Hyperemesis Has Been Kicking My A**

If you have been wondering where I have been for the last few months, here's your answer: I have been suffering from hyperemesis (yes the same thing as the Duchess); which also means we are expecting baby number 2! Although we have not had much time to be excited or celebrate this pregnancy yet because I am so ill, I wanted to share the news with my readers. Baby #2 will arrive in July!  Not many people know what hyperemesis is because it only affects about 1% of pregnant women (yes us "lucky" ones). A lot of people think that it is just a fancy name for morning sickness, but I can tell you after having "normal" morning sickness with my first, this is totally different. Here are some of the things that I have experienced to give you an idea of how severe hyperemesis is:
*no appetite
*not being able to eat or drink anything (not even water)
*violent bouts of uncontrollable nonstop throwing up that you literally feel like you are choking
*constant nausea (I'm talking 24 hours a day)
*receiving IV fluids for hydration
*severe acid reflux
*weight loss (this is not a good thing when you are pregnant)
*not being able to do daily activities without the help of medication
*receiving 24 hour a day IV medication through a zofran pump
*migraines
*having little to no energy

Along with all these symptoms I have been taking care of my 2 year old with no nanny, no mother's helper, and no family near by. Luckily, I have the best husband on earth, who has literally done everything from cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping etc...not to mention going to work everyday. My 2 year old son has also been a saint. I don't brag much about him, but I have to say he is the sweetest boy on earth. I don't know where he learned it, but every time I throw up now, he comes in and rubs my back and tells me to stay calm and that it's OK. He reminds me that my medicine will make me feel better. My family has been sending their support from afar, wishing they could be here to help, but luckily I have had the support of friends close by. Friends that don't blink an eye when you call them on a Friday night and ask them to pick you up at the hospital, or friends that offer to watch my son, or take him for walks, or friends that have gone through what I'm going through and offer their ear and nonstop support.

I'm now in my second trimester and hoping that I will start feeling like myself soon. I am starting to feel a little better and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm also looking forward to seeing food as my friend again instead of the enemy. I have not cooked in 3 months!! When I started to feel better in my last pregnancy I cooked a feast and savored every bite. I am so looking forward to feeling like that again!

If you would like to find out more about hyperemesis click here.