my story
Posted: Feb 26, 2007 5:43 pmDr. Phil:
This is not what a pregnant woman is supposed to look like.
I was in my first trimester of my second hyperemesis pregnancy when this photo was taken. About a week prior I had considered terminating my wanted and planned pregnancy for fear that my 2-year-old daughter might be left without a mom if I continued.
My first pregnancy was difficult, involving a central line, intravenous nutrition and about a dozen hospital visits. My second pregnancy was even worse, requiring that I receive nutrition either through a central line or a feeding tube until delivery. I spent over a month in the hospital cumulatively and had regular visits from a home health nurse when I was at home. My pregnancies were almost too difficult--and at times too dangerous--for me to endure, even with supportive family and friends, a good doctor and health insurance.
I am blessed to have two healthy children despite the hyperemesis. But I know I cannot have the third child I long for. My two hyperemesis pregnancies were devastating to my family's finances and my career.
Thank you for drawing attention to this horrible illness. I hope that as a result more women who are sick with HG will get the help they need and we will make progress in finding effective treatments.
This is not what a pregnant woman is supposed to look like.
I was in my first trimester of my second hyperemesis pregnancy when this photo was taken. About a week prior I had considered terminating my wanted and planned pregnancy for fear that my 2-year-old daughter might be left without a mom if I continued.
My first pregnancy was difficult, involving a central line, intravenous nutrition and about a dozen hospital visits. My second pregnancy was even worse, requiring that I receive nutrition either through a central line or a feeding tube until delivery. I spent over a month in the hospital cumulatively and had regular visits from a home health nurse when I was at home. My pregnancies were almost too difficult--and at times too dangerous--for me to endure, even with supportive family and friends, a good doctor and health insurance.
I am blessed to have two healthy children despite the hyperemesis. But I know I cannot have the third child I long for. My two hyperemesis pregnancies were devastating to my family's finances and my career.
Thank you for drawing attention to this horrible illness. I hope that as a result more women who are sick with HG will get the help they need and we will make progress in finding effective treatments.