There is no conceivable way to explain the physical pain and emotional distress of Hyperemesis. As a three time sufferer of HG (daugthers age 7, 2 and one on the way) it takes everything I have to function daily. I have been hospitalized and continue to receive IV and medicinal treatment during my current pregnancy (17 weeks). Taking care of my family, going to work, and living a normal life is completely out of the range of possibility. I am super supported by my husband, our parents, neighbors and church friends, yet even they can not offer me what I crave -- a few hours to just feel normal, to eat a small meal without it coming back up, to help my daughter get dressed for school, to work a normal day without someone telling me how horrible/tired/pale I look. And, while laying on the bathroom floor nearly unconcious before the last hospital trip, I prayed to please just let it end or let me die or let something put me out of this misery.
The impact this has on our family is enormous. My 2 year old announces to everyone she sees "mommy sick" and my 7 year old has had a noticeable change in behavior and school performance over the past 10 weeks. My husband is at his last nerve, trying to go to work, be helpful at home, take care of the girls, manage the numerous phone calls with the insurance carrier, and support me and my needs.
The only good thing that comes out of this, from my two prior experiences, is that eventually the baby has to exit and will hopefully be as delightful and lovely as my two "big" girls are today.
