For those who had Hyperemesis

ShanaNChris

I am not sure how many of you there are on this board...my sister had severe Hyperemesis with her first baby (was on Reglan, Zofran pump in leg and iv at home for first 6 months), they didn't think she would make it past 20 weeks, but she made it to 41, and had a healthy baby boy.

But it was extremely hard for her and her husband. She is going to TTC starting in January, and me and my mom are very nervous. I want to be a better support system for her this time around (she was incredibly supportive to me with my pre-e and HELLP). Am wondering how I can help her.

Last time I made meals for her hsuband and tried to clean her house, this time there will be my nephew to help take care of, but how can I help her.

Mrs Manners

You are a wonderful, wonderful person. I had hyperemesis and the zofran pump until 25 weeks. All I wanted to do was lie on the couch. If I moved I would vomit. I didn't want to cook (or smell food), I would vomit if I walked into the grocery store, I didn't want to walk the dogs, nothing. I can't imagine how hard it would be to do all of that and have a toddler to look after. So...based on my experience....I would suggest cooking, cleaning, dog walking, baby keeping, grocery shopping, virtually any errand that needs to be run. Again, you are a complete saint for wanting to help her.

I've read that once you have hyperemesis, your changes of having it in subsequent pregnancies is very high.

mommyof4boys

I had hyperamisis with my twin pregnancy and my youngest son's pregnancy.  I needed help takinig care of my other children when I was ill.  My older son was more self sufficiant however, my twins were 16 months old when I got pregnant again to our surprise.  My MIL would come over often and I'd lay on the floor of the bathroom and she'd take care of the kids.  They were also in daycare and my daycare person had them go in even when I couldn't work and I'd lay on the floor or the couch since I couldn't move.  Motion itself would trigger a puke for me.

 

 

2BWEDN2007

First of all, you are such a wonderful support system for your sister! I am sure she is extremely grateful to have someone as compassionate as you who is willing to help her out.

As someone who suffered from Hyperemesis all I can say is the more you can help her out around the house the better. I am pregnant with baby #2 right now and I can seriously say that this time around has been worse. The intensity of it has increased and the onset was earlier so it has been miserable to say the least.

The hardest thing for me  has been keeping up with housework/laundry and dinner. I have no desire to cook whatsoever and the thought of food (never mind the smell) sends me running to the bathroom.

My Hyperemesis wasn't extreme as some of the other ladies on here. I only ended up in the ER for fluids once during my first pregnancy and the Zofran prescription actually works for me (to curb the vomiting). I still vomit occasionally even on the meds, but the nausea is what kills me.

I would say help out with housework, laundry, meals, etc. It takes all the energy I have just to care for DS and even then sometimes I feel like a terrible mother because all I can do is put him in his swing and go lie down for an hour. You are a saint for doing this for her and I know she will appreciate it more than she could ever tell you in words.

ravens_grl

I had it from conception to 36 hours after birth with no break. I was on IV nutrition, zofran pump and 4 other meds.

A GREAT RESOURCE is helpher.org

 Since like most people said motion triggers an episode, you could make a basket of things to keep by her bedside (ie. magizines, tissues, mints, lipgloss(flavorless) and lotion (scentless), snack oack sized crackers, mini cans of sprite or gingerale, a journal, a photo album updated often with fun pictures of the kids, etc)

Another great resource is the book 

Beyond Morning Sickness
by Ashli McCall

please feel free to page me or pass my info onto your sister if she needs anything (support, vent. etc) 

ravens_grl

also...getting a cooler or a mini fridge for next to her bed that can be stocked full of cold drinks would be good