Any Aussies out there??

[hofa41]

Hello? I know it's been a long time since this board was active... I'm hoping there are still fellow-Aussies out there to offer some support!


My name is Leanne and I'm currently 11 weeks pregnant with my second baby. My first pregnancy I had HG although it was undiagnosed. I was hospitalised to receive fluids. This time around I found myself a great dr who had been through the same thing twice. I've been meeting with her nearly once a week to try and find a suitable combination of drugs (maxalon, which didn't work, phenergan and zofran) to help me and avoid hospitalisation again. Unfortunately nothing has worked and I went to hospital last night for an IV. Last time, I was admitted through the nurse who saw me for my first baby appointment, with too many keytones in my urine. I was treated with care and respect, and was kept in for 3 days. This time I went through emergency and was treated by a (sorry to be so general) male dr who told me that I wasn't "that" dehydrated, that IV fluids wouldn't do much of anything and I had to force myself to eat and drink. I was devastated, having fought the feeling of hypocondria for the past 6 weeks. I was given the IV and then sent on my way, with my dosage of Zofran upped.

When I got home I came straight online to let my online family know that I was back from hosptial. One of my friends had posted a link to this site and I spent the next 1/2 hr (at 1:00 in the morning!) reading, nodding and crying in relief that I'd found a place of support.

Again, I'm hoping there is someone still around to chat with! I have emailed for a buddy too.

[DebbieS]

Hi Leanne and welcome!

My name is Debbie. I'm from Adelaide, I've had 2 HG pregnancies (last one ended in m/c), and want to start TTC in 2 months time.

It sounds like your doctor is really nice.. meeting you weekly is great. Is she a GP or an Obst?
So sorry that you met a difficult doctor in ER. It's good that you still got IV anyway. Keep being assertive about that, some don't realise the importance of preventing complications from the HG, and keeping it controlled.

You are doing the right thing in going to hospital to get IV as part of your treatment. You are doing great by trying different meds. You definitely don't have hypochondria!!

Take care,
Debbie

[hofa41]

Thanks for the welcome Debbie .

I think I forgot to mention that I'm in Newcastle, NSW, 2 hrs north of Sydney.

My dr is a gp. We talked about her referring me to an OB just on a consultant basis (I can't afford to see one for the birth etc) but I don't think we'll do that. She has a friend who is an OB and she's been asking advice for me lol.

I've spent some time today reading the forums here. So many things I'm reading and nodding along to, it's not funny. It's a relief actually!

[DebbieS]

Hi Leanne,
There is so much great stuff to read on these forums. It is an amazing feeling to know you're not alone, there are others like you, that others understand, that we (eventually!) get through HG. This forum here though isn't very active.. feel free to post on the other forums like first (and soon for you second) trimester... these seem to be the most active, or introduce yourself to others on the pregnant forum.
There are a few other Australians around the place too.
Hope things are going O.K. for you.

[aussietwirler]

Hi Leanne,

Fellow Aussie who wants to give her support to you too.

I had HG for 9 mths with daughter and for 7 months with twin boys, which only ended upon their early arrival.

A sympathetic doctor makes the world of difference. The weekly visits give you something to look forward too and means you can cross off another week as each visit goes by.

HG pregnancies draaaaaaaag. I swear I thought my pregnancy would never end and was almost delighted to go into premature labour.

Of course then it's a whole new challenge (especially with twins). But hang in there. You sound a lot more positive than I was.

There is also another website I used to post in... www.morningsicknesshelp.com I made Aussie friends here and it really helped to know others around the world were suffering too. Good to know it's not in your head and not a case of mind over matter.

My FEMALE ob/gyn saved my sanity during my last pregnancy. However I will NOT be having any more as I think HG twice is enough for me.

Good luck and keep in touch with those who have been there and done that!!

HUGS to you and bump,

Mara

[Kezza]

Hi Ladies,

my name is Keren and I am an Aussie living in the USA. I am on my second HG pregnancy and currently 11 weeks pregnant. It's more under control this time though as I have a good OB who got me on the drugs early.

I am heading back to Aus in December with my 20 month old daughter and was wondering if any of you knew of a good OB in Brisbane?

I am dreading the flight back, being sick with a toddler running around, so any tips on how to get Qantas staff to help out would be great. And referrals to good docs/hospitals in Brissy would be great.

I have read all of your posts and I am going to take a huge stock of Zofran with me. It only costs us $9 for a bottle of 60 by 8mg pills here. Sounds like it is a lot cheaper in the US if you have the right insurance. I did find out from the Pharmacist that it usually costs USD$2,600 a bottle. PHEW!!

Appreciate any advice you have.
Cheers
Keren

[DebbieS]

Hi Keren,

Can't help you with Brisbane doctors, as I'm an Adelaide girl myself.
How long have you been away for? Are you back to stay?

Cheapest way I've found to get Zofran here is through the hospitals, either through an Obs or midwife who works there, or through their emergency department. They'll prescribe on the basis that it's cheaper than you being admitted to hospital... but this usually means you need to be sick enough for them to think you might need to go into hospital.
Otherwise, yes it's expensive (in 2003 it was around $120 for 10 tablets)

For flying suggest aisle seat close to toilet. A personal video screen for daughter could be handy.. or a portable DVD player or laptop that plays DVDs if airlines allows it (pick a new DVD she hasn't seen before).
Couple new toys could be handy. Don't fill daughter up with food at airport if possible, wait till plane, as she'll spend more time eating. Get someone to queue for you at start so you spend less time in queues. Tell air hostesses about possibility of throwing up, and ask if you could get glasses of crushed ice from time to time. If you have special meal requirements ring them up first. At 2 years old my son loved toy catalogues to look at, would spend hours on them.. don't know if your DD is too young yet. Other ideas.. a busy book, mini photo album with photos of family, friends, pets, familiar items. I once converted a mini photo album into a busy book, putting little knickknacks to play with in each pocket.

Hope this gives you some ideas. Good luck!!

[Kezza]

Thanks Debbie,

no - I am only back for December. One of my grandmothers just had a masectomy so my parents are pretty keen for Caitlyn to see her for Christmas, otherwise I wouldn't make the trip.

I should be able to take enough Zofran to cover me for the month. i am just worried if I go downhill and need an IV etc - it's nice to know where the docs are who treat it seriously!!

Believe it or not Caitlyn doesn't watch DVDs or much TV, but I do like your idea of the photo album - she will love that. Hopefully she will sleep most of the way as it is an 11pm flight. We'll see. As long as the Flight Attendants can watch her if I need to vomit, it should be alright. I really hate throwing up in front of her. At one stage she started imitating me throwing up!!

Thanks again for the tips
Keren

[DebbieS]

Hi Keren,

An 11pm flight is a great time (for her..)
It probably means with meal breaks and sleep time that time will pass quickly.

Other things I've thought of:
- To get treatment in any hospital I've basically needed a medicare card, blood test results showing I'm pregnant & letter from doctor. In your case a letter from your Obs. stating hyperemesis & in particular effective medicines (particularly stating Zofran so they don't try and give you something cheaper and less powerful) would be great. Hospitals are obliged to treat Australians (with Medicare cards) (going public free of charge). One change I've noticed with Obst. is that its hard now to just see one for a few appointments. You tend to book them for an entire pregnancy and pay them a lump sum now.

- If you suspect your DD ears might be a problem put Vicks vapour rub or equivalent on chest to help clear nasal passages (air hostesses have eucalyptus sachets too for this)

- I've found people can be quite friendly on planes. Once had a tough looking bikie spend time with DS on his knee, others have enjoyed pulling faces etc. You might find people willing to help if you get sick.. an older couple or something.

Debbie

[Kezza]

Believe it or not I am 34 years old and still on my parents medicare card!! As I used to be in the military and never needed a medicare card myself, they thankfully have kept me on it. It has come in handy when I go visit.

I will take your advice and get a letter from my OB stating my condition and meds, then if anything comes up, I have all the bases covered.

Thanks Debbie
Keren

[aussie]

Hi guys, it is soooo good to hear from some Aussies. I have had 3 HG pregnancies, but each time the doctor has not mentioned to me that HG existed, they jsut said it was par and parcel of pregnancy. I was not sure when researching the site if the information was necessarily relevant to australia, for instance, whether Zofran was still the medication we should ask for, but now I know that it is. I don't know if it is just me but even the doctors in Newcastle seem pretty unfamiliar with HG I really need to find a good doctor willing to help me through my next preganancy. As somehow I need to stay at work or I will not be able to afford to do this without losing the house etc. FFrom previous experience I did notice that the more and more dehydrated I got the more the problem snowballed, so I am hopiing that now I am more informed, if I can remain hydrated and on top if it that things won't get as bad as before. I am looking at trying to fall any month now, but it is scary and none of the doctors are willing to even give me zofran (went and had a talk to a few). If anyone has any info re doctors in the Newcastle area pls advise as I really want to do this, but it seems so impossible. Also I have just read the info re how much Zofran costs, that is a bit depressing also isn't it. I think on a heath care card it is quite reasonable, but other than that it does not seem so good.

[DebbieS]

Welcome!
I'm also doing the doctor search at the moment. I'm finding it quite scary, because I'm afraid that they will discount, minimalise, or cracker it.

What sort of doctors are looking around for? (GP, OB, obstetric physician (high risk Dr)).

I agree that hydration is an important thing to focus on.

The cheapest way I've found to get Zofran is through hospitals (once you HAVE HG - then they are more willing to prescribe it to try and keep you out of hospital).

Feel free to post with any more questions etc.
Debbie

[aussie]

I have been looking for an OB as I have found the GP's don't even seem to know that the problem even exists. Hopefully the OB will. They will often not see you until after 12 or so wks but when I have explained the situation a few of them have been willing to see me prior, or one of the GP's said they can give me a referral so I can see an OB early up at the hospital.

[Cazza]

I was reading that someone needed a ob in brisbane. Im a brissy girl and i see Dr Keeping and if you can't get into him i would go to www.qfg.com.au and check the directors in there. All of obs in there are one of the best in Australia.
I am currently 28 weeks pregnant with twins and in hospital on bed rest.
Dr Keeping is my ob/gyn though for my morning sickness and other complications I'm seeing Dr Winnifred Lee. Dr Keeping works closely with her as he's one of the busiest obs in brisbane he usually gets problem cases to go through her so that you get the best care. She's the best when it comes to morning sickness and she's really got my morning sickness managed.
Wish you all the best


Carrie

[Kezza]

Thanks Carrie - appreciate the referral. Hopefully I wont need to see them while I am home for christmas, but it is good to have a plan in case.
Cheers
Keren

[DebbieS]

Hi Carrie,
Good luck on the rest of your pregnancy. I can't imagine that bedrest in hospital would be much fun. I read (in another post of yours) about your OB. She sounds great!

Hi "Aussie"!
It's good that you're searching for a good OB now (and I can understand your frustration.. why isn't HG believed?).

I've had my best luck so far through "contacts".. mostly from my MIL. My MIL knows a GP from church.. who knows an Obstetric physician (who she plays in a band with) .. etc. And (maybe because the GP knows my MIL) the GP has been really willing to act on my behalf and get care lined up before I get pregnant. So, if you are having no luck with the OB, maybe try and find a GP who knows you and your family, who will go up to bat for you with an OB to vouch for your need.

I got a good cracker from a different GP yesterday. She said I had the severe HG last time because there was something wrong with the pregnancy, so it was good that the baby died. (I had thought that maybe my prolonged starvation & complications from it more had something to do with it). She also thought that next time I'd see her, I'd have two children in tow (it will happen by magic I'm sure.. or maybe I need to borrow someones..)

Bestwishes Carrie for your pregnancy, and "Aussie" for your doctor hunt.

[mel_11]

Hi fellow Aussie HGers

I've had just about as much as I can take of this damn pregnancy. I'm so ready for it to be over. The heat and humidity up here in Darwin is pretty horrible at the moment and is really not helping with my moods, nausea and hyrdation.

I am so sick of people asking me if I still have m/s! It's not m/s!! I really wish there was more public awareness and recognition of HG. I have not found one person yet (besides health staff) who has ever even heard of HG. How do you explain this condition to someone?! There are no words to describe the horror - "severe m/s" doesn't sound any where near serious enough! Even GPs seem to have limited knowledge about it - I've had so many who would only prescribe maxolon or stemetil for me and most had never heard if Zofran, nor were they willing to prescribe it. They just suggested I give up work and relax (I probably would if I had a nice dr hubby to support me!)! So glad i finally found one who would prescribe Zofran - what a lifesaver.

I have been off Zofran for about 3 weeks now (after 10 weeks on it) and I think I have relapsed. The nausea has always been there, but seems worse again now. I am getting really down with trying to cope with the nausea every single day. Not going to bother going back to the GP - am going straight to the experts - an ob. Hopefully they can figure something out for me.

Look forward to chatting with you all at a later date.

[DebbieS]

Hello there!

I'm so sorry you are having a rough time at present. HG is awful, and I simply can't imagine having to do that in continuous humid heat.

I was looking back at your posts, and have wondered if there was perhaps another med you could now try to take more of an edge off your nausea (now that your vomiting is largely controlled/subsided meds that mightn't have worked before might work O.K. now)

Many people on this site have tried Unisom. It's doxylamine succinate, and in Australia you can buy it as restavit or dozile. It's a sleeping tablet, but helps with nausea. You could try taking 1 tablet at night, to see if this helps. You could try having 1/4 - 1/2 tablet every 4-6 hours during the day if you need extra help. Pairing with B6 is also meant to be good. There are other alternatives that also might work well for the nausea now too.

I remember the unrelenting nausea as well. After my first pregnancy I was so overjoyed to be free of it - life with a new baby was great because I felt well, I had energy, I wasn't bedbound anymore.

Best wishes!
Debbie

[aussie]

Hi I have since done up a protocol (as have others) which might be worth having a look at so that you can take some ideas to your doctor. I think we need to research it ourselves and tell them what we want more so than them pondering over it. At least know what all the options are so that when your Dr mentions various meds etc that you are famliar with what other HGers have said about that particular med.

This link is for the protocols (mine is the last one on the list and is just a compilation of all the various information I have read on the site.
http://forums.helpher.org/viewtopic.php?t=6140


This link is just various topics regarding medication.
http://forums.helpher.org/viewforum.php?f=33

I really hope you start feeling better, it is terrible that you are 26 weeks and still having so much trouble (not that it is uncommon). You must be really mentally drained by now. And in such a horrid heat!!!!! Just make sure you stay really well hydrated. Get ketostix so you can check yourself.

I hope your Dr can figure something out for you.

OH yeah here is a link for preggie pops which a lot of people say help (I have not tried myself yet). They can also be bought at some maternity shops etc
http://stores.ebay.com.au/4MUMS-KIDZ