Dear Hyperemesis (HG)-
Today I should be taking a pregnancy test and recording crazy videos and taking photos with my husband celebrating the positive test results just like in the past.
(Pregnancy Announcement video 2009)
But, I am not.
We've been there and done that twice, and emotionally I was ready to be doing it again. We both were. But physically, we know that now is not the time.
Why you ask...with a stupid grin.
You know exactly why. You are the reason I am not pregnant today and you love it.
You love to come into pregnant women's lives and steal their joy. You rob them of nearly every breath. You wreck havoc on their bodies, sending them to the hospital suffering, only to find there is no relief but time. You steal future babies daily.
Hyperemesis, you suck!
I would kill you if I could. I am trying, trust me. I would rather see you dead than an expecting mom or unborn baby any day.
Since 2009, after 7 months on bed rest with you sucking the life out of me, I vowed to NEVER have another baby.
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It is generally described as 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:
- -loss of greater than 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight (usually over 10%)
- -dehydration and production of ketones
- -nutritional deficiencies
- -metabolic imbalances
- -difficulty with daily activities
www.helpher.org
Because of you my pregnancy was not kind to me. Not a day went by that I didn't feel like I was dying. Every day, I just sat waited to take my last breath. I watched helplessly as you tried to steal my life from me.
You stole my daughters mommy away as my doctor worked tirelessly to save my life and my baby Gabriella's as well.
Zofran, Reglan, Prednisone, Scopolamine, IV's, GI Cocktails, and more medications were all on my side fighting against you and the side effects of your dreadful visit.
You were still winning.
But I want you to know that today I followed up with my current Sidelines Buddy, who I have supported emotionally throughout her hyperemesis-ridden pregnancy for the past few months, and she has delivered a brand new beautiful girl.
Take THAT!
She is through with you, and I am refreshed.
She is buddy number 5 that you have tried to claim that I have supported since becoming a Sidelines Volunteer in 2007. That motivates me to have no fear.
So, you are no longer winning and you will not steal my babies from me.
I may not be announcing a pregnancy today as I once would have liked to do, but I'm not doing so by my choice...not by fear.
I no longer fear you. I am going to continue to fight you every chance I get. Whether I am supporting another mom-to-be, or having another baby of my own!
And when I do decide to have another baby, it won't be like before. I will be ready for you. You will not sneak up on me. I'll be expecting you with my fists clenched!
If you don't show up. No worries, you were never welcome in my life anyway.
But if you do decide to show up and try to suck the life out of me again, I will lay in the bed no matter how sick and tired I am, and I'll remind myself as I've done twice before, that
"This too shall pass."
You will not steal my babies from me!
Read more about Hyperemesis and it's effects on pregnancy!
Posts
83 comments:
Oh my goodness! I am teary reading this. You are so strong mama! I had no idea you went through this. So inspiring! Just another reason I love you so!
February 29, 2012 at 12:56 PMFebruary 29, 2012 at 1:34 PM
Great Post!! I already knew you were a strong woman from meeting you at Blissdom!
March 1, 2012 at 3:28 AMMarch 1, 2012 at 6:29 AM
This is a very beautiful and touching post. I'm so glad you have overcome this. It is a terrible thing but you helping other people is so amazing. :)
March 1, 2012 at 10:30 AMIt's sad when you had no idea this could happen. Many women don't even know about it and it really puts a damper on pregnancy rather than a glow!
March 1, 2012 at 10:41 AM
I think you were put on earth to help people. I don't even have the same problem, but I couldn't help but be strengthened to stand up against my own set of trials as I read your message. Thank you so much.
March 1, 2012 at 4:46 PMMarch 1, 2012 at 5:02 PM
Oh my! I have learned something today. I loved it when you said "take that."
March 2, 2012 at 1:34 AMWhat a wonderful thing you are doing helping other women make it through this rough time in their pregnancy.
God will bless your efforts with a pregnancy free of HG.
Pamela
Still Dating My Spouse
http://stilldatingmyspouse.com
I love the way God strengthens someone through a trial to be a strengthener for someone else.
March 3, 2012 at 11:01 AMPeople take for granted how delicate the process of pregnancy and childbirth are.
May God bless you and your unborn babies, may he give you VICTORY over and over again.
Stopping by from the 100 Comments event.
http://www.AsToldByLisa.com
Thanks for sharing and thanks for coaching other moms through what you have gone through, what a blessing you are!
March 3, 2012 at 1:55 PMIt is a great thing you are doing. Keep it up!
March 3, 2012 at 6:23 PMI've never heard of hyperemesis before. Thank you for making people aware and for helping others as they go through it.
March 3, 2012 at 9:33 PMI've never heard of this before but it must have been hard to go through pregnancy with it. I'm glad you were able to deal with it to have your children. Sounds very scary and like you (and the babies) were fortunate to make it.
March 4, 2012 at 12:53 AMMarch 4, 2012 12:52 AM
I love that you have been able to turn your own struggle into a way of helping other women. It is a beautiful thing to see someone hold someone up after they have been there and lived to come back for others. Congrats on making twice!
March 4, 2012 at 9:01 AMTAKE THAT!
Hyperemesis is such a foul debilitating condition that ruins the joy of pregnancy. I hated it, but I at least made it through. I can't help but support other women now
March 4, 2012 at 11:08 AM
March 4, 2012 at 11:14 AM
March 4, 2012 at 11:17 AM
March 4, 2012 at 11:18 AM
March 4, 2012 at 11:24 AM
March 4, 2012 at 11:25 AM
You are so kind to be a buddy for those who are suffering. It must help them a great deal to have someone who understands physically what they are going through. Have a great week.
March 4, 2012 at 11:31 AMThanks for sharing your heart-felt story.
March 4, 2012 at 3:43 PMMarch 4, 2012 at 4:52 PM
I understand the anger. I went through this when I got off the world's strongest medicine and went into withdrawal. This is great therapy and you're making big strides. Keep up the good work! Deb
March 4, 2012 at 4:58 PMMarch 4, 2012 at 6:49 PM
Tonia,
March 5, 2012 at 4:23 PMI believe that all mamas are part lioness. I love your fierceness, and that you took your sadness and turned it into good. Congratulations on supporting other woman and not losing your spirit.
Peace and good to you.
Wow you've been through a lot. Your attitude is inspiring and helpful to other women in the same boat.
March 5, 2012 at 4:47 PMThank you for the great educational post of HG. What a terrible medical issue to have to deal with. I thank God for the safe delivery of your daughter and hope any future pregnancies will go well.
March 5, 2012 at 5:49 PMSuch an inspiring post, you clearly have an inner strength. I had never heard of this condition before but your post demonstrates how resilient you are.
March 5, 2012 at 10:33 PMGlad you are better as well as your baby. Women risk so much including their lives for their children. Women should be celebrated more than we are. P.S. I'm glad you will not let fear reside in you anymore.
March 5, 2012 at 11:47 PMMarch 6, 2012 at 12:14 AM
March 6, 2012 at 12:14 AM
March 6, 2012 at 12:15 AM
March 6, 2012 at 12:16 AM
My life.
March 6, 2012 at 12:17 AM
Oh my goodness, I've never heard of this condition before. We should be thankful to God for healthy pregnancy periods. Some women like us are not having it that good. We are not better than them but just the grace of God. And I pray for that same grace for every woman who is going through this to be an overcomer.
March 6, 2012 at 4:09 AMGreat site design and educating me about Hyperemesis
March 6, 2012 at 11:25 AMHoly moly. I've got to look up Hyperemesis. I had never heard of it before. I had a lot of trouble with pregnancies too but for other reasons (blood clotting issues - so was on a lot of meds to be able to carry). Isn't it amazing the things we can do when we are given no choice. You are a strong woman and it's really refreshing to see you helping other people with the same issue.
March 6, 2012 at 9:59 PMYour strength is very inspiring. Thank you for sharing information about HG, and I hope you have healthy, happy, HG free future pregnancies.
March 6, 2012 at 10:00 PMWhat a beautiful story! Your story is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing it.
March 6, 2012 at 10:12 PMI have never heard of this before, and it sounds like a terrible thing to have to go through! I am glad to know more about it now and I love how you are fighting for yourself, your children and other mamas!! You go!!!
March 6, 2012 at 10:24 PMI was lucky and had super easy pregnancies, I didn't have any sickness at all, but I know women who have suffered from hyperemesis and it is absolutely horrible. I hope you get through it quickly!
March 6, 2012 at 10:31 PMI had a friend who has gone through this with her 2 children and she is one that would love to have a ton of kids but it is just too hard for her. Beautiful post. Keep spreading the awareness!
March 6, 2012 at 11:42 PMCongratulations on your beautiful baby! Continue to be strong.
March 6, 2012 at 11:50 PMWhat an incredible thing to help others as they suffer. We need more people like you, willing to use their experiences to support others going through the same. I had never heard of this before and it causes me to be very thankful for my horrible 1st trimester (January/February last year) due to a drug I had to take to prevent miscarriage, rather than suffering through this condition throughout an entire pregnancy! I cannot imagine!
March 7, 2012 at 2:35 AMI hate that you had to go through that. Your babies are beautiful and I think it's wonderful that you are volunteering to help other women make it to the other side.
March 7, 2012 at 10:09 AMThank you for sharing your journey. I have dealt with different health issues in the past and it can take it's toll. You will be in my prayers.
March 7, 2012 at 11:00 AMWow! I've heard of hyperemesis, but never realized what it was.
March 7, 2012 at 4:17 PMWhat a terrible thing to go through. I pray that you are able to defeat this monster.
March 7, 2012 at 6:54 PMOh wow....wish you the best....keep fighting!
March 7, 2012 at 8:52 PMWhat a powerful post! Thanks for sharing this and for staying strong.
March 7, 2012 at 9:27 PMThat is awesome that you turned a terrible experience for you into something that now helps you to serve others! If only everyone could do that! I really admire your strength to keep pressing forward and having children even when it's so hard!
March 7, 2012 at 9:40 PMBless you doll for sticking through, and now you have a vocation to help others. I have never heard of this condition before. Thanks for the information.
March 7, 2012 at 10:15 PMWow. I've never heard of that, but it certainly doesn't sound like it was any fun. Glad to hear you made it through! Sounds like you definitely made it through stronger than ever.
March 7, 2012 at 11:32 PMVery touching post. I had something...not as serious..for my three pregnancies. Nausea/vomiting so bad for the first three months that I was in and out of the e.r. with IV's. Mine was over once I got into the second trimester. I hope that next pregnancy is free from this!
March 7, 2012 at 11:45 PMI have never heard of this before. I lost 25 pounds in my last pregnancy, but fortunately I had too much weight to start with. It was nice to be thinner after a baby, but it did take a toll on my body, for sure.
March 8, 2012 at 1:35 AMI was sicker with my second than my first and was put on Zofran for a few months. I can't imagine being sicker than THAT. Great attitude - and it's wonderful that you're helping other women who are also suffering from this!
March 8, 2012 at 6:46 AMWow, what a great post. I'm so sorry that you suffered through all that--I can't even begin to imagine it. So glad you and the baby came through alright. Good for you for helping other moms and turning your situation into a blessing for others!
March 8, 2012 at 11:00 AMChristy
www.alivinghomeschool.com
The assistance you are providing to mothers who are suffering from hyperemesis is so important. It is so difficult to feel as if your body is letting you down as you try to grow life. Keep up your very important work!
March 8, 2012 at 4:41 PMI did not have HG but have been extremely sick during each of my first trimesters and I completely understand your point about it stealing future babies. When people would ask if I wanted more... I'd always say that I wanted more kids- yes... but I did not want more first trimesters. I always felt like no one understood what I was going through, or, if they did, they thought I was wrong for getting pregnant in the first place knowing what it would be like and what I'd be putting my family through. I am so impressed by your attitude and your strength!!
March 8, 2012 at 9:10 PMIf you've suffered on day as I have many, you get it. That one day is so miserable and 9 months is unbearable.
March 8, 2012 at 9:40 PM
March 8, 2012 at 9:41 PM
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March 8, 2012 at 9:46 PM
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March 8, 2012 at 9:49 PM
March 8, 2012 at 9:49 PM
Everyone doesn't get the perfect 9 months seen on TV. I'm glad we can all share our experiences and learn from others.
March 8, 2012 at 9:59 PM
March 8, 2012 at 10:00 PM
March 8, 2012 at 10:01 PM
This was a wonderful post. It was so informative, but yet also personal. Thanks for sharing such a personal journey. I have a friend who has been through this in pregnancy. I'm sharing it with her. Thanks again.
March 8, 2012 at 10:15 PM"This too shall pass!" So true! One morning, on my 8th month of pregnancy, I had 2 seizures. The first one, I thought it was just a dream then after a few minutes, it happened again so I went to my mother-in-law and told her she had to bring me to the hospital. That's when they found out I had pre-eclampsia so they had to open me up to get my baby whose heartrate was dropping! My blood pressure skyrocketed to the 200s! But God is good. My baby and I are alive. Miracles happen.
March 9, 2012 at 12:05 AMMarch 9, 2012 at 12:15 AM
Wow - this is a lovely and touching post. I have not been pregnant yet. I don't know what it's like. Giving birth to a child is a miracle. Wow. You are a strong woman. Thanks for sharing!
March 9, 2012 at 1:03 AMI'm glad to share my experience with everyone to bring awareness to the ones who don't. I hope that if you decide to start a family you'll be blessed with a great pregnancy. I hope to have one one day myself.
It is indeed a miracle to have and a joy to hold a precious baby.
March 9, 2012 at 7:41 AM
You are brave and strong for sharing!! I have only heard of this in one other person, who I didn't know very well. It sounds awful! I am sitting here 8 months pregnant now,so thankful my pregnancies have all been fairly uneventful!
March 9, 2012 at 10:36 PMI'm glad you didn't let it win and that you have 2 healthy babies to show for it!!!
I will be following along with you! :)
Thank you for raising awareness about a relatively unknown battle many women are facing. I am sure your words have been healing for many.
March 10, 2012 at 11:52 AMBe blessed in all you do!
Stay strong and I will be praying for you. :)
March 10, 2012 at 9:57 PMI'm so sorry you have hyperemesis. It really does stink. I spent much of last year struggling through it. Stay strong. I love this blog post.
May 12, 2012 at 11:02 PMWow! Important, powerful piece--I love how you fight back. I liked it enough to link to you on my post about HG Annual Awareness Day, so you may be getting some different visitors. If you'd like to see your name in lights [and see my own, tangential experience with HG, stop by, at http://wp.me/p22afJ-1gU.] Best always, Candida
May 14, 2012 at 3:40 PMWhat an amazing letter! I think this is something all HG women need to read to help them get through this awful illness.
June 4, 2012 at 5:09 PMPost a Comment
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