My Story of Hyperemesis

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Thank you Lyle

Lyle the webmaster of beyondmorningsickness.com sent me this book and the diary of the author of this book during her 4th pregnancy. I read the diary in one sitting (it was huge) and it made me feel comforted that someone else has the same feelings I have. I do not feel like I need to explain those right now but it gave me great comfort that I can do it.

He also sent me a 100.00 gift card for amazon.com to find something to help me. I was excited about this and after much thought I decided I am going to buy myself a very nice blanket to cuddle with while I am sick to keep me warm and make me happy. It is a small pleasure for me. I currently do not have blanket big enough to cover me and stay warm.

thank you lyle

8 weeks tomorrow

today has been a very hard day. brad stayed home from work because he was still sick, i made him sleep on the couch last day. i could not have him in bed moving around or making noises, it would have made me throw up. he had a doctors appointment at 10am and they put him on antibiotics, steroids, and breathing treatments, and well he still can not breathe. i had a dentist appointment at 11am my mom took me to. the acid in my throw up knocked out a big filling. they were suppose to do a temporary fix but it was so bad they had to do a filling. my dentist is great and did it in 30 minutes! it was not so bad though i felt like i was going to die.
then off to do blood work to see if i need a feeding tube. please pray that i don't. i was 6th in line and it took 45 minutes before my blood was drawn. i really thought the world was ending and even saw spots. the blood taker lady felt horrible and made sure i made it to the car. i got to the car and told my mom to hurry home I was going to die (of course all while I was drooling because I was numb). made it home and into bed, i feel like death. i just feel like i can't do this. i asked brad if he thought this was still a good idea and he said yes. i am not sure i agree.

Monday, January 30, 2012

my hubby is sick

my husband came home from work with the flu, what bad timing, he is a man and thinks the world is ending, I am not sure he could handle hyperemesis he says he can not handle another hour of it. he is curled in fetal position moaning!

5th disease

a few weeks ago my oldest daughter got 5th disease, last week my youngest daughter got 5th disease. so i had to go get tested for it since it is very dangerous for the baby in my tummy. i did blood work 2 weeks ago and the doctor finally called with the results this morning. i had 5th disease as a child therefore i can not get it again. amazing what blood work can tell you. i am happy and thankful this is one thing i currently do not have to deal with.

bath

i am going to bath today, i am going to bath today, i am going to bath today, i am going to bath today, i am going to bath today, i am going to bath today, i am going to bath today, i am going to bath today, i am going to bath today, i am going to bath today..................i figured if i tell myself enough times i will have the energy and strengthen to do it! It has been long overdue and every day i try to do it and start throwing up and give up. this throw up needs to get out of my hair, brad said he could wash my hair in the sink but standing up leaning my head over I might pass out! i am going to do it today before my nurse comes out to change my dressings. i have to go to the dentist tomorrow and get my tooth fixed and do blood work, oh please let me survive the next 48 hours!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

toilet

i throw up in the toilet today while brad and the girls were at church instead of my bowl and it was really gross, water splashed on my face, i am sticking to my bowl.....................i am so sick of throwing up! please give me a break tomorrow!

Tears

everyone knows i am not a tearful person, i pretty much never cry but as i opened my e-mail last night and this morning i was filled with letters of support from woman as far as Scotland offering support and love who has suffered through hyperemesis. the web master named Lyle on a website about hyperemesis and a book called, beyond morning sickness, had these woman contact me. it was emotional and brought tears to my eyes of the love and support these woman have for us sisters fighting or have fought this battle against hyperemesis. i thank you!

24 hour update on throw-up-----------10 times, ended the night with 3 bouts of stomach acid coming up! hoping for a better day :)

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!