tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385839959456308972024-03-13T10:37:55.285-07:00Keeping Yourself Up When You Can't Keep it Downbyuxc.runner@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122855595122875969noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838583995945630897.post-64399148710158915172017-03-14T20:27:00.000-07:002017-03-15T20:00:45.720-07:00How can I spread Awareness?/Media Resources<span style="font-size: 12pt;">This post is for further resources and information to share on social media; I've included articles, videos/news reports, and memes all about Hyperemesis Gravidarum. And of course, for chuckling enjoyment as some of these memes nail it spot on. ;) If you have something that you think should be added to this post, please comment below and I'll look at it! </span><br />
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Articles on Hyperemesis Gravidarum</h3>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.morningsicknesssurvivalkits.com.au/please-dont-cracker-me-i-have-hyperemesis-gravidarum/">How to best support women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/severe-morning-sickness--known-as-hg--can-leave-women-starving/2017/03/10/2ebbdaa4-ecad-11e6-9662-6eedf1627882_story.html?utm_term=.01c21bb745c8">Severe morning sickness-known as HG-can leave women starving </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/mom-not-enjoying-pregnancy/?utm_source=FB">To the Mom not Enjoying her pregnancy</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogs.babycenter.com/pregnancy/17-things-its-time-the-world-understood-about-hyperemesis-gravidarum/">21 Things it's time the world understood about Hyperemesis Gravidarum</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jessica-martinweber/why-this-6-time-survivor-is-grateful-kate-middleton-has-hyperemesis-gravidarum_b_5784300.html">Why this 6 time survivor is grateful Kate Middleton has Hyperemesis Gravidarum</a><br />
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<a href="http://theleakyboob.com/2014/05/i-dont-know-how-to-tell-you-about-hyperemesis-gravidarum/">I don't know how to tell you about Hyperemesis Gravidarum </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.mamamia.com.au/kate-middleton-hyperemesis-gravidarum/">What Hyperemesis Gravidarum feels like</a><br />
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<a href="http://theconversation.com/when-nausea-from-pregnancy-is-life-threatening-46709">When nausea from pregnancy is life threatening </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.helpher.org/hyperemesis-gravidarum/">About Hyperemesis Gravidarum</a><br />
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<a href="https://theestablishment.co/what-i-have-is-far-scarier-than-morning-sickness-36b23ace6a8d#.gqdyqzuj2">What I Have is Far Scarier than Morning Sickness</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/hyperemesis-gravidarum-morning-sickness-ptsd/">Hyperemesis Gravidarum gave me Morning Sickness PTSD </a><br />
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News Reports and Videos on Hyperemesis Gravidarum </h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Start this above video at 4:50</span></div>
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The helpful information is towards the end. </div>
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From the start until 5:05 and then starting again at 10:25 </div>
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Hyperemesis Gravidarum and related Memes</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How YOU can help a loved one with HG!!!!</td></tr>
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byuxc.runner@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122855595122875969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838583995945630897.post-33391493494613442962016-10-20T12:45:00.002-07:002017-04-29T16:28:32.154-07:00The "HG Normal"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you're learning that you do, in fact, have Hyperemesis Gravidarum for the first time, you may be wondering what symptoms you are experiencing are as a result of HG, or just being pregnant. There may be such a huge onslaught of "new," that you don't even know what to expect anymore.You may have also had some scary things happen, and you're wondering if you're not alone, if it is normal. Here, we'll tell you what the "HG normal" is. ;)<br />
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<li><b>Vomiting Bile and Blood-</b> This happens pretty often among patients. If you're not sure what bile, also known as "stomach acid" looks like, it can vary in color but is typically green-yellow and will taste...well, like bile. Blood can vary in shade as well, being darker to crimson. These are important things to bring up to your doctor in your next appointment; even if there isn't immediate action taken, they will at least be aware and may see a need to add medications/treatments or increase dosages. Vomiting bile means you <i>literally</i> have nothing left to vomit besides your stomach contents. I had this happen often, and just a note: for me trying to get rid of the taste with a sip of water made it worse, I chewed gum and that helped. Blood can happen because you have a tear in your esophagus or because your throat tissues are irritated. The irritation could be because of how often you're vomiting or something you ate. Rice (when I was trying to morning sickness remedies of eating bland foods) never failed to tear me up. </li>
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<li><b>Ketones-</b> This is your body's indication of starvation. When you are starving, your body starts to break down itself in order to survive, thus spilling proteins called "ketones" into your urine. Most doctor offices test for this when you submit a urine sample at doctor appointments. Ask about it. You can also use test strips at home. You dip the test strip in your urine and the strip will react and manifest a color showing how much ketones are in your urine. By the time I knew about these, my doctor monitored mine closely enough I didn't need to do this, but here is an example to look for. You may need to call ahead in stores near you to find one, but I found them at Walgreens. Here is a color chart example so you can see how it works. If you do this and find they are present, take a picture for your doctor. If you consistently have ketones and your doctor is acting unconcerned and not doing anything more to help you, get a new doctor! Ketones present can hurt your baby over time, not to mention you. In the most severe of cases, you may require hospitalization. I was hospitalized because of the need to get my feeding tube placed, but also because after a blood draw, my liver function tests were alarming. This happens when you have been starving for a prolonged period of time. Make sure that you and your doctor are monitoring your ketones to protect you and baby.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><b>Constipation</b>- Almost undoubtedly, you're dehydrated and that's going to affect your digestive system. And you're pregnant. And, you're probably taking Zofran or Phenegran. All are going to compound the problem. Obviously you can't fix the problem with diet or exercise so what do you do? I would suggest trying fiber gummies. I took double the recommended dosage (the max per day) and right before bed. They get absorbed quicker and stayed down better. Also to try, enemas. It is a saline bottle that has a flexible tip that is inserted into the anus. Squeezing the saline inside of you in this manner will trigger an involuntary response and urge to pass stool. Sounds unpleasant, but they are <u>fantastic.</u> They are available in grocery stores, just follow the instructions on the box. If you can keep it down, stool softener is also available over the counter. My (and my husband's favorite in treating his patients as a nurse) is Senna-S, shown below, and I also took the max dosage. I also crushed these and administered via my feeding tube, that is an option as well for those with a PICC or central line. Another treasure trove is Witch hazel wipes if you have hemorrhoids already. For extra comfort, keep the container in the fridge so that they are cool when you are ready to use them! </li>
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<li><b>Lack of bladder control- </b>As if HG didn't make you lose dignity enough, you didn't escape the good ol' relaxing of the muscles in the land down under. While engaged in violent vomiting episodes, things can get tricky. My favorite method is sitting on the toilet and vomiting into a bowl/bucket, and then emptying contents into toilet. If it's plastic, make sure you're not attached because the smell is hard to get out. The disposable gallon ice cream buckets are perfect, lid included to keep smells at bay. Garbage bins (including at public restrooms, don't eeeeeven feel bad, just grab it and run to the nearest stall. They'll get it back!) If there isn't a container of some sort, and you don't have something with you, just grab wads of toilet paper and hold it in place so no urine gets on you or the floor. I recently discovered some panties that are designed for leaky mommas, go <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiqFwEKCkII" target="_blank">here</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiqFwEKCkII"> </a>for the video! (And you can always use pantyliners as well.) If you're on the go, keep ziploc or emesis bags in your purse. You may have a stash from hospital visits or when you're at the doctor's office and the staff recognizes you and starts stuffing them in your face. :) There are different kinds. </li>
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<li><b>Emesis bags- </b>There are two basic designs. You'll find which you prefer. I looooooooooooove these ones! (shown immediately below) the rim fits around your face so there is no splatter, and when you're done with the bag, you can twist it and secure it in place by pushing it into one of the notches on the rim. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here
is another kind. Not as much of a fan because it doesn't fit around
your face. Folds up great to go in pockets or small purses though!<br />
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And
if someone tries to give you this....if you value your clothes or or
other possible casualties, just don't. Try not to laugh at the pathetic
kidney bean, just ask for a garbage can if they have nothing else. <br />
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<li><b>Broken teeth/teeth problems- </b>The effect on teeth of Hyperemesis Gravidarum matches the horror stories that you hear about Bulima: because both involve frequent vomiting. If you are able to brush your teeth, you may be tempted to do that afterwards to get the taste out. Don't do it! With the acid still on your teeth it actually worsens the problem by brushing your teeth with it still on the surface. If brushing your teeth is a vomiting trigger for you, try switching up toothpastes, (choosing the ones labeled "for sensitive teeth" could really help!) brushing your back teeth first as it will make the toothpaste stay away from the taste buds longer, this helps some women. If you can't brush your teeth, try swishing mouth wash or water. </li>
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<b>Lack of hygiene</b>- It may be that you are so ill that you cannot physically handle things like bathing/showering, brushing your hair, putting on makeup, etc. The first one in particular can be a doozy. You're very malnourished, and standing up in the steam and the heat can worsen dizzy or fainting spells. At my worst, I only bathed once every 4-7 days and had to take a short bath. If you have someone that can help you bathe such as a spouse, sister, or trusted friend, even if it's only washing your hair, you will feel so much better. Make sure that if you don't brush your hair everyday, that you keep it in a braid if it's long enough. Many women with HG get dreads, rat nests, and impossible knots in their hair, sometimes so badly they just have to cut it off. A possible alternative is a lot of patience and brushing starting from the bottom up. Using conditioner will help too.Some women also have the problem of hair loss, it coming out in large clumps on their pillow, in the shower, and so on. <br />
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<li><b>Conflicting opinions- </b>Whether it's your family, friends, or medical staff, because Hyperemesis Gravidarum is rare, not very much is known about the condition itself. It's going to be hard because it is such a strong emotional time for you, and a lot of people are going to have opinions, and when they don't work, they may chalk it up to you being over dramatic or that <i>you</i> did something wrong. </li>
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<b>Avoid becoming bitter- </b>With so many people offering suggestions to try, saying things like "Oh, I was so sick too!", people not taking you seriously, people avoiding you and being ashamed of being around you, etc. It's hard for that not to take an emotional toll, because well, you're human! Find people who <i>will</i> support you, and even if it's one of the Facebook groups. And something that I've started to say is, <u>"I have a rare condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum. I can't stop vomiting, and to a point that my body is literally in starvation mode." </u>Putting it in terms like that, and completely disassociating it with morning sickness can help them to see HG for what it really is.<br />
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<li><b>Find things to be grateful for</b>, even the tiny things. If you're religious, pray for help to see the positive things that will come out of this, pray for endurance and spiritual peace. If you're not religious, try to see the "silver lining" of things. I know it may seem ridiculous, and I'm not going to say it'll make all your problems go away, in fact, your situation may not change at all! But I do <u>promise </u>it will help, it will give you a sense of hope, and it will give you the strength to carry on. </li>
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Here is an extremely touching video that helps us learn how we can find happiness, even in our darkest hours of life. </div>
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byuxc.runner@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122855595122875969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838583995945630897.post-67506410745522467212016-10-20T12:44:00.002-07:002017-10-10T13:48:31.679-07:00For Friends and Family<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
How can I help?<br />
Often, it is not a question of whether or not patients with Hyperemesis Gravidarum have people around them that care about them and their well-being; including their lives in the spectrum of HG. However, because it is such a rare condition, it is hard for people to relate and support someone going through something they've never even heard of, and when something commonly relateable: morning sickness, doesn't have much crossover in how to support an HG patient. I can attest that good people can say insensitive things, both things I've said and things that have been said to me in my severe HG pregnancies. Sometimes it becomes hard to remember that people are trying to comfort you in a way that you can relate, even if it comes across as insulting like "Oh come on, you can't be <i>that</i> sick.", or trivializing, "When I was pregnant, I was always nauseated, I know just how you feel!" To start off, one of the biggest ways you can support your loved one is:<br />
1. Realizing that Hyperemesis Gravidarum is <u>not</u> morning sickness.<br />
If this is a surprise to you, you're not the first nor the last. It's important to realize that remedies such as small meals, crackers, sips of fluid, etc. rarely helps HG patients. And what tends to work in most cases is for women to eat things that "sound good," so don't give them the side eye if they're eating something strange or unhealthy. Cravings become almost instinctual, and often the only thing that is going to stay down is whatever their body is telling them they need.<br />
<br />
Realizing that HG is not morning sickness has an emotional and psycological component as well. When they are buffed by society in demeaning what they're going through, having a <br />
<br />
<span class="hascaption">10. Being sick is a sign of a healthy
pregnancy</span><br />
<span class="hascaption">9. Don't be such a drama queen, perhaps you should see a
psychiatrist</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">8. Take a shower and then take a walk outside</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">7. You should feel better by now, it's been 3
months</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">6. Eat lots of small meals daily</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">5. Think positive, it's mind over matter</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">4. Try seabands</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">3. You should try ginger</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">2. Eat some crackers</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">and the #1 thing not to say to an HG woman is...</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Oh, I was sick when I was pregnant too!</span></div>
<br />byuxc.runner@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122855595122875969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838583995945630897.post-31583281336638469662016-10-15T12:01:00.006-07:002016-11-12T18:52:36.088-08:00Finding a Doctor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You may not be very pleased with the treatment your doctor is offering for your Hyperemesis Gravidarum. It occurs too often, there is not enough awareness and education on HG. However, there has been a network set up in two places (that I know of thus far).<br />
<br />
<h2>
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) Facebook group </h2>
<ul>
<li>First, you need to be added to the group. It may take a little while, there are only 4 administrators for the +7,800 members. </li>
<li>Next, when you open the page, at the top you will see "Pinned Post" by Angela Hawkins. (Remember to read the rules!) Click on that. </li>
<li>The last link offered in the pinned posts is titled " Need a doctor? Check our list." </li>
<li>Click on that link, look up your location information, (worldwide) and call the doctor!</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Help Her Referral Network </h2>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Go the the website <a href="http://www.helpher.org/mothers/referral-network/index.php" target="_blank">here</a></span>. </li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"> Enter your location information. (worldwide)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Find the one(s) closest to you and give them a call! </span></li>
</ul>
<h2>
What if there isn't a doctor near me?</h2>
Sorry, but you may need to "blaze the trail." If you are in this situation, go to this website <a href="http://www.helpher.org/mothers/referral-network/interviewing-new-doctor.php" target="_blank">here</a><a href="http://www.helpher.org/mothers/referral-network/interviewing-new-doctor.php"> </a>to see a list of interview questions to ask you doctor. Remember you are putting your life and your baby's life in his/her willingness to help you with your HG. Trust your gut and pray!<br />
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<h2>
How to get ready for your first doctor appointment</h2>
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They say that first impressions are very important. If you are getting ready to meet your doctor for the first time, here are some of my suggestions. (In addition to interviewing the doctor beforehand with the questions mentioned above.)<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Write down your medications and dosages.</u> This may not apply to you if this is your first Hyperemesis Gravidarum pregnancy unless you are taking unrelated pregnancy medications. If this is not your first time, write down what medications you have tried, regardless of their efficiency in treating you. </li>
<li><u>Write down or be prepared with a firm number of the average amount of times you vomit a day, and include what your minimum and maximum ranges are.</u> When you say "I throw up all the time" there is much room for interpretation. When you say "I throw up on average 20 times, the fewest being 10, the max being 30," they take you more seriously and it's very clear that you're not dealing with morning sickness.</li>
<li><u>Don't be afraid to speak up.</u> Your doctor may start rattling off morning sickness treatments. For my first baby, when I didn't know what HG was, there was a nurse in the office that was very rude and didn't listen. She obviously didn't have any patience for my supposed over-dramatic, first-time-pregnant woes. When I went in to get fluids, the first time she sent me away, telling me to go and try a list of remedies that I'd already tried. The second time I went in, she did the same thing, but this time I interrupted her with "tried that." She seemed to think it was a contest and started naming off a total of at least two dozen different remedies. When she started repeating herself and couldn't think of anything more, she said, "Wow, you really have tried everything!" Guess what? I got the fluids. If your doctor or medical professional is taking the conversation in a direction you don't agree with, be courteous, but get them back on track. </li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Keep it together.</u> You're about to see the person that you're literally putting so many hopes and trust in, hoping that they'll help bring an end or balm to your suffering. That plus pregnancy.....you're prone to get emotional. Try to keep the tears at bay, especially if your doctor is a man; a gender who tend to feel an urge to flee when women are crying. </div>
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<u>Keep your answers concise.</u> Doctors are often behind schedule, and are trying to get around to see the appointments as fast as possible. They may be harried, and may not want to take a long time to discuss your treatment. If you try and abbreviate as much as you can without leaving important details out, they will be less prone to interrupt you or stop listening to what you're saying. This relationship will help you to get to all of your concerns and make for an open environment. </div>
</li>
<li><u>Write down your questions.</u> When I'm pregnant, I have an ongoing memo or note on my phone listed "Questions for Doctor." In between appointments, I always think, "Oh, I should ask about that," and then completely forget what I wanted to ask in the appointment itself, even if it's been a hot topic in my thoughts for weeks. This shows that you are coming to your appointment prepared, and that you value your doctor's time. Not to mention helping to get your questions answered despite a pregnant/mommy brain! </li>
<li><u>Be courteous, but remember you're paying for this appointment.</u> More times than I could count in my first pregnancy, I waited a loooong time to be seen, and then my doctor tried to do the 30 second appointment and get the heck out of there. It took me a while to get the courage to say, "I'm sorry, before we're finished, I have a concern." Or something to that effect. I felt like I was imposing on his time and wanted to help him catch up at my own expense. When I realized what I was doing, I stopped myself by realizing I was paying for this time, and I needed to take advantage of it to get the care I needed. Now, if you have a found a doctor that says, "Do you have any more questions?" until you run out of questions, in my book, you have found a winner. I did for my second pregnancy, if you'd ask me, I'd tell you the sun rose and set on my doctor!!</li>
<li><u>Send resources.</u> If you are "blazing the trail", send the helpher.org resources to your doctor ahead of time. Do it with plenty of time before the appointment, and then follow up at least three days (beginning of business day) before to see if your doctor has read it. If they haven't, ask them to, call back the next day and see if they're gotten to it yet. Be kind and respectful, because you don't want to come off as over bearing, but you do need him/her to be prepared to help you. </li>
<li><u>Send your patient records.</u> This is common sense, but I thought I'd put it here to help ease your mommy brains!</li>
</ul>
byuxc.runner@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122855595122875969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838583995945630897.post-2629676667612471912016-10-15T12:01:00.002-07:002016-11-12T18:47:42.307-08:00Morning Sickness, or HG?<br />
<br />
I grew up hearing about "really bad, all day, morning sickness" but never knew it as more than that until late into my first pregnancy. My mom was constantly sick, and I have memories of seeing her as a child in her pregnancies. I guessed that there was a chance that I would get sick too, and when I got pregnant for the first time I quickly found out for myself. Then, people started asking me if I had the same thing that the Princess Kate Middleton had. Never being one to follow the tabloids, it was the first I'd heard of it. Then I talked to my doctor and asked hesitantly if that was what I had. The response, "Oh yeah. You are the poster child, a classic, perfect example of Hyperemesis Gravidarum."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RF6K5e0FsHo/V-nnTsyKJPI/AAAAAAAAAxA/VZWbtBuwBw8Te82ccZUpdRYMr8X1ERbSgCPcB/s1600/HG_MS%2Bchart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RF6K5e0FsHo/V-nnTsyKJPI/AAAAAAAAAxA/VZWbtBuwBw8Te82ccZUpdRYMr8X1ERbSgCPcB/s400/HG_MS%2Bchart.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You've seen this before in the blog, but thought I'd put it here to help out again! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
So if you're like me, you may be looking for validation of your feelings that what you're going through cannot be morning sickness. That it's not normal. But where is the line? Here's a bit of a general rule that doctors go by...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">loss of greater than 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight (usually over 10%) <b>The percentage is important because it is possible to lose weight with morning sickness. </b></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">dehydration and production of ketones (proteins spilling in your urine, indication of starvation.) </span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">nutritional deficiencies </span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">metabolic imbalances </span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">difficulty with daily activities</span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></ul>
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Before we get into this though, it's important to realize that <i><u>misery isn't a contest.</u></i> There is nothing to be gained from trying to see if "my life is harder than yours." However, Hyperemesis Gravidarum <u><i>is</i></u> real, and it <u><i>is</i></u> different than morning sickness. Someone may have different challenges that makes their morning sickness pregnancy so much more difficult than meets the eye. I've heard somewhere the phrase, <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"If all of our troubles hung on a line, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You'd still pick yours,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I'd pick mine."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's stuck with me, and I've taken it to mean that even if we could see all the trials that everyone would have in their lifetime, we wouldn't trade their hardest trials for <i>our </i>hardest trials. Ultimately, it may be the only way to know for sure is with your doctor's diagnosis. (If you're unhappy with your doctor, go <a href="http://hgawareness.blogspot.com/2016/10/finding-doctor.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) <i><u>We're</u></i> not doctors, but here is our two bits! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9FZA732KRw/WAj2ke0n4gI/AAAAAAAAA8c/QgETotJ4Gfou2Ho6H9uPfklTulrWGemrACEw/s400/hg%2Bmeme%2B5.jpg" width="385" /></div>
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<br />
<h2>
Here's what we said... </h2>
<br />
<br />
I asked women for their input on why they considered themselves to have mild Hyperemesis Gravidarum instead of morning sickness. Here are their thoughts.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Mine hasn't been deadly. No PICC line or anything like that. However, when my HG started I threw up 20-30 times a day, even with medication. I have been to the ER countless times for fluids due to being dehydrated. There are a lot of women who have it a lot worse than me. I have my days where I can function, but the nausea is ALWAYS there. No matter what. I'm extremely tired, feeling like I'm always fighting a battle. Food isn't safe. Most drinks aren't safe. Weak body. No sleep." -Shelby<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"My morning sickness was all day with my previous two, but I could stomach most liquids and foods just throwing up a few times a day. I didn't really know what HG was until my doctor told me what I had, this time around I lost 8kgs (17.6 pounds) in 3wks, I got badly dehydrated and my body started a food aversion, for 3wks I didn't eat, I couldn't stomach water even and I ended up hospitalized, I think that's where the difference was for me. With my first I gained 28kgs (61.7 pounds), with my second I lost 2kgs (4.4 pounds) the day I went into labor, this one I'm 20wks on Saturday and am still under pre-pregnancy weight." -Sky <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><br /></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">"My
OB said she diagnoses when you have to call in for fluids because of
dehydration. If you're not losing weight, then once is probably in the
realm of morning sickness. More than one hospital trip and losing a
high percentage of your weight is the key
to me. I didn't know first pregnancy, but second pregnancy I got a
diagnosis and help because of my concerning weight loss. I had lost
more than 10% of my body weight by mid pregnancy. She diagnosed me
because of the weight loss and fluids trips."-Laura</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkrXYoNMJN8/WCfRQJimv_I/AAAAAAAABBo/SRAbTq3cpfokI8SJkKV9OawzbjRmSJ4FgCLcB/s1600/HG%2Bexperience.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkrXYoNMJN8/WCfRQJimv_I/AAAAAAAABBo/SRAbTq3cpfokI8SJkKV9OawzbjRmSJ4FgCLcB/s640/HG%2Bexperience.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
"I would vomit 20+ times a day, Lost weight, ER visits with IV, Zofran , Phenergan suppositories, Reglan. It lasted into my 3rd trimester. A feeling of a loss of self. Not being able to live your life normally and take care of kids or work."-Stephanie <br />
<br />
<br /><br />
"For me, HG was so much more than just nausea and vomiting. It was my entire body feeling exhausted from doing nothing, tired and out of breath from just showering or walking across the room. I would just lay in the dark not moving for hours. I would be starving but completely unable to eat. Or knowing that when I took meds for it that I had a very short window where I could eat and drink without getting sick or feeling bad. I would choose food based on how "easy" it would be to throw up. I had no choice. And my HG this time wasn't severe. It was severe with my twins, so I knew it could be worse, but still I was completely unable to do anything for myself or anyone. It was like being trapped inside a depressed eating disordered body and having no choice in it."-Britney<br />
<br />
<br />
"This pregnancy has been what I considered mild HG. I feel that it's HG rather than morning sickness because I still required IV hydration, a hospital stay and medication. And it affected my daily living and being able to function." -Tricia <br />
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCNrDSFib7I/WCfRQHZJDFI/AAAAAAAABBs/4OD5AXvivZUDEyswHq6NcJCslxaBZ1VkwCEw/s1600/Emesis%2Bnemesis.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCNrDSFib7I/WCfRQHZJDFI/AAAAAAAABBs/4OD5AXvivZUDEyswHq6NcJCslxaBZ1VkwCEw/s320/Emesis%2Bnemesis.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
"I had morning sickness my first pregnancy. I had a lot of vomiting and nausea for about 7 weeks but could keep down some food and stay hydrated without medication. This pregnancy was so much worse than morning sickness. I couldn't keep anything down at all. A sip of water and I would be vomiting five minutes later. One hospital admission for dehydration and then I was put on Diclegis, which thankfully worked. I was still spending all day in bed and only showering once a week, which took everything out of me. My quality of life suffered. Thankfully it stopped around 20 weeks, but I've started vomiting in the morning again now in my third trimester." -Elizabeth<br />
<br />
<br />
"I considered mine in the category of HG because I lost 30 pounds very quickly. Nothing was helping. Most days I couldn't even eat or drink anything and when I did I threw it up. I couldn't function, or get out of bed without feeling like absolute death. I also would go days without eating or drinking anything." -Kayla<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FCG4fKWAUF4/WAkTKC82NCI/AAAAAAAAA8w/XCgVVgOC6xA7yBqTonQV0paplQDmZShOgCLcB/s400/comparing.jpg" width="281" /></div>
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FCG4fKWAUF4/WAkTKC82NCI/AAAAAAAAA8w/XCgVVgOC6xA7yBqTonQV0paplQDmZShOgCLcB/s1600/comparing.jpg"></a><br />
"I knew when I became dehydrated and had to go to hospital. Morning sickness is feeling nauseous and possibly being sick but still managing to stay hydrated and nibble on snacks. HG is being unable to keep anything down for longer than 30 mins meaning you get dehydrated and lose weight."<br />
-Daniella<br />
<br />
<br />
"From what I gathered from people giving advice, morning sickness...you do throw up but you still can eat. And it only lasts for a short time (my sister in law was sick for 3 weeks and asked me how I did it for 7 months). While my case was no where near as bad as some I've seen [on the HG Facebook support group] I still lost 25lbs the first month I was pregnant didn't gain any weight with my daughter until I was 7 months only gained 17 lbs total (which was because I could finally eat and I took advantage of that) I did have days where I didn't throw up but those were also days I didn't eat or drink."-Gesina<br />
<br />
"My previous pregnancies have been moderate-severe (hospitalizations, fluids, no response to meds), but this one I'd consider mild-moderate. I've never had a non-HG pregnancy, so I'm not sure what routine morning sickness feels like. I consider this time to be mild HG because without meds, I'd be hospitalized for sure. I can't keep food down without them, and I know I'd be seriously dehydrated. However, since I started meds at my positive test this time, I've been able to keep myself hydrated without IVs and I've gained some weight (about 8-9 pounds at 28 weeks, yay!) instead of losing like my previous pregnancies. I know it's HG and not just regular morning sickness because it REQUIRES meds in order to keep me from being seriously ill, and it doesn't go away at the end of the first trimester."-Sarah<br />
<br />
<br />
"I think I've had mild/moderate HG. I wasn't hospitalized and I vomited only 4-5 times a day. But It wasn't morning sickness because:<br />
1. I was feeling bad all day. All the time. No relief. Not even after vomiting. I suffered from constant nausea, gagging, dizziness and headaches. <br />
2. The meds never made me feel well. They did take off the edge though.<br />
3. I couldn't take care of myself. Things like walking, talking, preparing food and getting dressed were very difficult or impossible.<br />
These things are not typical of morning sickness, to the best of my knowledge."-Shira<br />
<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4bMVK0Ugj0/WCfT9ZYMg9I/AAAAAAAABCU/pnAwaPJl2WkZCrzIWTSmarXI4uqKWKbnQCLcB/s400/aydenrae.jpg" width="300" /></div>
<br />
<br />
"Well at first I thought it was just morning sickness and wondered how mothers did it time after time. It wasn't until I was down 15 lbs, passing out and going 3-4 days without holding liquids down that required multiple ER trips that I figured out it wasn't 'just morning sickness'"-Mallory<br />
<br />
<br />
"I was in denial that I had HG for the longest time. I kept attributing it to morning sickness but as my weight began to decrease and I was being admitted to the hospital I accepted it. I never threw up as much as many of the others but I threw up enough that it physically affected my body and life. I found myself straying away from food because I didn't want to throw it up. At work I was useless but I did everything I could to keep my job." -Katie<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I classify mine as mild HG because it affected my daily living and I lost a lot of weight (as well as being diagnosed by my midwife). I feel like women who have ms can still function. I could not work or care for my kids properly and keep up with housework." -Emily<br />
<br />
<br />
"I know I have HG because I couldn't keep any food down and when I had an empty stomach I would just dry wretch. 3 Hospital visits for dehydration and lost weight. I consider it mild because I haven't vomited since I started on Zofran 2 and a half weeks ago (though I'm still nauseated most of the time but can function a bit)" -Jo <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although I'm sure most of us would LOVE to have a simple glass of water. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">I
start off moderate and with medication and IV therapy I become mild. I
still consider myself HG until the end because I still need IV hydration in
the third trimester and still vomit even on meds...just less frequently.</span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"> Oh and the debilitating fatigue! I could barely get off the couch some days." -Anastasia</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><br /></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><br /></span></span>
"I classified mine as mild. I lost quite a bit of weight when I was having my son. I couldn't eat, I couldn't drink, I was vomiting all the time. When that finally stopped I was always nauseated so even though I had stopped vomiting as much, the thought of food turned my stomach. I couldn't study anymore, I couldn't watch after my 2 year old. I couldn't cook and cleaning was an effort. It really stuffed me up. I had morning sickness with my daughter and this was very different." -Melanie<br />
<br />
<br />
"I'm gonna make a list. I'm very much aware my case is mild. But these make me think I have HG:<br />
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1. Spending your day either in bed or on the sofa when not medicated.<br />
2. If medication has stopped making effect, moving, a smell, coughing, brushing teeth... cause violent vomit.<br />
3. Stopped going to places I love because there's a smell I had not noticed before (or I used to like). <br />
4. Lots of smells, loud noises, moving fast, riding in the car, looking at a screen... cause nausea, hyperventilation and a feeling like I'm about to faint.<br />
5. Vomit, though not frequent, is violent enough to cause digestive bleeding, peeing on myself, bursting of face blood vessels, dizziness, choking. Have vomited pure blood and bile.<br />
6. Although I do not need a ton of medication or a big combo (on 12 mg Zofran a day, plus a lot of Pepcid, right now), I depend totally on the medicines to have a semi-normal life at 18 weeks.<br />
7. Severe motion sickness I have never ever had when not pregnant.<br />
8. Horrible stomach pains after eating anything (except one safe food), even drinking when not medicated. Tremendous excess of acid/bile in stomach.<br />
9. Despite painful horrible hunger, my brain decided that food and drink were poisonous and disgusting. Despite the medication there are whole food categories I can't even get near to yet.<br />
10. Loss of 23 pounds in 6-7 weeks. No weight gained the last 3 weeks.<br />
11. Dehydration: dark orange urine, tiny quantities; dry cracked skin and lips; dry eyes and flat veins; some lack of electrolytes and some protein in urine. <br />
12. Exhaustion, lack of concentration, feelings of depression and inadequacy, weakness.<br />
13. OB diagnosis.<br />
14. Sleep issues caused by nausea." -Mireia<br />
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<h2>
Before you go...</h2>
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Whether you have morning sickness or Hyperemesis Gravidarum we can all agree; pregnancy isn't glamorous on anyone! I hope that you get some help, support and relief in this difficult time. Until then, enjoy these memes that we can <i>all</i> relate to.<br />
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***This post contains pictures of food which could be a trigger to some Hyperemesis Gravidarum patients..***</div>
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When you are in the throes of Hyperemesis, it's hard to take care of yourself, much less older children. <br />
<h2>
Throw away the guilt</h2>
When you are a Hyperemesis Gravidarum patient, life is not going to be as it was. You're not going to do all the same things you did as a mother before becoming pregnant. You may have to give up or adapt things like home cooked meals, fun play dates outside, family excursions, and so on. This is a hard thing to let go, but remember, right now it's about <u>survival</u>. Also to remember, as my mom says, "Having babies is a family affair." Everyone's situation is different, but what "survival" could look like for you is a mixture of children stepping up, husband filling in, and friends and extended family lending a hand.<br />
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Although this woman, is not an HG patient, she is a mom, and this seemed just too fitting not to share. </div>
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You just "do"</h2>
I remember when I was pregnant with my first son and I was talking to my mom (who had 6 HG pregnancies) on the phone, and she told me that this was going to be my easiest pregnancy. I was bemused, I had no idea what she meant by that. When I was pregnant with my second baby, it became crystal clear. I remember fearfully asking her how she did it, how did she take care of her older children while pregnant herself and not always having people around to lend a hand. She said, "Eden, you just 'do.'" Now, I know that by that she meant that "just do," we create a balance of letting less important things go, and stepping up with inhuman efforts to continue to care for our children even when we can scarcely function ourselves. <br />
<h2>
Asking for help</h2>
I had never really been in a situation where I <i>couldn't</i> do things until I had Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Or at least, that the most inconsequential things took a mountain of effort. It may be that in order for your family to function...that you may need to do a bit of swallowing your own pride to accept help. And that is okay, because being sick <u><i>is not your fault</i></u>, and it doesn't make you any less of a mother. This is a life lesson on a platter to help you grow as a person, and for those closest to you to have that experience as well. <br />
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Is there anything I can do....? </h4>
You may have had people hearing about your condition and asking, "Is there anything I can do to help?" They may not in actuality plan on following through, they may be offering out of social courtesy, or they may genuinely want to help your situation, but they're <u>offering</u>, so be prepared! Keep a list, maybe it's a mental one or one in or your phone, but if someone offers their help be prepared to say, "Why yes, I really could use some help cleaning my kitchen" or, "I would love some company and have a talk with someone, is there a time you can come by this week?" or, "My child would love a playdate, could they come play with your kids?" Let them know when would work for you and ask what would work for them, establish a time then if possible. If family is all far away but really want to help, perhaps suggest "play packages" with exciting new coloring books, dollar store toys, etc. for your children if applicable. They could also order and have food delivered to your door. Above all else, if you're up for it, Facetiming and phone calls can help to keep the loneliness at bay. These are just suggestions to provoke thoughts of what may be the best help to you in your situation. But all of this needs to be done with a lot of gratitude so it doesn't seem like you're being a "leech" or taking advantage of their kindness. Send them a thank you card, make sure to be gracious and grateful, and keep a mental note to do a kindness in return when you're back on your feet.<br />
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Family and Friends</h4>
Again, remember that, "having babies is a family affair," meaning that when mom is down on her back with HG, it's okay for the other members of the family to step up and fill in. Believe it or not, but our superhero mothers are not invincible. *gasp!* I know, the secret is out! And this pertains<span style="color: #0000ee;"> </span>to extended family as well. Good friends that you trust to help with your precious children are also a resource, and if you play it right, everyone can "win" from the situation with a play date! If you are worried about taking advantage of your friends, first consider if this is a matter of swallowing your own pride and expressing gratitude. If you still want to do something in return, offer to get them dinner. And you don't even need to cook it if you're unable to, send them a pizza and prepackaged salad! Order food and have it delivered! Funds are almost always an issue with growing families and accompanying HG medical bills, so you may need to get creative if you feel like you need to do this. But again, there's going to need to be a little bit of swallowing your own pride here, and it's okay to have an "IOU" between friends. Again, express gratitude, don't take advantage of others, and try and return the favor once you're back on your feet. For more a suggestive checklist of possible needs, follow this link <a href="http://www.storknet.com/complications/bedrest/familytips.htm" target="_blank">here</a>. I especially would recommend looking at this if you are here in effort to support a friend or loved one, it's a good checklist of ways you can help. <br />
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Employ day care/babysitter</h4>
If you don't know someone that can come and watch/take your kids, you can look into day cares in the area or even hiring a babysitter. One website that was recommended to me by another HG mom was <a href="http://www.care.com/">www.care.com</a> We didn't use it because I found out about it after my babies were born, so I can't tell you my experience. However, it wouldn't have been an option anyway, because we were on a tight budget.<br />
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Hire someone to clean</h4>
You can do an internet search to find services available near you. Again, care.com is a great resource to be found <a href="http://www.care.com/housekeeper-null-p1087-q49290447.html?null&_qs=1">here</a>. <br />
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When there isn't someone around to lend a hand...</h4>
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Sometimes, all you have are your own devices. Perhaps you've moved and haven't gotten to know people yet in your new area, maybe you're surrounded by family, but everyone has full time jobs or you can't trust them with your children. Maybe you <i>are</i> receiving help, but even then, it's rare that you would have access to it 24/7, and as we know, mothers don't ever get to "clock out."<br />
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So I'll admit, I probably don't have all the experience that you're looking for. When I was pregnant with my first, the closest family lived 7 hours away. With my second, my first was 6 months old (they are 15 months apart) and my closest family was an hour away; since we had just moved, I didn't really have people to reach out to. My dear sister was wonderful and helped how she could, but she was in school full time and had a job, she couldn't dote on me hand and foot. I survived by doing bare minimum on housework and spending alot of time laying down next to my son while he played. Later on, my Mom drove up to meet us and took my precious son to be with her for a week and half while I was in and out of the ER and ended up being hospitalized for 4 days. I also had kind souls bring dinner several times, one came and clean my apartment, and one came to help me pack up whilst moving. Each of them will be forever remembered in my heart for coming in my hour of dire need. To compensate for my lack of experience, I have scoured the internet looking for moms that have gone through being bedridden with children and compiled some of their ideas while adding my own. There are also ideas that apply to all age groups, since mothers could have older children home during the summer break, or at least after school. <u>Remember these are all only a list of suggestions, what "survival" looks like is going to change from family to family. </u><br />
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There's nothing wrong with TV</h3>
You are in survival mode. You just need to do what you can! If your kids will tolerate watching the TV, there are different "educational" shows you can offer. My favorites are "Daniel Tiger" and "Signing Time." I am an ASL interpreter in training, so that explains the latter choice: I want my kids to learn this beautiful language as well. Daniel Tiger is great because it helps the children with development and learning how to manage life while teaching us as parents how to help them navigate different milestones. For older age groups, try and find age appropriate stimulating shows, in my experience (growing up babysitter and sibling as well as mother) having a show that doesn't just turn your brain to mush helps with tantrums. But if "mush" is all that's available, mush it is!! <br />
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Library Resources</h3>
There are lots of great things at many public libraries. If unable to handle a short trip yourself, you can send a friend or your spouse to pick up different items. Of course, they have books, but you can also explore books on tape for your or your children, different "storytimes" that perhaps a friend could pick up your child and take with them to, games, toys, movies, shows, etc. that could be a great asset to your family. And the best part is, is that most libraries have a drive by drop off when turning things in to make your life easier.<br />
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Activities at Home</h3>
Since I don't have personal experience entertaining older children while managing Hyperemesis Gravidarum, I scoured the internet and find some ideas to share from those that have in addition to the few that I did use. :)<br />
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<u>Coloring books-</u> These can be great for all ages. With my then 9 month old, I used this often until his brother was born at 15 months. If children are small, putting them in a high chair and perhaps tearing a page out and taping it to the tray could be a good idea. I like crayons because that makes my life easier, cuts down on more...artistic surprises than I bargain for.<br />
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<u>Play dough-</u> You can either buy these at the store, or you can make your own at home! To see one example of a fun recipe, go <a href="http://www.familyeducation.com/fun/playdough/6-homemade-playdough-recipes" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<u>Blanket Forts-</u> My family has great memories of our blanket forts. We had an awesome basement with lots of open spaces, and we made forts that would take up entire rooms! Blanket forts can be as simple or as complicated as you like, and I found a really cute idea online for making PVC blanket forts. This could especially be great if you don't really have alot of space or for older children. To see this tutorial, go to this link <a href="http://oneshetwoshe.com/2014/07/diy-fort-kit.html">here. </a><br />
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Also an idea, especially if space is limited, use the kitchen table! Grab some blankets and books or pillows to create a "drape" effect, and I'm sure that this will occupy even very small little ones because of the fun they'll have playing peek a boo with themselves/you. <br />
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<u>Games-</u> Obviously this suggestion is going to be different for different ages. My little sister was obsessed with "Go Fish" and "Old Maid" when she was 3-4 years old. Check out your local library to see if they offer games to check out. See if you can find them at secondhand stores near you, they usually have them very cheap. And, this is something else that someone could help you with, being willing to let you borrow some games for a few weeks. You can lay on the floor or the couch and have the game on a table with the kids surrounding you.<br />
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<u>"Fishing"-</u> This could be a fun thing for you to create as a family and for the kids to play with after. Go to the tutorial <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2014/09/diy-toy-fishing-pole-that-reels-in-and-magnetic-fabric-fish.html">here</a>. If sewing skills are nill to none, you could substitute with paper fish and glue paper clips or magnets to the fish. If you want them to last, try using posterboard or cardboard even.<br />
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<u>Snacks-</u> This aspect of your everyday life has alot of potential. This is something that people can do to help you, it's always great to have healthy snacks on hand for your kids that you don't have to prepare. It could also be a "crafty" thing that they could do at the kitchen table while you lay down on the couch to supervise. Things like string cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables, lunchables, crackers, pretzels, etc. are all ideas that are nutritious but potentially have minimal mess while presenting minimal smells that could trigger vomiting. (Knock on wood, children always have a way of showing they can go beyond limits and expectations!) Now, don't mistake me, <u>I'm not telling you you have to make "pinteresty" snacks.</u> I would <i>never</i> tell an HG patient to do that. What I <i>am</i> saying is that this is something that could be prepared by a helper or by you, and then you can leave children to create and consume their art. I tried to pick ideas that could be minimal messes and smells, but obviously not all of them may not fit in the category for you and your children. (Bananas are banned from my house when I'm pregnant, instant trigger!)<br />
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***Some of these ideas include skewers or toothpicks. If this isn't age appropriate for all of your children and you can't supervise from the couch, cut off the pointy ends to make them blunt and that can help possible causalities. ;) <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRGGAndfuQE/WCqaEYKE0lI/AAAAAAAABEg/pDvglYWoMKAhbwEIrQfbeTwKzTvUnKgZQCLcB/s1600/ants%2Bon%2Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRGGAndfuQE/WCqaEYKE0lI/AAAAAAAABEg/pDvglYWoMKAhbwEIrQfbeTwKzTvUnKgZQCLcB/s400/ants%2Bon%2Blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ants on a Log" aka celery, peanut butter and raisins</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUPyVXSk7Es/WCygiYUyl7I/AAAAAAAABFQ/XNLzT9EoVtQiJ0dBvc0j-gdVC5SJXz-tQCLcB/s1600/600_ss1_apple_grape_cars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUPyVXSk7Es/WCygiYUyl7I/AAAAAAAABFQ/XNLzT9EoVtQiJ0dBvc0j-gdVC5SJXz-tQCLcB/s400/600_ss1_apple_grape_cars.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple slices can be left by a helper in lemon juice so that you don't need to cut them yourself. Add toothpicks and grapes, voila! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kaXp2bWrweo/WCygj5tFlSI/AAAAAAAABFU/r8DEvDZs4skpaIqn5I8cQMpM-DhqWOe7wCLcB/s1600/51532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kaXp2bWrweo/WCygj5tFlSI/AAAAAAAABFU/r8DEvDZs4skpaIqn5I8cQMpM-DhqWOe7wCLcB/s400/51532.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, use lemon juice. Raisins, peanut butter (although this smell may be a trigger, if it is skip it.) and pretzels. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celery Stalk and body, veggie dip white filling, cucumber, and I'm guessing banana eyeballs?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, and cheese. The cheese can just be in chunks, or you can give your kids slices and they can use cookie cutter shapes to make their own before they make the skewers. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana sandwiches. Who knew?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiwis, bananas, and mandarin oranges! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWHoR3MQqY4/WCyldCPDU1I/AAAAAAAABF0/fOzK53NH-bo4qhDIDj_piO_idXATj-FCACLcB/s400/caterpillar%2Bgrapes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillar grape skewers with chocolate chips and cream cheese dollops(guessing there) for the eyeballs. I saw another example with star sprinkles that may be less messy (just lick it slightly wet and stick stars on). </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6XIE0pA3Qw/WCyod1n-cyI/AAAAAAAABGE/nUKb415oZjInCI_E7jTQOO1hwMNwyZLdACLcB/s400/watermelon%2Bpizza.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watermelon, Kiwi, halved grapes, nuts, strawberries, and shredded mint leaves or lettuce(?)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6XIE0pA3Qw/WCyod1n-cyI/AAAAAAAABGE/nUKb415oZjInCI_E7jTQOO1hwMNwyZLdACLcB/s1600/watermelon%2Bpizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6XIE0pA3Qw/WCyod1n-cyI/AAAAAAAABGE/nUKb415oZjInCI_E7jTQOO1hwMNwyZLdACLcB/s1600/watermelon%2Bpizza.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6XIE0pA3Qw/WCyod1n-cyI/AAAAAAAABGE/nUKb415oZjInCI_E7jTQOO1hwMNwyZLdACLcB/s1600/watermelon%2Bpizza.jpg"></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"> I find that this <span style="color: #0000ee;">form<span style="color: #0000ee;"> of <span style="color: #0000ee;">watermelon makes for <span style="color: #0000ee;">being </span>easier to eat (smaller mess<span style="color: #0000ee;">), all ages<span style="color: #0000ee;">! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80gW2nBQz8U/WFwtHLhma2I/AAAAAAAABGo/B_841BCgJOYSPE2daZg_mePqBHUVSZ0mACEw/s1600/grape%2Bsculptures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80gW2nBQz8U/WFwtHLhma2I/AAAAAAAABGo/B_841BCgJOYSPE2daZg_mePqBHUVSZ0mACEw/s400/grape%2Bsculptures.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is probably best geared towards older children. You don't have to use grapes, pretty much any fruit or vegetable I can think of would work too, but the spherical ones would probably yield the best results. Ideas include blueberries, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, apple slices, etc. (Watch out for the ones that stain!) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mNm8jNfGKM/WFwuiLBrwjI/AAAAAAAABG0/po2DhzLcoVAZfjzx9fbywF4QqqVwhrB2gCLcB/s400/cracker%2Bsandwhiches.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple cracker sandwiches! Just give them the cut up ingredients and let them assort their own edible creations. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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All in all there are many different ideas you can use to make snack time fun. But that doesn't have to be an everyday event, and all of the foods mentioned can be great just by themselves. If you want to make it fun without getting crafty, try using dips for the snacks, like peanut butter, caramel, ranch dressing, and so on. <br />
<h2>
How do I keep up on the things I normally do?</h2>
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Well...the short answer is, you don't. Again, you have to remember to just do the best you can, and this is again another instance where other family members can step it up to help survival. Here are a few ideas. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0N-gbJ5JldY/WFww_8Wqn_I/AAAAAAAABHU/eI7hyTkMtxAzLkOFLAVwYebwK5FqYhLMQCLcB/s1600/laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0N-gbJ5JldY/WFww_8Wqn_I/AAAAAAAABHU/eI7hyTkMtxAzLkOFLAVwYebwK5FqYhLMQCLcB/s400/laundry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Laundry</h4>
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The bane of my existence. It is never done! And just adding one child to the mix automatically at least triples your laundry, and that goes up exponentially so with each child. Here's a few tips. </div>
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* Try to start a habit of starting a load everyday (if you need to.) But if you don't have a washer and dryer in your home, please don't make a trip to the laundromat every day! If you do, just starting a load and switching it to the dryer can help.</div>
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* If your kids are old enough, have them fold the laundry while watching a movie or show. (My mom did this, genius!) Spouse can also be enlisted. ;) And of course yourself if you're able. </div>
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* If none of the above are feasible for you, don't sweat it. It's better to have clean clothes in a heap in a bedroom corner than it is to have that same heap of dirty laundry molding away in your hampers or laundry room. If you're already at that point and are trying to recover, leave a full load of laundry in your washer overnight with 2 cups of vinegar added to the hottest water setting you have. Allow the washer to progress until it starts agitating the water to mix the vinegar in, and then stop it until morning. In the morning let the washer continue its course again, and then run it through this time with soap. Also works great with towels! </div>
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* If your only option is a laundromat, this is an excellent way that someone can help you if they offer! If this isn't an option either, I would pick a day that you go, children in tow if applicable and have lots of things to entertain them. Bring a pillow for yourself, and find a wagon or some sort of set of wheels so that you can transport laundry without having to exert yourself. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">Seriously, right!?<span style="color: #0000ee;">!</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<h4>
Grocery Shopping</h4>
This was perhaps one of the most taxing things for me to do whilst pregnant. This also would be a great thing to delegate to someone willing to help. Keep a paper list on the fridge or one in your phone so that you can keep track of things you need. This will also help with budgeting. If it's not possible for someone else to go for you, here are some things to remember.<br />
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*Pace yourself. Figure out how much you can handle, it may be better for one person to do it all in one go, but for another it's better to do more than one trip to the store with a shorter duration.<br />
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* If you need to, use the electric scooters if available. No shame in it, you need food! I've only done with once, and it was because my leg was out of commission and I needed medication to treat it. But while I was riding I kept thinking, "WHY have I not done this yet while pregnant?!" Sure it was hard to hold both of my kids on my lap, but it may be a resource I use again in the future.<br />
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* While I was pregnant with my second, I would use the Sam's Club in store pickup as much as possible. I love this! It's great because my husband would pick it up on his way home from work. You do need a membership to use this, and you can sometimes find coupons to make membership cheaper. The only downside that I see is that my family is still small enough that we don't always need to buy in bulk, and our budget can't allow that we only shop at Sam's Club. Go <a href="http://www.samsclub.com/sams/homepage.jsp?xid=hdr_logo">here</a><a href="http://www.samsclub.com/sams/homepage.jsp?xid=hdr_logo"> </a>for their website! Also a plus, they will ship some items, like diapers, baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, coffee, etc to your home for free!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBQ9bq4SIME/WFw7UthfJpI/AAAAAAAABHw/nOPsdbdochsONXJ6QDGDFeCf69cS9S2kACLcB/s1600/Sams%2Bclub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBQ9bq4SIME/WFw7UthfJpI/AAAAAAAABHw/nOPsdbdochsONXJ6QDGDFeCf69cS9S2kACLcB/s640/Sams%2Bclub.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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*Which brings us to this option! This one is my favorite, and I hope to live in an area that has a Walmart that does this someday soon! Not all Walmart stores participate, but they will allow you to shop online (same as Sam's but cheaper) and they will <u>load your car for you!!!</u> Oh my goodness, to completely avoid the cacophony of shopping with children!! This will be great for budgeting as well. Go <a href="http://grocery.walmart.com/usd-estore/m/home/anonymouslanding.jsp#">here </a>to go to the website to learn more and see if there is a site near you. And though I haven't done it <i>yet</i> myself, when I investigated into it an employee told me that if you order $35 or more of online non perishable groceries, they will ship it to your home, regardless if you have participating Walmart grocery stores nearby or not.Think of all the time you can save by using the "free 2 day shipping" option! So even if they don't have a participating store nearby, hopefully this will cut down shopping time and you can just get non perishables in person. <br />
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*Amazon Prime Pantry is something that I have only recently learned about. And this could potentially be a good option too. The only thing is that they don't do perishables, but anything to cut down on your shopping time helps, right? And you can find alot of deals that are cheaper than what you'd find in the store! Again, membership is needed. Go <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Pantry/b?ie=UTF8&node=7301146011">here </a>for their website to learn more.<br />
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And since there's alot of ins and outs with amazon, here is a video that I found that really helps us out! </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fMLBqOpZ5MY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fMLBqOpZ5MY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe> </div>
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If you're not in the USA, I'm sorry if these stores aren't near you. When I looked into it, Amazon Prime pantry worked in many different countries! I hope this helps, perhaps they will offer this same type of service in a store near you.<br />
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<h2>
Preparing Meals</h2>
First off, again, shake off the guilt. It's okay if you were a fantastic cook before pregnancy and now you feel like the best you can muster is macaroni and cheese. You <i>are</i> making cooking creations still, just this time it's your bun in the oven!;) Here are some ideas and resources that will help make your life easier.<br />
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The Beauty of Slow Cookers</h3>
People, let me tell you, slow cookers or crock pots are clearly from heaven. I can honestly and truly say my life is so much better because of this wondrous gift to mankind. When you think of crock pots, you may only have stews and soups come to mind, but let me tell you, there is so much more it has to offer! Whether it's pasta, pizza, casseroles, or...whatever! There are more options. I'm currently writing a recipe book and meal budget planner for HG patients (<b>stay tuned!!!!) </b>so hopefully this will be available to you soon. I love slow cookers because some of the simplest dishes can taste so delicious. The meat is <i>always</i> so tender, the flavors are perfection, and it's hot when you want it. These aspects may not be so appealing to the HG patients though. What you <i>will</i> love is that some recipes can just take 10 min to make, and then you can stash that meal in a garage, outside, in a room on the other side of your apartment or home, etc. Essentially, you dump ingredients in and you don't have to look at it or smell it until dinner time. And even then, it's hot and ready so if you're up for it you can try nibbling and if not the rest of the family can take it from there. <br />
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Instant Pots</h3>
I have met some women that love instant pots as much I love slow cookers. I can't say I share that <i>yet</i> but my parents are getting us one for Christmas, so perhaps I'll have a lovely recipe book for you soon as well! In the meantime, try and research for some recipes online.<br />
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Freezer Meals</h3>
Freezer meals are great! The only drawbacks are 1. The freezer space that they take up and 2. You have to smell it while it's cooking, and if it's particularly aromatic, there isn't a safe nook for you to escape to. But these specifics may not be a problem for others. If you are looking for help, this is something that someone could make and bring for you. </div>
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Cleaning</h2>
As far as this is concerned, just do what you can. Think small, tiny, baby steps and only doing what is necessary. If at all possible, paying someone to come clean or having a volunteer is ideal if the rest of the family isn't able to compensate because of time or age. <i>However, </i>consider this an option. Even when my son was 18 months, I started him helping to unload the dishwasher, and he does the utensils all by himself.<br />
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<h3>
Disinfectant Wipes </h3>
Girls, these things will change your life! <u>And,</u> they come with free shipping from Sam's Club! Keeping these next to the toilet is a lifesaver when there is high traffic bathrooms or potty training children. Let's be real, who wants to stick their head in a gross toilet!? They'll also come to your rescue with cleaning. Again, we're just doing the bare essentials. Wipe off the countertops with them, floors, you name it, <i>these</i> are one of my favorite household secrets! <br />
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Again, putting in a word for laundry here because I don't know about you, but I feel like in my normal non pregnancy days, it <i>consumes</i> my life! Just throw the loads in, don't worry about folding, just do what you can. Procrastinating is going to lead to mildewy, stinky, moldy laundry that may not be able to be rescued.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Most Important Thing....</h2>
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Remember that you are a Mother to your developing baby, and that having a baby is a family affair! Do the best you can, and don't expect more of yourself than that. Don't feel guilty. You've got this! </div>
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<br />byuxc.runner@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122855595122875969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838583995945630897.post-31495810055808355922016-09-26T20:38:00.012-07:002016-11-12T18:28:08.918-08:00Treatments for Severe HG<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Treatments for Severe Hyperemesis Gravidarum</b></u></span>
</span></h2>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">***I'm including IVs<span style="font-family: inherit;">, PICC lines, <span style="font-family: inherit;">S</span>teriods, </span>and <span style="font-family: inherit;">Zofran <span style="font-family: inherit;">pumps here, although women have identified with mi<span style="font-family: inherit;">ld<span style="font-family: inherit;">-moderate</span> Hypermemesis Gravidarum and have required them in their care. Those with <span style="font-family: inherit;">se<span style="font-family: inherit;">vere</span> Hyper<span style="font-family: inherit;">emesis Gravidarum have also employed <span style="font-family: inherit;">these </span>in their treatments.*** </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is a point where some find ourselves needing more drastic measures
in order to care for us and our babies. If you have not been able to find a cocktail of medication<span style="font-family: inherit;">s that help and you're still losing weight and/or declin<span style="font-family: inherit;">ing health<span style="font-family: inherit;">wise</span></span>, this is the place for you.</span> I asked 86 women who had severe
HG, what medication lengths they had to go for their health. Some women
had a combination of treatments, and some had only one of them. Some
women tried multiple before finding the best fit for their care. Here we
will give you a brief synopsis of what each treatment entails, and some
experiences of other HG patients.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
<u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Nasojejunal/Nasogastric Feeding Tube
</span></u></h2>
</div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">There
are two types of Feeding Tubes that your doctor may discuss with you. Nasojejunal, or NJ tubes, go up on of
your nostrils, down your throat, into your stomach and settling in your
small intestine. The benefit of this tube is that it bypasses the
stomach, and thus keeping nutrition down. Nasogastric, or NG tubes, are
similar in concept except that it rests in your stomach. Personally, I
wouldn't go for that one. Attached to the tube, you'll have a pump that
pushes for lack of a better word, "adult formula." Think of it as the
heftiest protein shake you've had. It will push it slowly, and
constantly. However, for a certain space of time (recommended usually
every hour), the pump will send a bolus of fluid to clear the line and
help prevent clogging. That could be extremely triggering if you had an NG tube, and it takes getting used to just the same. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">P.S.
If you do have a feeding tube, and it does get clogged, there are
several tips to try. Using a syringe and drawing the plunger in a
pulsating motion with <u>diet</u> coke will likely do the trick. It needs to be diet because <span style="font-family: inherit;">if sugar is pres<span style="font-family: inherit;">ent it won't work as well.</span></span> It
corrodes the clumped formula enough until it breaks and is free again.
Also, I would have the tube inserted on the side opposite your dominant
hand. If you are a side sleeper, think about which side you lay on the
most, and try to pick the opposite so you're not laying on top of the
tube when you're trying to sleep. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
<u><span style="font-size: small;">Eden's (my) Story</span></u></span></span></h3>
</div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></span>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp5PnENMD4g/WALsldzLbyI/AAAAAAAAA04/4mcrRgDFLuEAeKyNlsHNQ7puhcM76Pz7QCLcB/s1600/20151211_193659.jpg" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp5PnENMD4g/WALsldzLbyI/AAAAAAAAA04/4mcrRgDFLuEAeKyNlsHNQ7puhcM76Pz7QCLcB/s320/20151211_193659.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I
ended up needing an NJ feeding tube after all other medications did
nothing to help me. I was vomiting at least 20-30 times a day, and was
spilling large amounts of ketones (body's indcation of starvation) in my
urine. I was losing weight like crazy, and it was only with the feeding
tube that I finally gained 5 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight: when I
rounded the bend to 9 months pregnant. It was annoying because of the
constant feeling of something stuck in my throat and the rawness of it. I
had something that not all women have had called a "bridle" which
anchors the tube in place by wrapping an attaching piece around my
septum. I'm gr<span style="font-family: inherit;">ateful I had it as it restri<span style="font-family: inherit;">cts mov<span style="font-family: inherit;">ement in the tube and</span></span></span> recommend it.
My 13 month old son also accidentally caught/grabbed it somewhat often,
he got better as he learned to avoid it. It was
overall a positive experience because it was the only thing that had a
lasting effect in helping me<span style="font-family: inherit;">; finally, I didn't feel like death.</span>" -Eden </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-weight: normal; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bevMhCIgF6Q/WALsvNSJaDI/AAAAAAAAA1A/5HXPfw-lFF8AswXSoI6kDBUF1LepPEKxACLcB/s1600/20151214_101023.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bevMhCIgF6Q/WALsvNSJaDI/AAAAAAAAA1A/5HXPfw-lFF8AswXSoI6kDBUF1LepPEKxACLcB/s320/20151214_101023.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brightening things with a little Christmas cheer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t5NJqnReRCs/WALsuxfVJ5I/AAAAAAAAA08/_AaLP6ymTzIEXGb1HXcQifmVBMbxVvV6wCEw/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t5NJqnReRCs/WALsuxfVJ5I/AAAAAAAAA08/_AaLP6ymTzIEXGb1HXcQifmVBMbxVvV6wCEw/s320/IMG_0063.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to be induced, taking the tube out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">
</span></span></span></span></span> </h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Summer's Story</span></span></span></span></span></u></span></span></h3>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7Lekmh2aS4/WALvHeUkuCI/AAAAAAAAA1M/TsHmfCR96xY3hm0TFPqaNkvFAIbO0gjCgCEw/s320/Summer%2BNJ%2Bstory.jpg" /></span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I
got the feeding tube after the PICC line did not work for me, I
couldn't hold down anything nutritious and I had lost 20 pounds. This is
my second pregnancy so we went through this last time as well. I call
the feeding tube my favorite piece of jewelry, then I joke around and
say its a life saver. For other moms I would suggest the feeding tube,
yes it becomes a pain being attached to a cord, but not only does it
give you the nutrition, but it [gives] the baby everything they need. I
have a love hate relationship with my feeding tube." -Summer </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Jennifer's Story</u></span></span></h3>
</div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eKaXEPHAjmw/WALzGXlGpmI/AAAAAAAAA1k/wCLHKb98DpId7R6LSwNUQDdN5unpqQ8SwCLcB/s320/Jennifer%2BNJ.jpg" /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I got a feeding tube very early, about 8 weeks. I chose that route
because this was my 3rd HG pregnancy and with my 2nd, I received little
of the care I needed because of lack of insurance coverage. I got just
under 85lbs and wanted to die. I could not
do that again. Doctors in my area wouldn't consent to a PICC line, and I
had already had 24 hour IVs for over 2 weeks with no improvement and
significant health decline. They couldn't find a vein that would last
anymore and IV was the only way I receive[d] meds effectively. I got
the NJ tube, so I couldn't throw up the formula. Insertion was
horrendous. It took about a month to get used to it. It hurts, a lot. I
used it successfully until just after 25 weeks. I developed [cysts] and
ulcers in my throat and sinuses which caused double ear infections and
excruciating pain. The infection cleared up with a few rounds of
antibiotics, but the severe pain could not be controlled, even on
narcotics. We pulled it up and I maintained well enough to not need it
replaced. It was the right choice. It saved my life. The doctors told me
it can decrease the vomiting- which I didn't believe- but after
sometime, it actually did! That was the biggest plus. The biggest
downside was the discomfort and pain." -Jennifer</span></div>
</blockquote>
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<h1 class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9QWeqipX4jo/WALzYN8_j4I/AAAAAAAAA1w/J8HTnYxTdyooxznc0fYWdlPNOy9PLrpZgCLcB/s1600/Jennifer%2BNJ%2B4.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
</div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
<u style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Rae's Story</span></u></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-reKa6XD2rac/WAL1Pa9jfSI/AAAAAAAAA18/we0HLCeM8swLyzRtXnzpCKFDtct61kxJACLcB/s1600/Rae%2BNJ.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-reKa6XD2rac/WAL1Pa9jfSI/AAAAAAAAA18/we0HLCeM8swLyzRtXnzpCKFDtct61kxJACLcB/s320/Rae%2BNJ.jpg" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"We decided to try an NJ tube because I normally take antidepressants when not pregnant, but could </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">not
keep them down. Because of the pain with HG, I became a suicide risk
because I couldn't take them. We choose NJ over NG tube because I
shouldn't be able to vomit the meds if they never reside in my stomach.
After 9 hours and 2 violent vomiting episodes within minutes of putting
food down the tube, we decided it wasn't worth it and had it taken
out."-Rae</span></blockquote>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Marisol's Story</span></u></span></h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I
was hospitalized the entire pregnancy, because [a] Zofran pump didn't
work, My meds needed to be via I.V. My HG was so severe, that I had
heart and kidney problems, so apart from having dialysis, they needed to
check my heart and other issues 24/7. They also needed to give me
potassium I.V which is extremely painful. After deteriorating so much
from malnutrition, They explained the options of either a NG, or a
feeding tube they connect from your stomach. (Gastrostomy or Gastric) It
looked really painful, so I went with a NG. First 3 days I felt a
burning sensation. All that time they didn't let me eat by mouth, so
thankfully I never puked solid stuff out my nose, that wouldn't have
been fun! I did however, throw up liquid out the nose and sometimes it
would mess the tube up, but there were always nurses nearby. By the end
of the week, I got so used to it that it didn't bother me, plus I
honestly did start to feel better with the nutrition!!! My heart became
really bad from the dehydration and the violent throwing up though, so
they induced Amelie at 34 weeks, and got the NG out before inducing. My
whole pregnancy I was just really depressed and struggling for my life,
so neither me nor my husband thought about taking pictures, looking
back, I should have, it all seems like a nightmare now with no pictures
to remember it by... I do feel the NG and medical attention saved both
Amelie's and my lives. God bless." -Marisol</span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>PICC Line</b></span></u></h2>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">PICC,
or Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter, is a thin, supple tube that
is an IV. It will be inserted above the crease in the elbow, and the
tube will continue up the vein until it's in the upper heart. (For a
picture, <a href="http://my.clevelandclinic.org/ccf/media/Images/HIC/PICC.jpg?la=en">click here</a>.)
It is beneficial because it can be the port for fluids, nutrition, and
drugs. It can be uncomfortable, and even painful. With all PICC patients
(including pregnant women), there is a concern and risk of infection.
Because of this risk, some doctors will not even consider this an option
for the Hyperemesis Gravidarum patients.</span><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Amanda's Story</span></u></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RYfQlakuEOM/WAL7G7djuHI/AAAAAAAAA2c/qO1exyhV2mcMvKif7wYSOj71NSKGzYPAgCEw/s1600/Amanda%2BPICC.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RYfQlakuEOM/WAL7G7djuHI/AAAAAAAAA2c/qO1exyhV2mcMvKif7wYSOj71NSKGzYPAgCEw/s320/Amanda%2BPICC.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I
had my PICC placed at 23 weeks after a month and a half of IV therapy. I
was blowing veins after only a few hours of use and so a PICC was our
only option. Once placed I was hooked up for 24/7 fluids and Zofran
(previously in a sub cue pump) I also [received] daily potassium
infusions. After a while I was still throwing up and losing weight and
so they decided to switch me to TPN through the PICC. I was then hooked
to that 24/7. I had my line removed after my daughter was born. I hated
every minute of it but it kept my daughter and I alive so for that I am
thankful." -Amanda</span></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ArRGoQsR5bE/WAL7GwJLkdI/AAAAAAAAA2g/e7JWMRmL1EAzkTZpVGIZ5d_bh1fE0lerQCEw/s1600/Amanda.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ArRGoQsR5bE/WAL7GwJLkdI/AAAAAAAAA2g/e7JWMRmL1EAzkTZpVGIZ5d_bh1fE0lerQCEw/s320/Amanda.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Amanda with her daughter nestled next to her PICC scar. Can I just say I LOVE this picture?!</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Emily's Story</span></u></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEuiemIZWhY/WAL9MpVzRHI/AAAAAAAAA2s/PW4Mj6lCwKUOkEVaxOsz4XNk14QtHDzmACLcB/s1600/Emily%2BPICC.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEuiemIZWhY/WAL9MpVzRHI/AAAAAAAAA2s/PW4Mj6lCwKUOkEVaxOsz4XNk14QtHDzmACLcB/s320/Emily%2BPICC.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I
have had my PICC line for about 12 weeks now. I got it at 15 weeks
after multiple trips to the ER for fluids/Zofran due to uncontrollable
vomiting. I unfortunately suffered for too long before caving and
getting help at the hospital otherwise I believe I would have gotten one
earlier. Surprisingly the ER doctor suggested it, not even my OBGYN,
but the OBGYN agreed it was the best approach to keep me from
deteriorating any more than I already had at that point. It took two
attempts to finally get one, as I was too dehydrated and malnourished
for the first one to slide in my veins. At first, the PICC line idea
terrified me and even for the first few weeks I was weary of it because
of infection risk, heart palpitations when in certain positions, and the
overall implications of having a device in my arm. However I now have
grown to love it and appreciate how much it has helped me. IV Zofran is
100 times better than in pill form and it allows me to medicate myself
before attempting to eat. It also keeps me from having to go to the
hospital every time I feel badly. Since getting the PICC line I have
gained 6 lbs which is obviously better than going the other direction. I
am not sure when it will come out, but at this point I am in no rush to
remove my lifeline!" -Emily</span></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsY2I_R49uU/WAL9O_w4keI/AAAAAAAAA2w/amBdAJNUYjk0ZSVOY2JaiRpK8S1lcWcNgCLcB/s1600/Emily%2BPICC%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsY2I_R49uU/WAL9O_w4keI/AAAAAAAAA2w/amBdAJNUYjk0ZSVOY2JaiRpK8S1lcWcNgCLcB/s320/Emily%2BPICC%2B2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her PICC Supplies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Bekah's Story</span></span></u></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmCvA0KLnYw/WAL_AhxKT7I/AAAAAAAAA3E/AKsOH1eCtDgaaEMtpKT8QH1D-9U4z7XmACLcB/s1600/Bekah%2BPICC.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmCvA0KLnYw/WAL_AhxKT7I/AAAAAAAAA3E/AKsOH1eCtDgaaEMtpKT8QH1D-9U4z7XmACLcB/s320/Bekah%2BPICC.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I
got my <span style="font-family: inherit;">PICC </span>line placed at 9 weeks because I was needing fluids
frequently and my veins started to give out from all the IVs. The day
they decided to do the <span style="font-family: inherit;">PICC </span>line they had blown two veins and were
having continued issues getting an IV placed. The thing that scared me
most about the <span style="font-family: inherit;">PICC </span>line was the fact that it went into a vein all the
way to the area right above the heart. But, after they placed it I
realized that I was way overreacting and it really was no big deal to
live with. The biggest concerns after that was the possibility of blood
clots, but the reward outweighed the risks by a long shot. I used my <span style="font-family: inherit;">PICC </span>line to get constant meds as well as fluids at home. I was not able
to tolerate hardly any fluids by mouth so the only way I was hydrated
was through the <span style="font-family: inherit;">PICC</span>. I had it for 4 months and over that time I slowly
was able to survive more without using it. The last month of having it I
started to have small clotting in my vein. They used a medicine called <span style="font-family: inherit;">C</span>athflo to fix it, but each week the clot was an issue again. So, they
decided to pull it and give me a chance to survive on oral meds. I am
now 1 week without it and still doing good! Hopefully that continues."
-Bekah</span></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-os5tz4UNiqw/WAL_J8S7S7I/AAAAAAAAA3I/RKaTGfQrS0EB_LIr49_zeIb7kqIcY-UOQCLcB/s1600/Bekah%2BPICC%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-os5tz4UNiqw/WAL_J8S7S7I/AAAAAAAAA3I/RKaTGfQrS0EB_LIr49_zeIb7kqIcY-UOQCLcB/s320/Bekah%2BPICC%2B2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">My poor arm after they took it out. My skin started to turn raw from the weekly bandage changes, so that is healing too.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Steroid Treatment</b></span></u></h2>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
is also a drastic measure when all else fails for Hyperemesis
Gravidarum patients. They can be taking orally or intravenously. Doctors
try to avoid it unless absolutely necessary, and even then may
encourage you to taper off your dosage.</span><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Lacey's Story</span></u></span></h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I
started with IV steroids while admitted when I was 9 weeks pregnant. I
then switched to the pills when I got home. I stayed on steroids until I
was 17 weeks. I tried every medication and nothing worked. My doctors
said they don't have any idea how the steroids work with HG. They told
me it was my last hope. It was literally a miracle. I felt like a brand
new person. I ate whatever I wanted and rarely <span style="font-family: inherit;">nauseated</span>. They made me
really hungry, cause me to break out in bad acne, and gave me a lot of
facial hair which I did not like, but it was worth it to feel
relief!"-Lacey</span></blockquote>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Carri's Story</span></u></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QhhnZGV-174/WAMCYCUwqVI/AAAAAAAAA3k/WTJHdQK-qp4v6kTtn1tLUWVV3LM1qraFgCLcB/s1600/Carri%2Bsteriod.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QhhnZGV-174/WAMCYCUwqVI/AAAAAAAAA3k/WTJHdQK-qp4v6kTtn1tLUWVV3LM1qraFgCLcB/s320/Carri%2Bsteriod.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I've
had my pump for 4 weeks. [I fee<span style="font-family: inherit;">l like] <span style="font-family: inherit;">i</span></span>t truly is keeping me and baby alive<span style="font-family: inherit;">..</span>. It's a small catheter that goes into your stomach attached to a
small machine that is constantly giving me medicine. My doctor made me
exhaust every medicine available to me, until we realized I couldn't
keep the pills down, even the dissolv<span style="font-family: inherit;">[ing]</span> ones. So that is why I now have
the pump. It does hurt when I get a bolus dose, but changing my site
alone by myself is the most challenging for me, along with the bright
red sore spots I have all over my stomach. I am not as <span style="font-family: inherit;">nauseated </span>and have
not thrown up in days, so the pump is working great for me. The pump is
definitely one of the doctors 'last resort' options." -Carri</span></blockquote>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Henriette's Story</span></u></span></h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I
was given oral steroids (<span style="font-family: inherit;">P</span>rednisone) at 18 weeks pregnant while
hospitalized. My dosage tapered down over 10 days. Since I was vomiting
so severely (despite not eating or drinking anything for a week) I
sometimes had to take the dose again after vomiting the pills up.
Overall the steroids had no impact on my symptoms and I ended up having a
PICC placed and was discharged with 24/7 fluids and TPN on home
health." -Henriette</span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Zofran Pump</b></span></u></h2>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
treatment is usually reserved for cancer patients but can be a great
blessing for severe Hyperemesis Gravidarum patients. When you have a
Zofran pump, you will be given a bolus of medication periodically; this
time frame is something you and your doctor will discuss. You will carry
the pump around while it is attached to you in a "fanny pack" of sorts.
It does involve a needle that <span style="font-family: inherit;">is </span>very small. You will insert the
needle into the fatty portions of your body, and you'll need to change
the sites from time to time. (You can see an example of this in
"Bethanie's story" below.)</span><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Bethanie's Story</span></u></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UyRP2unqZ4c/WAMHz7GKp_I/AAAAAAAAA4A/hz0arRZRcIAVuzM7TLfUoiw_EajYoWJ9wCLcB/s1600/Bethanie%2BZP.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UyRP2unqZ4c/WAMHz7GKp_I/AAAAAAAAA4A/hz0arRZRcIAVuzM7TLfUoiw_EajYoWJ9wCLcB/s320/Bethanie%2BZP.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I
have had my zofran pump for a week and a half after being released from
a week and a half stay in the hospital. I had three different attending
OB's and they each thought I should go a different route for treatment.
One of them pushed for a PICC line, but because of my past miscarriage
and honestly my AWFUL fear of needles and infection, I decided to go
with the pump and possibly home health when needed. I go into Corum
twice a week to get my site changed (ref. Terror of needles) and they
are currently teaching my husband how to do it so that we can change it
ourselves. I am on 26 mg per day and it is a constant flow into the fat
on my stomach. It, along with suppositories, steroids and Pepcid have me
in "survivable" mode. Still pretty much stuck in bed, but I can eat and
drink and only occasionally dry heave or puke, usually just from over
exerting myself." -Bethanie</span></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57LaUT1jR_Y/WAMIBoJQJ8I/AAAAAAAAA4E/sFeh8Lhh8_0j5yzn3wiOTUnjmyxScUMPQCLcB/s1600/Bethanie%2BZP%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57LaUT1jR_Y/WAMIBoJQJ8I/AAAAAAAAA4E/sFeh8Lhh8_0j5yzn3wiOTUnjmyxScUMPQCLcB/s320/Bethanie%2BZP%2B2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Showing us her "sexy" fanny pack that is provided to carry the pump around.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></b></u></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Haylee's Story</span></b></u></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p118x90/14449816_1160173327396224_8389857944501728252_n.jpg?oh=78c893397d6d2b8f3f928e8241a526d7&oe=589E8D7F"><img border="0" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p118x90/14449816_1160173327396224_8389857944501728252_n.jpg?oh=78c893397d6d2b8f3f928e8241a526d7&oe=589E8D7F" /></a></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"The
doctor and I tried everything oral but I couldn't keep any of it down.
The Zofran tablets didn't work because I couldn't keep fluids down for
the medicine to actually get through my system. I like the pump because
overall it worked very well and made my pregnancy manageable. However,
it gave me really bad constipation, which <span style="font-family: inherit;">[was painful]</span>, and I ended up
taking medicine for that. Also, it left extremely huge painful welts
where the medication went i<span style="font-family: inherit;">n</span>. It had a extra bolus button as well so if I
felt more nauseated, I could hit it and it gave me a bit more medicine
BUT it stung going in."-Haylee</span></blockquote>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Danielle's Story</span></u></span></h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo8QRyfdiVE/WAMNGQWIldI/AAAAAAAAA4g/vPPigr9Kp2YYK8ScWxN3SDS13hxSgMq7QCLcB/s1600/Danielle%2BZP.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo8QRyfdiVE/WAMNGQWIldI/AAAAAAAAA4g/vPPigr9Kp2YYK8ScWxN3SDS13hxSgMq7QCLcB/s400/Danielle%2BZP.jpg" /></a></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I
had my zofran pump about 2.5 years ago. It was a grey rectangle that
sat in a pouch that I wore like a fanny pack. At 7 weeks I was vomiting
any food that I ate, by 13 weeks I lost the ability to keep liquids or
meds down (not that they did anything anyway), so the pump was our next
option. I finally relented and got it on at 14 weeks. The idea of
stabbing myself in the belly 2-3 times per day scared me, and the only
reason I was able to keep my pump was due to a mediserter
(auto-inserter) that was loaned to me, otherwise it was a <span style="font-family: inherit;">PICC </span>line. It
hurt, but I stopped vomiting and could almost eat daily. I have a small
scar below my navel due to one of the sites getting infected, but
otherwise no real side effects. It was a life saver, but I wish I
would've gotten fluids more often, and sometimes think I should've
gotten back on it later in my pregnancy, or even a PICC. Here's a
picture of it in my belly, and you can see an irritated spot from a
previous site." -Danielle</span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>IV Infusion Therapy</b></span></u></h2>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Receiving
fluids and medication intravenously (IV), can be a big help. Out of all
the options above, this may be the least invasive. Some women with
mild-moderate Hyperemesis Gravidarum even find long term relief
(although relapses are not uncommon) when they are given. In moderate
cases, it's not uncommon to need to have infusions weekly, or even every
few days. For other, more severe cases, daily or consta<span style="font-family: inherit;">nt </span>IVs are needed in order to
maintain a level of hydration. If you cannot handle oral meds, you can
see if the medications you need can be inserted into your IV fluid bag.
Some doctor offices have supplies on hand and can give you an IV without
having to send you to the emergency room. Some hospitals and outpatient
clinics will have infusion clinics available as well. In severe cases,
it may be necessary to advocate for home health; which is where a nurse
will come to your home, and you will have access to these treatments
24/7. Often, the supplies are mailed or delivered from the pharmacy. If
you do get regular IVs, I would recommend trying different parts of your
arm, and switching arms of course. Most nurses favor the Antecubital or
AC space, which is in front of the elbow. It's often fairly easy to
find a vein here, but it can limit movement quite a bit. Getting an IV
in your hand can hurt, but also be less cumbersome than others. If
you're going to try this site, I would suggest having a nurse that you
trust insert it. My favorite place to have a long term IV put in is on
the side of my wrist closest to my body. It will be anchored in place,
and there are attractive netted "sleeves" that you can wear to help hold
it in place and not get caught on things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Tania's Story</span></u></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwd5fmSdFew/WAOqGVimdTI/AAAAAAAAA5c/YN35ihp51vQMhrPZyktVDM-IWyrhlXS2QCLcB/s1600/Tania%2BIV.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwd5fmSdFew/WAOqGVimdTI/AAAAAAAAA5c/YN35ihp51vQMhrPZyktVDM-IWyrhlXS2QCLcB/s320/Tania%2BIV.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I
was on IV for 6 weeks. I had the vitamin water and all other medication
through IV such as maxeran, gravol, benedryl, and zofran. I was still
getting sick the whole time so I didn't like my treatment, they wanted
to avoid the use of steroids and feeding tube. Where I am there is not
much knowledge of this illness." -Tania</span></blockquote>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Trisha's Story</span></u></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zoYvWLUu8QI/WAOrSPgz0dI/AAAAAAAAA5k/-yhXaXb4ND84o_zN6r5XJrUV3Q-E1GjsQCLcB/s1600/Trisha%2BIV%2B2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zoYvWLUu8QI/WAOrSPgz0dI/AAAAAAAAA5k/-yhXaXb4ND84o_zN6r5XJrUV3Q-E1GjsQCLcB/s320/Trisha%2BIV%2B2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Early
during my pregnancy I began experiencing severe dehydration as a result
of frequent vomiting. To combat the dehydration my doctor started me on
IV therapy at 8 weeks pregnant. The frequency of IVs needed to sustain
my baby's amniotic fluid lead to many blown veins for me. At 14 weeks
pregnant, my doctor ordered a PICC line, which is a catheter inserted in
my upper arm, and my IV fluids and medication are given continuously
now. Since placing the PICC line my baby has had stable amniotic fluid
levels."-Trisha</span></blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lziPoaQqCys/WAOrZHmrTGI/AAAAAAAAA5o/M2bcZxg2Psw_4KfnVhVLbksDpftIF2qFgCLcB/s320/Trisha%2BIV.jpg" /></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DL_3btlfMbw/WAOrsZtu-xI/AAAAAAAAA5s/YQIRouh3WJQETfhJ7kxQwEHAQs6vjM-rQCLcB/s1600/Trisha%2BIV%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DL_3btlfMbw/WAOrsZtu-xI/AAAAAAAAA5s/YQIRouh3WJQETfhJ7kxQwEHAQs6vjM-rQCLcB/s320/Trisha%2BIV%2B3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Showing us another IV placement. (My favorite IV site.) </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Central Line Treatment</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Central Line</u></span>
</h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Similar to a PICC line, a Central line is a source of fluids and nutrition, <span style="font-family: inherit;">and<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is placed in the chest as shown below. The difference is location. </span></span> </span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Catherine's Story</span></u></h3>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I
had HG with both my boys, with my first it finally became medicated
fluffy <span style="font-family: inherit;">(<span style="font-family: inherit;">ease of symptoms)</span></span> but my second was horrible! I tried every medicine they had but
they would only work a day or two and then I would be back throwing up
non stop. Finally my doctor put in a PICC line, it took three sticks to
put in an IV to give me fluids before they decided to do the PICC, then 2
sucks for blood work, and then 5 sticks to get the PICC in, my arms
were black and blue. The PICC helped but I had issues with it clogging
and getting pinched. My doctor pulled it after 3 weeks, and wanted me to
try being pregnant without it since I was 12 weeks. That didn't last, I
started throwing up non stop again. Finally he decided I needed a more
permanent solution because this wasn't going away, so he ordered a
central line. For the rest of my pregnancy I did at home IV treatments
and for the most part I was good, I still would have issues now and then
that required additional meds or hospital visits but I could somewhat
function normally. This picture is me pregnant at 6 months with my line
in." -Catherine</span></blockquote>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VN2PZJZ6UEQ/WCfPebd5RJI/AAAAAAAABBc/eHljg9pJJG4dBaAy4-XZBlst-DRlwb-rQCLcB/s1600/Catherine%2BCentral%2B2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VN2PZJZ6UEQ/WCfPebd5RJI/AAAAAAAABBc/eHljg9pJJG4dBaAy4-XZBlst-DRlwb-rQCLcB/s320/Catherine%2BCentral%2B2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_MMufknyXw4/WCfPeYCGa9I/AAAAAAAABBY/f5MtsxO2eKQOSNGkmc36c36KGTVscn9TgCLcB/s1600/Catherine%2BCentral.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_MMufknyXw4/WCfPeYCGa9I/AAAAAAAABBY/f5MtsxO2eKQOSNGkmc36c36KGTVscn9TgCLcB/s320/Catherine%2BCentral.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All in all.....</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope this helps you to be able to find the treatments that you need or to educate on how bad HG can get. And if you do end up needing these measures, know that you are not alone and that you can do this!!!</div>
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byuxc.runner@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122855595122875969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838583995945630897.post-46734456679998575622016-09-26T20:38:00.005-07:002016-11-12T17:58:09.576-08:00Treatment Options <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <span style="font-family: inherit;">f</span>irst thing to be understood about Hyperemesis Gravidarum, is that there is no "miracle <span style="font-family: inherit;">cure</span>" that works for everyone. It's going to require patience, tenacity, and willingness to try again and again until something works. And sometimes, it may work for a little while, and then as if it's not hard enough, it will stop working for you. To cope with HG, it's important to get rest as much as you can, and to listen to your body, doing everything you can to keep something down. That's a huge feat in and of itself, because life doesn't slow down while you take a nap. You're going to have to be creative, especially where there are older children involved. I'll give you some ideas on how to hopefully keep them busy on my post <a href="http://hgawareness.blogspot.com/2016/10/helping-your-kids.html" target="_blank">here.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, we learned in the main post, "Learning about Hyperemesis Gravidarum" that morning sickness remedies, as a whole, do <u>not</u> work on HG patients. If remedies such as ginger, crackers, bland foods, little sips, small meals, sea bands, etc completely control your HG, it is quite likely that you do not in fact have it. I won't say absolutes here because I'm not a doctor, and everyone is different. But I would say the odds as shown below, pretty much speak for themselves. Out of 134 women, <u><i>none</i></u> could control HG with diet alone. Again, it <i>is </i>possible to have horrible morning sickness, and to not have it qualify as HG. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So...spare us the morning sickness advice. Chances are, we've heard it to the point of exhaustion. I <b><u>promise</u></b> you we've tried it, and it's not going to work anytime soon!! :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJjYulnP9CQ/WAJ0-vvdjwI/AAAAAAAAA0A/I9X8gDtiDAMIxHgcga4eNoBY5suYbDBbwCLcB/s1600/HG%2Band%2Bcrackers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJjYulnP9CQ/WAJ0-vvdjwI/AAAAAAAAA0A/I9X8gDtiDAMIxHgcga4eNoBY5suYbDBbwCLcB/s320/HG%2Band%2Bcrackers.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With most HG patients, we find that as we try new things, especially by listening to our cravings, we find what our body will tolerate. Most <span style="font-family: inherit;">HG patients </span>seem drawn to sweet <span style="font-family: inherit;">and/or salty foods, <span style="font-family: inherit;">s</span></span>ome women survive on almost nothing but french fries, ice cream, certain drinks, etc because that's what works for them! Do not be deceiv<span style="font-family: inherit;">ed by those that will try and get you to eat something more nutritious. I will ech<span style="font-family: inherit;">o my doctor when I sa<span style="font-family: inherit;">y that it's better to get so<span style="font-family: inherit;">mething to stay down than nothing at all. The foods that work for us <span style="font-family: inherit;">w</span></span></span></span></span>e affectionately call our "safe food," because more often than not it brings us relief by either staying down, or by hurting to a minimal measure coming back up. Sometimes, yes, we find <i>some</i> respite in <i>some </i>remedies. I asked 175 women that ranged from <b>mild to severe HG (the entire spectrum)</b>, what things they found helped them.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ5HTVLuPUc/WAJ6Qw7qzII/AAAAAAAAA0g/5L8IzXi6Wc4_pYsJ-zVntPNAlwE5On_MwCLcB/s1600/Remedies%2Bthat%2Bwork_pie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ5HTVLuPUc/WAJ6Qw7qzII/AAAAAAAAA0g/5L8IzXi6Wc4_pYsJ-zVntPNAlwE5On_MwCLcB/s640/Remedies%2Bthat%2Bwork_pie.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It needs to be understood that <u>these treatments do not apply to everyone.</u> That is entirely normal and could actually be indicative of how<span style="font-family: inherit;"> severe your case is</span>. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Regardless,</span> use these things perhaps as an idea to find what works for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Getting <span style="font-family: inherit;">De</span>hydrated </span></h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Receiving fluids is sometimes just what mother<span style="font-family: inherit;">s need, patients <span style="font-family: inherit;">with </span>mild-<span style="font-family: inherit;">moder<span style="font-family: inherit;">ate-severe Hyp<span style="font-family: inherit;">er<span style="font-family: inherit;">emesis Gravidarum. </span></span></span></span></span>For mild cases, getting the fluids can help jumpstart your system, instead losing in a game of catchup<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I</span>t could be the break you need to get <span style="font-family: inherit;">your body to a point whe<span style="font-family: inherit;">re you can man<span style="font-family: inherit;">age fluid intake on your own. You may need it more often than that too<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Moderate <span style="font-family: inherit;">to severe cases will likely need fluids much more often and on a sche<span style="font-family: inherit;">dule. H<span style="font-family: inherit;">ow do you <span style="font-family: inherit;">know if you're d<span style="font-family: inherit;">ehydrated? Sign<span style="font-family: inherit;">s could be cracked and bleeding lips, dark yellow<span style="font-family: inherit;">/brown urine, dry skin, dry eyes, headaches, and lack of saliva/bad breath.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I'll go more in depth on this treatment <a href="http://hgawareness.blogspot.com/2016/09/treatments-for-severe-hg.html" target="_blank">here</a>.You can also check for decrea<span style="font-family: inherit;">sed ski<span style="font-family: inherit;">n</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">turgor. <span style="font-family: inherit;">This tests the elasticity of the skin<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Pinch the <span style="font-family: inherit;">skin as shown, very firmly for several seconds and release. If it does not immediately or quick<span style="font-family: inherit;">ly return as it was before, you are dehy<span style="font-family: inherit;">drated. <span style="font-family: inherit;">An </span>example of this is shown <span style="font-family: inherit;">below. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Medications </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've used this chart once already before, but I'm putting it here again as I go more in depth on different drugs to try. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyk6nIojjAE/WAExeM3uamI/AAAAAAAAAx0/m20Xd2_Zf7cj9abSwRqgAmq1Vll1P03hwCPcB/s1600/HG%2BAntiemetic%2BChart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyk6nIojjAE/WAExeM3uamI/AAAAAAAAAx0/m20Xd2_Zf7cj9abSwRqgAmq1Vll1P03hwCPcB/s640/HG%2BAntiemetic%2BChart.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Anti-Emetics</span> </span></b></u></div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Zofran/Ondansetron</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Obviously this drug has proved to be the most effective, if not at least most popular, in treating Hyperemesis Gravidarum. There are different forms of the drug to try. It is likely your doctor will first offer a swallow-able pill form. If that works, great! If it doesn't, ask to try the dissolving pill form; they tend to do the trick. If these still don't work and you go in for IV Fluids, ask them to insert the drug into your bag. This helped me, as I stopped vomiting for a few hours. They usually give 4-8 mg, though in my experience they'd rather stick with the smaller dosage. If it doesn't work as well as you'd hoped, request the 8 and explain your feelings.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In cases of severe HG, you may want to talk to your doctor about using a Zofran pump. It gives you a bolus of <span style="font-family: inherit;">the </span>medicine intravenously <span style="font-family: inherit;">at intervals set by your doctor</span>. This will be discussed in greater detail later on.
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There have been some concerns about the safety for the unborn baby, news circulating that Zofran could cause birth defects. As a consequence, some doctors refuse to prescribe it. Whether to sate your own concerns or a unwilling doctor, go to <a href="http://www.helpher.org/mothers/treatments/zofran_litigation.php" target="_blank">this page</a> for more information.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh yes, and there is the delightful side effect of constipation. That compounded with the fact that it's common <span style="font-family: inherit;">for </span>pregnant women to get constipated makes for a great party. :)
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Phenergan/Promethazine
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This drug is another favorite of HG patients. The most common side effect is drowsiness. They are available in pills, but can also be administered via suppository. Thought you may evade the constipation with this one? Guess again!
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<b>Diclegus/Pyridoxine/Doxylamine</b><br /><br />
Diclegus also works well, but the major deterrent is that it can be very expensive.</span><b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Here is a </span><a href="https://m.diclegis.com/.../savings-and.../save-on-diclegis." style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">coupon</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> that potentially could lower your copay. If your insurance will not accept it, you can contact their </span><a href="https://m.diclegis.com/.../sav.../patient-assistance-program" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">patient assistance program</a> for help. If that still doesn't work, ask your doctor to send a prescription to a <a href="http://www.foundcare.com/" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">mail order pharmacy</a>, a month's worth will cost $100.
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<b>Reglan/Metoclopramide</b><br /><br />
About half of the women who have tried this drug like it, but the other experience adverse effects. The primary side effect could be anxiety and restlessness. It is available in pill and can be given via IV. I tried it once this way when I was in the infusion clinic getting fluids....never, <i style="font-weight: normal;">never, <u>never</u> again.</i> Yep, I had the "adverse effects." It took all of my willpower to stay still in my chair, I felt like I was going to explode. But don't let that scare you away from trying it, just recognize it for what it is if you experience this yourself.
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dKu8KoZn08Q/WAOck36kLuI/AAAAAAAAA5A/gINt1uZb5jUR9XkfdAY9g9Nj9SMRkOJdgCLcB/s1600/mother%2Band%2BHG%2Bbabe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dKu8KoZn08Q/WAOck36kLuI/AAAAAAAAA5A/gINt1uZb5jUR9XkfdAY9g9Nj9SMRkOJdgCLcB/s1600/mother%2Band%2BHG%2Bbabe.JPG" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Unisom and B6 Regime</b>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some doctors favor this treatment. The way one of my doctors explained it to me was that <span style="font-family: inherit;">many years ago<span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span>Diclegis was withdrawn from the market <span style="font-family: inherit;">but now has been in use again. <span style="font-family: inherit;">In that gap of time and since, doctors used the<span style="font-family: inherit;">se two drugs because</span></span></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">it <span style="font-family: inherit;">mimics</span> Dic<span style="font-family: inherit;">legis</span></span> when t<span style="font-family: inherit;">hey</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">are </span>combined. It's definitely a cheaper route since both are medications <span style="font-family: inherit;">available in</span> almost any grocery store. Unisom is a sleep aid, so if you're sensitive as I <span style="font-family: inherit;">am</span>, it will make you drowsy. When I explained this to my doctor, he just said to drink caffeine to make <span style="font-weight: normal;">the difference. I didn't like the sound of that, it just gave me a bad feeling, but I acquiesced and</span> tried it for a few days to see if it made a difference. It didn't for me. When I talked to my aunt, a nurse, she was shocked that he made the recommendation concerning caffeine, as that there has been proof in the amo<span style="font-family: inherit;">unt he was suggesting,</span> it can damage the baby's heart. We weren't surprised, we weren't impressed with this doctor in the least. So if you don't get sleepy, yeah! If you do, and are in a situation where you can't take naps, my suggestion is you try something else.</span><br />
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<b>Scopolamine/Hyoscine Hydrobromide
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This drug can be given orally, a shot, eye drops, via IV, but most commonly is administered through a patch behind the ear. (This was also the way I tried it.)
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Compazine/Prochlorperazine</b>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't know much about this one, I only tried it once while I was in the hospital. But according to a cursory google search, it can be given at least by suppository or pill form.
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kytril/Granisetron/Sancuso</b>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Again, google search here. I've never heard of this one! Your doctor may not have heard of this medication, so you'll need to bring it up if you'd like to try it. It's available at least in patch or liquid form.
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Steroids</b>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is one of the more extreme measures that doctors can take. I'll discuss it in greater detail later on.
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Cyclizine</b>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is most commonly used to treat motion sickness, but it may work for you! $5 at Wal-Mart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Acid Pump Inhibitors</b>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Taking an acid pump inhibitor medication can be very beneficial in addition to an anti-emetic drug(s). Try different ones until you see what works best for you, but what most women use are in this order: Zantac/Ranitidine, Omeprazole, Protonix, Pepcid AC, Nexium, and Prevacid. </span><br />
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What if these don't work?</h3>
Like I said before, it's going to take work to find the right care plan for you. And you know what?....It's possible that you won't find complete, if any, relief in medications. I never found a drug that helped me for more than a few hours. The first time I finally felt human was when I got my feeding tube. So you may need more extreme treatment, you may have an uncomfortable pregnancy that is manageable with medications. If you want to learn about more treatment options (including IVs, which is a treatment given to women in the whole spectrum of HG) go to my "Treatments for Severe HG" <a href="http://hgawareness.blogspot.com/2016/09/treatments-for-severe-hg.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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byuxc.runner@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122855595122875969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838583995945630897.post-69878869477129566692016-09-26T20:38:00.004-07:002016-10-18T23:10:38.247-07:00Learning about Hyperemesis Gravidarum<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"><u style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Why should I read this blog?</span></b></u></span></span></span></span></h2>
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a very misunderstood, rare, and lonely condition. There are many women out there, suffering, that don't realize that what they're going through is more than morning sickness. This is my pittance, my effort to make the world a better place and to remedy that. Whether you are here for yourself, for a loved one, or for education (good for you!), I hope that this blog will help. As I write each post, I envision you, the reader, and I, in my living room; the two of us having a heart to heart. I tried to emulate the conversations I have had in the past, to answer the questions they asked me, and certainly the questions I know I had. I hope you find this to be a very pleasant conversation. :) <br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, without further ado...</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBvquaUVl9w/WAQ7WsoGlrI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/WIFMBmKsV10Ccisjgwz5zynG6dML3-imQCLcB/s1600/Awareness%2Bquote.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBvquaUVl9w/WAQ7WsoGlrI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/WIFMBmKsV10Ccisjgwz5zynG6dML3-imQCLcB/s320/Awareness%2Bquote.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"><u style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?</span></b></u></span></span></span></span></h3>
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a severe disease in pregnant women who have debilitating nausea and vomiting. Before this information goes any
further, it should be clearly understood that Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>not</u></b> to be affiliated with “morning
sickness,” but is to be understood as something else all entirely. The good
news is that HG only affects 0.5-3% of all pregnant women, and most affected women,
(the exception being as little of 5%) have a lessening of symptoms after
about 20-25 weeks. Doctors diagnose HG patients when their symptoms are within the parameters of, “…unrelenting, excessive pregnancy-related nausea and/or vomiting
that prevents adequate intake of food and fluids. If severe and/or inadequately
treated, it is typically associated with:<br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">loss of greater than 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight (usually over 10%) </span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">dehydration and production of ketones </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">nutritional deficiencies </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">metabolic imbalances </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">difficulty with daily activities.”</span></li>
</ul>
(see www.helpher.org)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, it is <i><u>entirely</u> </i>possible to have terrible morning
sickness and not have it be H<span style="font-family: inherit;">yperemesis G<span style="font-family: inherit;">r</span>avidarum</span>. It is possible to have different levels of
severity and intensity of HG as well. If you identify with these symptoms it
can help you see where you stand.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RF6K5e0FsHo/V-nnTsyKJPI/AAAAAAAAAw4/FPz_TAerkIc9r_In61fkHoWgUVrHkKYYQCLcB/s1600/HG_MS%2Bchart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RF6K5e0FsHo/V-nnTsyKJPI/AAAAAAAAAw4/FPz_TAerkIc9r_In61fkHoWgUVrHkKYYQCLcB/s400/HG_MS%2Bchart.jpg" width="380" /></span></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RF6K5e0FsHo/V-nnTsyKJPI/AAAAAAAAAw4/FPz_TAerkIc9r_In61fkHoWgUVrHkKYYQCLcB/s1600/HG_MS%2Bchart.jpg"> </a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Still unsure? If you are <u>currently</u> pregnant and suffering, you are eligible to take this survey. I <b><u>highly</u></b>
recommend using this resource, as that it can give you a peace of mind
of knowing where you stand so that you can better advocate for yourself
to medical professionals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3026420/help2">Click here for survey</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MGOqqbBCWg8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MGOqqbBCWg8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is an <b>excellent </b>video
giving a detailed explanation of what the difference is between morning
sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum. It also depicts some of the things
that women with HG experience mentally and physically<span style="font-family: inherit;">; you'll <span style="font-family: inherit;">see</span></span>
how loved ones of an HG patient can support them and what they can expect. </span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u><b>If I do have Hyperemesis Gravidarum...what's next?</b></u></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">First, realize that you're not alone. Women are suffering around the globe, and there <i>are</i>
resources and support groups to help you. It is not going to be easy,
and your friends, spouses, and loved ones may not always understand and
may need time and education to understand what you're going through in
order to give you the support you need. But you <b>can</b> do it!! There
is a <span style="font-family: inherit;">F</span>acebook group designed for HG patients primarily, but also for
loved ones who are interested. To request to join, access the page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Hyperemesisgravidarum/?ref=nf_target&fref=nf" target="_blank">here.</a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Next,
educate yourself and loved ones. It's going to be touch and go for a
while, but it's easier to fight the beast if you understand it. Here are
some excellent resources. (For the books, check your library or even
the used section on Amazon. Some are as little as 1 cent without
shipping!)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.helpher.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FM42lKoQfo4/WAEcVEQ-H-I/AAAAAAAAAxY/Hk3QW8NnKvMRGdozglNB4MUs0cLEIYg3ACLcB/s1600/her-logo-7.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.helpher.org/" target="_blank">Click on Image for General Website</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.helpher.org/mothers/">For HG Patients </a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.helpher.org/family/">For Loved Ones of HG Patients </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.helpher.org/health-professionals/">For Medical Professionals caring for HG Patients </a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/help/women-suffering/hyperemesis-gravidarum/"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PO01IH13QMg/WAGtUH_rT2I/AAAAAAAAAzo/oQUPCvEDsUIqsR8Gfp7v4yi0uz2uMxWzwCLcB/s1600/pregnancy-sickness-support.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Click on Image, Based in the UK </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/help/women-suffering/">Women suffering</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/help/information-for-carers/">For Partners and Caregivers </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/help/family-and-friends/">For Friends and Family </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another resource blog from another HG patient, titled <a href="https://www.spewingmummy.co.uk/about-hyperemesis-gravidarum/">"Spewing Mummy."</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hyperemesis-Gravidarum-Definitive-Caitlin-Dean/dp/099306230X/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1476467185&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=hypermesis+gravidarum">Hyperemesis Gravidarum- The Definitive Guide by Caitlin Dean and Amanda Shortman</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Morning-Sickness-Hyperemesis-Gravidarum/dp/1419640933/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476467185&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=hypermesis+gravidarum">Beyond Morning Sickness: Battling Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a book by Ashli Foshee McCall</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hgawareness/?fref=ts">HG- Hyperemesis Gravidarum Facebook page</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A4kuoE751lU/WAb00NzDYwI/AAAAAAAAA6s/fg6E49403fc7yBZim8Z11f66lhW7hdb9wCLcB/s1600/HG%2Bmeme%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A4kuoE751lU/WAb00NzDYwI/AAAAAAAAA6s/fg6E49403fc7yBZim8Z11f66lhW7hdb9wCLcB/s400/HG%2Bmeme%2B2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Except that it's not morning sickness. :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"><u style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">What are different treatments I can try?</span></b></u></span></span></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle">Again, if you have Hyperemesis Gravidarum,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> it's unli<span style="font-family: inherit;">kely that "morning sickness reme<span style="font-family: inherit;">dies" have worked for you</span></span></span>. And, the chances are, you have had a load of advice from people that mean well, but likely haven't experienced HG themselves. In a survey I conducted, I asked 134 women if morning sickness remedies such as ginger, crackers, bland foods, little sips, small meals, sea bands, etc helped them with their HG. Below are the results. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YIu-iGtuPu0/WAFByNxeJWI/AAAAAAAAAyI/PFfTuqHpqJ4lq5IdrPuz3hb_9asKTr7vgCLcB/s640/MS%2Bremedies.png" width="640" />
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Out of the 134 women, 123 women said it didn't help at all, 9 said it
only helped a little bit, 2 said that they noticed a difference that did
not eliminate their HG, and none, I repeat, <u><i>none</i></u> said
that their HG could be controlled by diet alone. Convinced that
Hyperemesis Gravidarum and morning sickness are two different things
yet? </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a video clip showing what the life of a HG patient is like, and at the end it goes into detail about different treatment options.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/60mhWOcvRNs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/60mhWOcvRNs?feature=player_embedded" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyk6nIojjAE/WAExeM3uamI/AAAAAAAAAxw/BfpEhSpMjAAmhn5p6NMcKnax3H1rMa5jwCLcB/s1600/HG%2BAntiemetic%2BChart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="563" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyk6nIojjAE/WAExeM3uamI/AAAAAAAAAxw/BfpEhSpMjAAmhn5p6NMcKnax3H1rMa5jwCLcB/s640/HG%2BAntiemetic%2BChart.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This chart is from a survey that asked what medications significantly helped them in treating their HG. There is a total of 2,703 responses. (Multiple responses allowed per person) It should be noted that not all medications are anti-emetics, there is a number of acid reducing medications as well, and they have been found to help when used in addition. There were also a few other responses that while t<span style="font-family: inherit;">hey </span>did not directly pertain to vomiting, they were still used in the treatment of HG. They included: Benadryl (17 responses), Remeron (2 responses), Midrin (for HG induced migraines, 1 response), and Ativan (1 response.) For a more, in depth response, go to my "Treatment Options for HG" <a href="http://hgawareness.blogspot.com/2016/09/blog-post.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRZOnt3cieI/WAGAVSoN8jI/AAAAAAAAAyg/WpJLvXNXbgg3yCumfLGMyhbnpSwZo4zMgCLcB/s1600/Treatment%2Bfor%2BSevere%2BHG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRZOnt3cieI/WAGAVSoN8jI/AAAAAAAAAyg/WpJLvXNXbgg3yCumfLGMyhbnpSwZo4zMgCLcB/s400/Treatment%2Bfor%2BSevere%2BHG.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, there are times that medications won't be enough. Some, like myself, don't find any respite, medications don't bring relief. In cases where this is true, and the condition of the Hyperemesis Gravidarum patient is severe enough, drastic measures need to be taken. This group of the HG patient population is rare. I asked 86 different women who had to go to extreme measures for their care, what treatments they had. Some had only one of the following options, and some had a combination. Again, I'll go in depth on these treatments <a href="http://hgawareness.blogspot.com/2016/09/blog-post.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><u>How will Hyperemesis Gravidarum affect me?</u></b></span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hyperemesis Gravidarum is no picnic. It's a time of uncertainty, loneliness, misery, and feeling absolutely crummy. It is truly a labor of love for your utterly precious baby, though sometimes it'll feel like you're having the life sucked out of you by this same said little being that you<span style="font-family: inherit;">'re</span> supposed to dote on and cherish. Talk about a conflict of interest! This time will affect those that love you too: your spouse, family, friends, bosses, co-workers, and more. Some may have a hard time understanding why you are in the state you are, and may say some very hurtful and callous things. It's okay to be upset by these things, but try to be patient, it's more likely than not they are borne out of ignorance and frustration, because they don't know how to help you. And <span style="font-family: inherit;">HG patients</span>, as I can attest, can look back at their experience with Hyperemesis Gravidarum and realize the <span style="font-family: inherit;">character building </span>things that they have learned from it, that though you may not want to repeat the experience anytime soon, perhaps you wouldn't change it in hindsight. That said, there are also health concerns that you need to be aware of. HG is vomiting, <i>a lot</i> of vomiting, and likely without any symptom free periods. <span style="background-color: yellow;">"<b>This leads to rapid and
significant weight loss, dehydration, electrolyte disturbances,
ketosis and acetonuria</b> often requiring hospitalization.
If these derangements are not treated promptly or adequately,
they </span><b><span style="background-color: yellow;">can lead to fetal loss, and irreversible renal, neurologic, and hepatic
damage."</span>(helpher.org) </b>Realize that the monster you're dealing with is very real, and do everything in your power to get the medical and emotional help you need for you and for your baby.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImIc9PVredg/WAbyhBf_CeI/AAAAAAAAA6o/X5cD42YTUTQ7DqleoeLOrtlAcuGtFZY1ACLcB/s1600/HG%2Blive%2Bbirth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImIc9PVredg/WAbyhBf_CeI/AAAAAAAAA6o/X5cD42YTUTQ7DqleoeLOrtlAcuGtFZY1ACLcB/s400/HG%2Blive%2Bbirth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">How long does Hyperemesis Gravidarum last?</span></u></b></span></h2>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite what people say, if you're suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, it is completely normal to still be suffering after 14 weeks. I did a survey asking 208 women how long their HG lasted, and got the following results.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQKs3I-EZyw/WAGSQbw5aZI/AAAAAAAAAy4/JxW8lerG6Soop5x457_jooT5W21u8PKgACLcB/s1600/How%2Blong%2BHG%2Blasts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQKs3I-EZyw/WAGSQbw5aZI/AAAAAAAAAy4/JxW8lerG6Soop5x457_jooT5W21u8PKgACLcB/s640/How%2Blong%2BHG%2Blasts.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you can tell, there is no "cookie cutter" answer. However chances are you're in one of two categories, you either will feel symptoms around the time you get a positive pregnancy test until birth, or your symptoms will abate around 20-25 weeks. You'll notice that there are some categories that include post partum; yes, that does happen. Most women feel almost instant relief from HG upon the birth of their child<span style="font-family: inherit;">;</span> we share funny stories of us feeling suddenly ravenous and eating random and large quantities of food. Me? After both pregnancies, I ate a large sandwich or hamburger with plenty of fries. And salad! Looots of salad! I still threw up sporadically first for three days, the second time for two weeks, but overall, I was a new woman! ***You will notice that in the beginning I put that as little as 5% have their HG last full term. These were my findings according to the survey I did, but that is the consistent statistic put forth by the medical community. I debated including it or not, but decided to on the basis that it could show the different variances within the groups*** </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's not unusual to have other effects as well. Things like: aversions or nausea when smells, sights, sensations, and foods that used to trigger you are present, depression, and even post traumatic stress disorder. (Go <a href="https://www.blogger.com/">here</a> <span style="font-family: inherit;">to see one woman's experience with P<span style="font-family: inherit;">TSD from HG.) </span></span>Get help! Talk to your doctor and loved ones about your concerns, as my mother always says, "pregnancy is a family affair." It truly takes a village to raise a child with <span style="font-family: inherit;">an </span>HG <span style="font-family: inherit;">survivor</span>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How likel<span style="font-family: inherit;">y am I to repeat Hyperemesis Gravidarum pregnancies? </span></span></span></b></u><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PL0hM8sMupo/WAGaBJfVJ0I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/fXgNRGLHNkccMWNKc3mzGnXtoE0DfJBNACLcB/s1600/Multiple%2BPregnancies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PL0hM8sMupo/WAGaBJfVJ0I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/fXgNRGLHNkccMWNKc3mzGnXtoE0DfJBNACLcB/s640/Multiple%2BPregnancies.png" width="640" /></span></a></span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately, pretty likely. I conducted a survey asking women who ha<span style="font-family: inherit;">ve</span> had multiple pregnancies, which pregnancies they had Hyperemesis Gravidarum with. This survey did not include morning sickness, focusing only on patients that felt the full affect of HG in their pregnancy. As you can see from the chart above, out of the 257 women that I asked, 100 said that they only had HG pregnancies. But you may fit in some of the other categories: 26 said they only had it in their second pregnancy, and not their first, 19 said they only had one HG pregnancy, 11 said they had it in their successful pregnancies, but not the babes that miscarried, 14 said they had HG in <u>MOST</u> but not all their pregnancies (most being defined as more than half), 3 said they had HG in <u>SOME</u> but not all their pregnancies (some being defined as about half), and 3 said they had HG in a <u>FEW</u>, but not all their pregnancies (few being defined as less than half.) In addition to this information, I asked women if with the all HG multiple pregnancies they had, if each pregnancy's severity got worse or better. As you can tell, the overwhelming result is that they got worse. If you fit in this category thus far, take courage. If you feel like there are more sweet babies to be in your family, (and this decision is purely between you, your spouse, and God!) Choose to know that more likely than not, this is going to be your reality and plan accordingly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is an excellent video that gives a brief overview of what Hyperemesis Gravidarum is, and includes the experience of a mother that had more severe, subsequent pregnancies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Pregnant ladies and loved ones....you can do this! Please don't suffer<span style="font-family: inherit;"> silently, fight for yourself and your baby! Explore this blog, read the resources cited, join the <span style="font-family: inherit;">F<span style="font-family: inherit;">acebook group! <span style="font-family: inherit;">And of course,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> make<span style="font-family: inherit;"> your doctor aware of your concerns. If you are less than thrilled with your medical professionals, go to this <a href="http://hgawareness.blogspot.com/2016/10/finding-doctor.html" target="_blank">post</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://hgawareness.blogspot.com/2016/10/finding-doctor.html" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://hgawareness.blogspot.com/2016/10/finding-doctor.html"> </a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">to see if there is a <span style="font-family: inherit;">"Hyper<span style="font-family: inherit;">emesis<span style="font-family: inherit;">-</span>Gravidarum<span style="font-family: inherit;">-</span>friendly<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-</span>doctor</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>" in your area. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">SHARE!!!</span></span></span></span></span></u></b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And to all readers everywhere, please share something HG related on your social media. It can be a meme, a p<span style="font-family: inherit;">icture, video, or even my blog. <u>I </u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>don't care!</u> But there are many babies that have their lives <span style="font-family: inherit;">cut <span style="font-family: inherit;">short</span></span>, either<span style="font-family: inherit;"> by a mother <span style="font-family: inherit;">not getting the treatment th<span style="font-family: inherit;">at they stand in such dire need of<span style="font-family: inherit;">, or </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">by a desperate<span style="font-family: inherit;">, untreated mother who seeks an abortion</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>. S<span style="font-family: inherit;">tatistic<span style="font-family: inherit;">s show that since 2015, the creation of the Hyperemesis Gravidar<span style="font-family: inherit;">um (<span style="font-family: inherit;">HG) <span style="font-family: inherit;">F</span>acebook group has <span style="font-family: inherit;">lessened abortions due to <span style="font-family: inherit;">absent or poor treatment by 15%! M<span style="font-family: inherit;">ak<span style="font-family: inherit;">e a difference, s<span style="font-family: inherit;">ave a life, share what you've <span style="font-family: inherit;">learned and chalk it up as <span style="font-family: inherit;">your good deed for the day.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> And while you're at it<span style="font-family: inherit;">, thank the mothers in your life<span style="font-family: inherit;">, especially yours<span style="font-family: inherit;">, she did make you after all!</span> The world is filled with some pretty cool folks, and you're probably <span style="font-family: inherit;">one of them. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hL-3kB26efg/WAcMyWZdN9I/AAAAAAAAA7c/8mtyVybQ8KopHsqJboclACQyrocilqgpwCLcB/s1600/save%2Ba%2Blife.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hL-3kB26efg/WAcMyWZdN9I/AAAAAAAAA7c/8mtyVybQ8KopHsqJboclACQyrocilqgpwCLcB/s400/save%2Ba%2Blife.png" width="200" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hL-3kB26efg/WAcMyWZdN9I/AAAAAAAAA7c/8mtyVybQ8KopHsqJboclACQyrocilqgpwCLcB/s1600/save%2Ba%2Blife.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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