God's Grace For Our Illness

This the story of my Hypermesis Gravidarum (HG) journey. My journey with HG started with my second pregnancy in May 2017. On May 22, I received a positive pregnancy test. While pregnancy is supposed to be a happy time in a woman's life,  I was not so happy as my pregnancy was taking a real toll on my physical and emotional well being. During the sixth week of my second pregnancy, I experienced a severe form of morning sickness called Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), a complication of pregnancy that affects various areas of a woman’s health.

On June 29, I was admitted to the hospital and readmitted on July 6. My condition was so severe that I ended up losing 20 pounds in my pregnancy because I wasn't able to keep food or fluids down. I questioned if my baby was at risk or would be affected by my illness because I wasn't able to keep food or fluids down It resulted in hospitalization. During my hospital stay, I received fluids and nutrition through an intravenous line (IV) to help with dehydration and to receive injectable medications for nausea. Every morning I dread waking up. My only relief from the sickness was during sleep; it was the ultimate escape. I was miserable and felt like I was dying ... Some days, I wanted to give up. But when Jesus heard this, He said, "This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it." John 11:4

Still, I found myself question God again --- Why Me? Then God questioned me, "Why Not You" ?

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12

I then began to ask God to heal me, and let grace handle it. On July 20, I was discharged from the hospital and home healthcare was prescribed where a nurse visited me weekly to check on me and change the dressing on my PICC line, a peripherally inserted central catheter for continued intravenous fluids while at home. The duration of my pregnancy seemed extra long and challenging. There were days where I felt good enough to get out. However those were really rare. Most days were spent in bed, watching TV to keep my mind distracted. But then, there were my days of GRACE. At 16 weeks pregnant the symptoms began to wane, and thankfully it did diminish significantly. Sometimes God allows sickness for a testimony of His power and glory, and learn to trust His grace more and what the Bible says. The spiritual battle was tremendous and I am so grateful for God’s grace, the unconditional love of my husband and parents, and many friends’ prayers.

I am a Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) Survivor by the grace of God.