More bad news

bethlinn

So. I'm in the hospital. Again. For hyperemesis. Mind you I already have gastroparesis. So throwing up in cyclic episodes is not foreign to me, just pregnancy has exacerbated it. I am and have been on every med you can think of, and get IV fluids once per week for hydration. My OB doc wanted me to up it to twice and consulted High risk ob. High Risk OB thinks I should do a dobhoff (which is a feeding tube down the nose) into my gut for nutrition. Ugh. They just sent a bunch of labs for nutritional status on me and already showing very anemic. Baby however is measuring big. Soo, do I really need this? I asked the doc and he said once we see baby slowing down it is too late to put it in and catch up. Can cause pre term labor. Idk, I just feel like it is unnecessary. . But maybe that is me not wanting to walk around with a tube hanging out of my nose for 16 more weeks. Thoughts? 

bethlinn

it would be this tube 

fantasticmrsfox

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! I can't even imagine! I would tend to trust the doctors. Especially high risk OB. To me better safe than sorry! *hugs*

blissylissy86

Oh no! That sounds awful lady. Is there a specific time frame? Like can you wait for a week or two and see if there have been any changes? 

austinjl

Awwww that sucks a lot.  Sorry you are going through this!

shanparadise

I have also struggled with hyperemesis gravidarum this pregnancy. Have they tried medication? I am on a cocktail of Diclegis, zofran, phenergan, Reglan, and prednisone and have found significant relief. I'm so sorry you're dealing with all of this. 

Kellyj103

I am so sorry you are dealing with this. Sending positive and calming thoughts to you.I agree with PP, I would trusts your doctors on this one.

stillcozy

Im so sorry you are having continued difficulties. I can't offer much but i agree to keep talking with your drs and trust their insight.

Nerdchild

I'm sorry, that's awful!

Weville

That sucks!  I hope you feel better quickly

jenkeale

I'm sorry. As PP have said, I would listen to the Drs. It's better to be safe. 

rnyland1

I was very anemic during my last pregnancy but baby was always measuring ahead, and my full-term son was 7 lbs. 2 oz., which is an average size. Are you gaining weight ok? I had four iron infusions after my delivery to get my iron levels back to normal, but my docs (OB and my hematologist) decided against doing anything before my delivery.  Different situation than yours though. Sending positive vibes your way. But whatever you do, it's your choice: you don't have to follow the advice of your doctor, and you should feel free to get second opinion if you want.

deuxbouledogues

Sorry to see you so frustrated. Hang in there!

noelietrex

Sorry you're having a hard time. I only have creepy internet {{hugs}}. If you really dislike the advice you're receiving, getting a second opinion couldn't hurt. In the end, it's your call and you have to go with what you feel is best. Good luck mama!

PhoebeJune1984

Oh man! When it rains, it pours! Personally, I would hate the thought of having to do that, and I would get a second opinion to see if that was the only route that I could take...and then I would go from there. If I had to do it, I would do it. It wouldn't be fun, I am sure, but 16 weeks is better than finding out you have to do it for the rest of your life! Hang in there!

quartz02

*hugs* is there a timeframe in which you have to decide?

jwittwer

I'm sorry you're going through this, momma. I don't have any advice to offer on this particular situation, but wanted to let you know you're in my thoughts!

blackgirlmagic

I'm sorry that you are going through this! I would listen to your doctors because they would know best! Hugs girl! 

jjtruffles

I agree with PPs who have mentioned getting a second opionion and then making your decision from there. Sorry to hear you're having such a hard time!

squishy0511

*lurker from August 2016*

I have no experience with hyperemesis, but I work with a lot of feeding tubes (mostly g tubes though). Are you normally throwing up everything you eat, even liquids? I'm just a little confused on the dobhoff, because the formula/nutrition goes straight to your stomach via the tube, so couldn't you still throw up once the food hits your stomach via the dobhoff? if it was an issue of vomiting every time you eat? (My g-tube patients can still throw up with formula). I could just be totally confused though, as hyperemesis is not something I've worked with so I may be totally wrong.

im also so sorry you are going through this!

elenabrent

This sounds like a shit show. I am so sorry you're dealing with all these things on top of each other!

HMcDade1

squishy0511 said:

*lurker from August 2016*

I have no experience with hyperemesis, but I work with a lot of feeding tubes (mostly g tubes though). Are you normally throwing up everything you eat, even liquids? I'm just a little confused on the dobhoff, because the formula/nutrition goes straight to your stomach via the tube, and I would think you would still throw up once the food hits your stomach via the dobhoff  if it was an issue of vomiting every time you eat. (My g-tube patients can still throw up with formula). I could just be totally confused though, as hyperemesis is not something I've worked with! 

Dobhoffs bypass the stomach and deliver nutrition directly into the small intestines which decreases your chances of vomiting and increases your absorption of nutrients. Food via your GI track is more beneficial than "food" via IV nutrition which may very well be your only option if you continue to be this sick. I would go with the Dobhoff, but like pp said, exhaust your options and get a second opinion if you feel like you're being rushed to make a decision. Best of luck to you and hoping that you're feeling better soon. 

squishy0511

@HMcDade1 ahhh well that would make more sense. I was thinking dobhoffs were an NG tube that were inserted into the stomach. Thanks for clarifying! 

[Deleted User]

I'm sorry you're dealing with all of this.. hang in there! ((Hugs))

mamafox14

Sorry you are dealing with this, it sounds awful. I would also get another opinion if you aren't sold on what they are telling you. Whatever you have to do, I hope you start feeling better! 

BostonBaby1

I would also go with the Dobhoff. I'm sorry you're going through this but I think you might start feeling a bit better if you can get some nutrition. I've been on TPN  and would choose to take a different route if possible. Also, it's much smaller and more flexible than an ng tube. I say it's worth a shot.

I doubt it will make you feel better but I have a port that I get IV hydration and magnesium infusions through so you're not the only one with "medical accessories." When I've needed the TPN, I also have a PICC line.

MamaBish

im sorry you have to deal with this! I would do whatever the Dr's think is necessary to bring a healthy baby into the world.

soberkfell

So sorry you're going through this! I echo PP's to get a second opinion and then make your own informed decision. Take care! 

arhodes6

Sorry to hear this! 

KJ1416

I'm so sorry you are going through this!  I agree with PP that a second opinion is a good idea. If you do get the tube, at least it's only 16 weeks and you'll get a wonderful baby out of it!

DobbysSock

That really sucks - I'm sorry you have to deal with that!

I agree with PP, I would consider asking for a second opinion but ultimately I would follow my doctor's recommendations. Hope they're able to find an alternative for you!

bunkie999

I am a nurse on a surgical unit so I don't have much experience with feeding tubes. Although we did have a pregnant lady on out unit for 2 months do to hyperemesis as well. They gave her a Picc line. Which is similar to an IV but Is used for long term use, and they gave her TPN through her Picc line, I'm not sure if this is a option for you or not but maybe you can ask the doctor?  

I wish you all the best, and I am really sorry you are dealing with this, but I agree never be afraid to ask for a second opinion! 

Take care of yourself and your little one. 

bethlinn

Update: my nutritional labs came back. Low, and just barely in the normal range but High risk said I can avoid the feeding tube for now. Yay. However if there is a next admission I don't foresee getting out of it. Thanks for all your responses. 

stillcozy

@bethlinn glad your labs came back better. Sending you continued thoughts and prayers ! 

foxa319

Sorry you are going through this! I'm a home infusion nurse and see 2 patients right now with hyperemisis who have picc lines and give them selves nightly iv fluids after being taught to do it independently, electrolytes can be added also before having to jump to tpn or a feeding tube! Just a thought! Good luck! Internet hugs!

trucksntutus

So sorry to hear this, stay tough!! In the end it'll be worth it!

bethlinn

@foxa319 yeah I had asked about a PICC bc I am already going for fluids every week but high risk ob won't do it bc of the risk of infection and clots. I'm an ICU nurse so I get it when he tells me the risk. He also reinforced feeding the gut is really better when you can (again which deep down I know) bc it preserves GI health. The dobhoff going past my stomach into my Duodenum would theoretically help with the gastroparesis. That will be the next step if I get admitted again. Thanks for your continued well wishes. I will hope my meds keep me at home for now!

gadzooks_3

Sending good thoughts

Shelby00519

Sending lots of good thoughts your way!