

Battling Hyperemesis Gravidarum


On March 17, 2022, I took a pregnancy test and it was positive. I was overjoyed! As a mother of a 5-year-old son, I was hoping for a girl this time. My fiancé and I were ecstatic and jumped for joy in the living room. However, my happiness was short-lived. When I reached 4.5 months, everything changed. One morning, I woke up at 5 am and started vomiting uncontrollably. I threw up about 18 times and felt dizzy and like I was going to pass out. It was a terrifying experience. I immediately called the paramedics, and they rushed me to the hospital. The ER doctor diagnosed me with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a condition that causes severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. I was severely dehydrated, and my heart rate was extremely high. It was a scary experience, and I felt overwhelmed. As a nurse, I knew what to expect, but it was still challenging. The doctor recommended Banana Bag IV fluids to restore my hydration and energy. I felt a burst of energy that I had never felt before, and it was a sign that my body was lacking the proper nutrients. However, the vomiting and nausea returned, and I was worried about losing my job. I researched and found a banana bag oral solution packet that I could mix with water at home. It helped me a lot, and I also used grape juice ice cubes to soothe my throat. Migraines were another challenge, and my neurologist recommended magnesium glycinate to help me relax. Food was a struggle, and I could only keep hamburgers down. I used papaya digestive enzymes to break down my food and ate smaller portions throughout the day. Prayer was my biggest support, and I found healing prayers on YouTube and a book called Prayers That Avail Much. I also had a nurse advocate who arranged for me to receive IV fluids three times a week and a home health aide to help me with chores. My family didn't understand what I was going through, and it was lonely. However, I found the HG Foundation, and they sent me a volunteer who had experienced HG. She was a godsend and checked on me regularly. I had to move back in with my parents after losing my job, but it was a blessing in disguise. I had their support and didn't have to worry about food or shelter. I also had a psychiatrist who helped me set small goals and change my mindset. It was a challenging experience, but I learned that a positive mindset can make a huge difference.