baby better take one!), thermometer (can you believe we don't have a working one), etc. Soon enough we will be holding our baby with no name :)

Monday, August 3, 2009

New Big Belly Pictures!

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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!