Hyperemesis Gravidarum Support and Research Forums

15 June - Very sadly I tonight await the impending death of a close friend who was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum about 40 days ago. Tragically, she suffered from this in silence for almost 15 weeks before going to see a doctor, which occured only at my insistence after her mention on the phone of being 'unable to keep any (food) down'. I wanted to post here to make clear the threats of this condition to a woman's health. My friend's kidney function was severely affected by the condition of prolonged HG, to the point of complete renal cortical necrosis (death of kidney cells). This was followed by hepatic necrosis (death of liver cells) and other generalized problems caused by now-unfiltered toxins in the blood system. If you are vomiting a lot in early pregnancy, or if you feel that a strong sense of shame or shock are making it difficult to remain healthy during early term pregnancy, you need to see a doctor immediately. Do not delay! It can mean your life. I welcome comments and concerns. Thank you! parkway7035 @ y hoo. c o m

Thank you so much for sharing your story. You and your friend will be in my thoughts as you face this difficult time.

HG is devastating, and it can absolutely be deadly if not treated (and even with treatment). The well-meaning "it can't be that bad, just deal with it" comments we receive take on a sinister new meaning in light of your friend's tragedy. We do see HGers develop kidney and liver complications here; I'm so sorry your friend's case became so severe. You have my deepest sympathy; bless you for urging her to seek medical attention!

My heart and prayers go out to her and to you. A story like this brings home the stark reality of the effects HG can have on the body. I wish that EVERYONE who doubts the seriousness of HG could read this post and understand the gravity of this condition, especially when left untreated.

My prayers are with her and her family.

This has brought tears to my eyes.

A little over six years ago, I too nearly lost my life to hyperemesis. I was pregnant with my first and had no idea that this was not normal, I just figured I was being weak since "everyone" is sick during pregnancy.

I was extremely lucky that my mom had suffered HG with both pregnancies, although she never had that diagnoses, she suffered through it. She realized how sick I had become and didn't want to see me suffer any more. She loaded me in the car and brought me to the hospital. A few hours later we learned that I was not only at deaths doorstep, I was ready to step through that door. My liver was failing and my kidneys were barely functioning.

I spent four days in the hospital before I ever passed any urine because I was so extremely dehydrated. They had never seen anyone who was so terribly dehydrated. I had extremely high levels of keytones and (can't remember the name) something about my blood being very acidic.

My baby was three weeks behind development. The nurses had prepared me to miscarry. They said there was no way it could survive. That baby who became my beautiful daughter, Jasmine, turned six on June 9th!

I think the fact that most OBs will not see a woman until her 10 week of gestation puts women with HG at unnecessary risk. By my 10th week, I had already been hospitalized four times and nearly lost my life and my childs.

I wish that the public as well as more doctors and midwives were more informed on Hyperemesis and the great risks of it.....


I am praying for this woman and her family.

I apologize for the delay in responding. My friend died on Sunday night, 6/20/2004, after being at home for 11 days so that she could be with her family for the period up until life's end. This is an unbelieveable tragedy for all involved and in particular for her two surviving children, aged 15 and 12. There are so many "if only's" in this story that it is maddening to think of them. If only she had told someone sooner that she was vomiting and not eating and drinking much at all ... If only she had visited a doctor well before the 15th week of gestation ... If only after loss of the pregnancy and hospitalization for the same she had remained in hospital (doctors had wanted to keep her, but she wanted to go home, and they allowed her to do so with 3x weekly outpatient hemodialysis treatments). Hyperemesis gravidarum is a killer and I believe most people have absolutely no idea of the severity of its impact on the health of the mother. I also feel that confusion between first trimester vomiting and more severe forms of emesis lead to many unnecessary weeks of suffering by a majority of HG-diagnosed patients.

I am so sorry at the loss of your friend. I can't even imagine how painful it is for you, knowing what you know on how to help survive HG. You and your friends family will be in my prayers.

Vois2
I'm so sorry for your loss. It makes me think that maybe I did make the right decision for me and my family when I terminated my last pregnancy b/c of severe hyperemesis. I too felt like I was going to die. My prayers are with you and your friends family.
Sandra

I am one of those people who never knows what to say when something incredibly sad happens. I think it is maybe why I come off as a little blunt or cold sometimes. I have always appreciated those who can find the perfect words, words that bring some sort of comfort or solace. Your friend's story is so incredibly sad for so many reasons, and I hope that you all find peace someday. But, that aside, thank you for posting it. It was very hard for me to read personally and I have thought a lot about it over the past few days. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you or your friend's family or for anyone else who might need help for that matter!