For me, I used to fall asleep resting my head on something with a bowl underneath my mouth so the vomit would be caught. I spent my 21st birthday in a hospital room being sick and just wishing it was over.
I was bed bound, unable to walk, talk or even brush my hair. I had to have friends help me wash myself as I didn’t have the strength or energy to do so myself.
So many times I thought of ending the pregnancy and going home to my son & partner. But I will be forever grateful I kept going, as it gave me my wonderful, beautiful daughter.
I was also under the care of a specialist mental health midwife who was fantastic, even if we just sat in silence, I still felt very heard and understood.
Physically, I had organ failure due to the dehydration and starvation my body was under, having to be tube fed.
Even now nearly 3 years later my body still hasn’t fully recovered. I struggle to build muscle, and I still can’t stomach some foods as it gives me flashbacks to pregnancy.
HG destroyed twice over what should have been a beautiful magical experience for me. Not just for me, but for so many others with HG.
Thank you to Charley for sharing her story with us. If you are able to donate to our small but mighty charity so we can help more people like Charley, you can do so here.
