My Story of Hyperemesis: June 2012

Thursday, June 28, 2012

29 weeks!

Well I had my doctors appointment and this is how it went:

Blood pressure was 120/70................GREAT!
I was spilling sugar........................DEHYDRATED (my life story)
I have gained 13 pounds since my original weight when I started
Baby heart rate was 145
Baby is still breach
I measured 28 weeks (a week behind)
I go back in 3 weeks then every other week!

I have a really bad cold and my head hurts, and throat, and nose! Please go away COLD!
My 2 year old is completely potty trained! 10 weeks with no diapers!

Monday, June 25, 2012

The time flys when I feel good, but is so slow when I am sick! I am still sick a good 4 hours a day and am VERY tired of not feeling well. Friday I think I was sick a good 12 hours but Saturday I was not sick at all! I even went boating!

Today I took my 3 girls to breakfast at Paneras and 5 old men drinking their coffee said, "Where's the boy mom?" I think this is a funny question, like girls aren't good enough (I know that's not what they meant). I pointed to my belly and said, "Coming Soon!" They said, "You're Expecting?" Good thing they were old because I hate when people say that! I am NOT FAT! Look at my belly it is huge! HA HA HA!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

28 Weeks tomorrow

Well my tooth that had a root canal a few weeks ago is killing me again! I do not want to go back to the dentist but I am not sure I have any other choice! It hurts so bad! I am tired a lot and nauseous about 4 hours a day, but happy that hopefully I only have 10 weeks left!

I am 28 weeks and my cousin is 11 weeks, I have 3 cousins pregnant and due by the end of this year. So exciting!

Our hubby's decided to compare belly's, my cousins hubby is an NFL Football player and plays for the Buffalo Bills! My hubby looks like a midget!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

27 Weeks.....Morning Sickness!

Well morning sickness has seem to set in again now that I am approaching my 3rd trimester. I wake up sick and am typically sick until noon everyday. Afternoons and evenings are great but I have to remind myself of that every day to get through the morning. I took my girls to the movies yesterday at 10am and it was so hard afterwards we went to Walmart and thankfully my mom was with us because my mom said I would not have made it through the store. I had to sit all through the store and put my head between my legs, I can sit anywhere now, bags of charcoal, dog food, towels, etc..... I feel like it is never ending and making it through another day is getting harder and harder! I still do not want to take my zofran though!

Monday, June 11, 2012

I am Huge!

This is me at 26 weeks and I am huge! The thing that drives me crazy is when people say, "You are pregnant?" Do they just think I am FAT? It happened 2 days in a row last week...........the dentist went to take x-rays and I said NO, she said why not and I said because I was pregnant! She said Oh! Look at me! Then my daughters pediatrician said the same thing while we were doing well kids check ups! Do I really look that Big? Then the other day while getting ice cream a lady asked how much longer I had and I told her and she said, "WOW You are small!" That made me feel a little better!

Sunday, June 10, 2012

26 days and 4 days

Well after yesterday's trip to the hospital I came home and had an aweful night of more cramps and pain on my left side. I was up all night and finally at 5am I woke my husband up and said I was ready to go back to the hospital, I was in so much pain I could not stand up straight. Something had to be wrong, I googled symptoms I was feeling and ovarian cyst and kidney stone popped up, maybe it was that but no matter what it was I thought I was going to die. I decided to take a hot shower to see if that would help. An hour later I was in less pain but still in pain and decided to sit in my chair for the next 2 hours in pain.

We belong to The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and my husband holds the priesthood and can give blessings. I asked him to give me a blessing because I did not want to go to the hospital and I did not want to be in anymore pain. He gave me a blessing and in the blessing it said after a morning of rest I would feel better. He took the kids to church and I rested and sure enough by noon the pain had subsided enough for us to go to my aunt and uncles for a swim party for Aunt Lila who turned 75 years old and a b-b-q! I did not swim but I lasted the whole time without feeling overly sick! I feel so thankful my hubby holds the priesthood and so thankful the pains have stopped!

Here is to a pain free - throw-up free week! It is my baby's 8th birthday this week!

Saturday, June 9, 2012

26 weeks and some odd days

Spent the afternoon in the hospital in labor and delivery with cramps/contractions........and well dehydration. Happy to be home but not feeling well at all tonight.....hopefully some sleep will help!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

26 weeks! So excited!

Well I had a bad week end but have seemed to recover! Here is a little update on pregnancy stuff:

Today's is my hubby's and mine 9 year Anniversary we went out for a really nice dinner and he told me, "I do not want to spend all this money if you can not keep it down!" Well, I made it to the car, and across the street to the Wal-Mart parking lot.......it tasted good going down at least! He did not say how long I had to keep it down!
Where we have dumpster divers (you know guys that come EVERY week and go through your trash)....last night the girls were watching them and the guy took my IV pole......My 8 year old said, "His wife must throw-up all the time too!" HA HA HA!
The baby has been breach the whole pregnancy my other 3 were NEVER breach at any point and I have to tell you his legs on my pelvis is killing me.....I hope he knows he needs to turn in the next 12 weeks!
I have never got a stretch mark with any of my kids! Thank goodness they scare me to death, I know that sounds vein and horrible but I really do not want any! Well I noticed 2 small ones on my hips! I was devastated.........please no more baby!

I think since I am older and more mature with this baby I research things more, then I did with my other 3 kids I did the eye ointment, and vitamin K shot with them in the hospital....now I have been researching it and I am not sure I want to do it with this baby. It sure is stressing me out! I just want to do what is right!

Thats my 26 week update, I would post pictures but I am TOO HUGE! Sorry!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

26 weeks tomorrow!

I finally slept all night through and did not wake up hugging the toilet! So excited! My hubby was so excited he WOKE me up because I was in the same position I was 12 hours ago and the channel on TV was on the same channel as when I fell asleep (that never happens.....I watch TV all night long when I can not sleep)! Here is to a better day!

Monday, June 4, 2012

I do NOT feel good!

I went to bed around 8pm because I was not feeling so great..........woke up at 3am NOT feeling good at all..........watched the movie Over Board until 5am when I started throwing up my stomach lining......haven't done that in months it feels like.............at least my stomach lining has no taste! Woke up and still do not feel good.........how many more weeks left?

Sunday, June 3, 2012

25 weeks and 4 days

What a hard week-end! I felt sick most of yesterday, we went to Wal Mart for grocery shopping and could barly make it to the car. (I did make it to 2 graduation party's though)

Today at church my husband teaches the adult bible study class and he had my keys in his pocket and I thought I was going to die!

25 weeks and still get hit with hyperemesis.........not fair!

Did I mention my wrists tool like balloons? I have never had swollen wrists! They HURT!

Friday, June 1, 2012

25 weeks and 2 days

Had anotherultrasound and doctors appointment last night, here is what we found out:

The baby's heart looked great! No concerns!
My blood pressure was low 100/70...weird because I have been so busy!
My wrists are swollen....the doctor said to sleep with braces on my hand so i can not bend my wrists while I sleep. I do not think i am going to give that a try!
I have gained 5 pounds since my starting weight. He said other woman would be jealous, the problem is I was overweight when I got pregnant so it feels like I gained 25 pounds not 5 pounds!
I think i have decided not to do the glucose test
It is still a boy!
He is LARGE! He is 2 inches above my belly button, and his butt is on my pelvis bone! He is measuring 27 weeks +.......the doctor was shocked he seemed so big even when they measured my belly! Something to keep an eye on.....maybe he will be an August baby! I can tell you he feels big to me! Little kicks are NOT so fun anymore!
Go back in 4 weeks then start every other week!

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

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!