Author Archives: Michelle

50% Weight Loss

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Today I discovered sadly that yet again I have lost more weight and that my weight loss has now tipped over to 50% total weight loss since October 2019 (when I first got pregnant).
During the hyperemesis I lost 108lbs in weight (7 stone 10lbs) and went from BMI of Obese (41) to Normal (22).
Since pregnancy ended my vomiting continued and I likely have gastroparesis (still awaiting final diagnosis to confirm). I have daily vomiting but just not to the extent that I did during HG. Now it is mostly related to food unless I’m in a flare up. Its been so hard to keep my weight stable, I tend to lose a little, get prescribed extra supplements and then put on a few pounds again and I yoyo. Normally my weight is 133lbs but can go up or down by about 4lbs. However my symptoms have been particularly bad this month and my weight has steadily gone down and I am now 120lbs which is my lowest ever!
Since pregnancy ended in June 2020 I have lost nearly 10% of my weight to this new sickness condition, which is quite a concern as my doctors are not wanting me to lose anymore. But it does mean that since October 2019 I have lost a total of 50.21% of my original body weight to sickness.

I have a Gastric Emptying Scan later this week which I am hoping will finally confirm my diagnosis, though doctors are 99% certain I have gastroparesis after a gastroscopy showed food debris in my stomach 13 hours after fasting, showing a definite motility problem. Once I have my diagnosis I am hoping there will be a treatment or surgery they can give me to help get this vomiting under control so that I can finally have a normal quality of life and actually keep a meal down.

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum

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What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is severe and excessive nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that can affect approximately 1 in 100 pregnant women. But how can someone tell when it’s hyperemesis and when it’s regular Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy?

HG is diagnosed by doctors when:
~ Nausea and/or Vomiting doesn’t subside and is constant
~ Nausea and/or Vomiting is preventing adequate nutrition/fluid intake. Patients often become malnourished and/or dehydrated.
~ There is weight loss
~ Electrolyte imbalances

Here are some differences between NVP and HG, as illustrated by The Pregnancy Sickness Support Charity

How long does HG Last?
For a lot of HG patients, their sickness significantly improves between 14-20 weeks in pregnancy, sadly however there are some women who suffer the entire pregnancy.

But what causes HG in pregnancy?
Not a lot is known about why some women get more sick than others, but scientist believe there are a few possibilities that cause it. One of the theories is genetic component GDF15, another is to do with a rapid rise in the hCG hormone (human chorionic gonadotrophin). There are also theories that the thyroid can play a role in the the causes of hyperemesis gravidarum. Whatever the cause HG is seriously hellish

But forgetting the label. Any sickness in pregnancy is miserable and can really affect the mental health of the sufferer, especially if it is ongoing. Its important that whether you have HG or NVP that you reach out for support. You don’t have to suffer in silence there are so many things that you can try to help. Medications can help as well as other things that your health provider can discuss with you, but also talking support to deal with the low mood and negative feelings that constant nausea and vomiting can bring. A very good source of help for me was from the Pregnancy Sickness Support Charity who organised a peer worker for me to talk to, and there was also a very good forum where I could ask questions and talk to people in a similar situation.

Credit:
www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
www.rcog.org.uk

Welcome to my Hyperemesis Gravidarum Blog!!

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Welcome to my Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) Blog! Im Michelle, from the UK and am 33 years old with 3 children

I have gone through 3 HG pregnancies and 1 HG loss and feel that there is just not enough support and awareness of this awful condition. And even less knowledge about the after effects to both mother and baby after a hyperemesis pregnancy. I decided to write this blog and share my experiences with both Hyperemesis Gravidarum and also its after effects on my health.

The hyperemesis in my 3rd pregnancy was so severe that I needed multiple interventions to keep me alive including the use of steroids, PICC Lines, Daily IV fluids, TPN and feeding tubes. In the UK some of these interventions were practically unheard of in an HG pregnancy, when I reached out for support there were so little resources and experiences available. I decided that if my story or experiences could even help just one person feel not so alone then it would be worth sharing. So here I am writing this blog; hoping that it will educate, promote awareness, validate the suffering of women with HG but most of all give hope to anyone going through this hell, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. That your suffering is not for nothing and that little bundle of joy is worth every second of this sinister condition.

You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice!