Sema & Gut Health: A Cautionary Tale!

Terry2008

Terry2008

Well-known member
Hi everyone! Been on semaglutide for like 11 months now and it's been amazing. Was even trying to lower my dose recently. My bowel movements were doing great, but I got a bit careless the last couple of weeks. Ended up in the ER Monday night with a tear in my large intestine needed immediate surgery. I was constipated for weeks, it turns out. Had to have 20 inches of my colon removed and now I'm rocking an ostomy bag. Thankfully it's temporary, like 5 months or so. Just wanted to share my experience. PLEASE listen to your body!

Thank you for sharing this — this thread on GI symptoms worth not ignoring is where people compare notes on the GI warning signs that shouldn't be waited out.
 
Thanks for posting this important PSA. I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the forum rules about discussing only FDA-approved medications and not offering to buy or sell anything here.
 
Wow, that's scary, Terry2008! I'm so sorry to hear that! Thanks for sharing this. Here's what I do:

1. Hydrate. Water all day. Electrolyte drinks help too.
2. Fiber supplement. Slowly increase to 3 tablespoons of fiber per day.
3. Fermented milk for breakfast.

This routine has really helped me stay regular.
 
I wish people would follow up on these kinds of posts. Bowel issues are a major concern for anyone taking these meds. I got super constipated when I started a few months back and freaked out. Ended up with a huge collection of stool softeners and other meds. Taking everything at once was a disaster. Find one thing that works, drink lots of water, and eat your fruits and veggies. I add chia seeds to my yogurt and take a fiber supplement every day. Don't go overboard with the meds. It's awful being stuck on the toilet!
 
I am so sorry you went through that. That's great you got the care you needed and that the ostomy is reversible.

>you'd been constipated for weeks

I'm not sure how you even managed!
 
That's terrifying! Did you not have a bowel movement for a few weeks? I've been on it for almost a year and recently have had some problems with constipation.
 
If I haven't gone in 72 hours, I'm using prunes and drinking a ton of water. Never, ever let it get to a week!
 
I need to clarify more, @everyone!!!! What symptoms did you have that made you go to the hospital? My initial post makes it seem like I was fine and then suddenly needed surgery. I was backed up for weeks but EDIT, i was still going during the two weeks (edited original post). It was early in my digestive track. Trying to explain this better!
 
Wait a minute... I haven't had a BM in a week. I can't go without laxatives, but I don't feel any pain, so I'm ignoring it. Did you have any pain, Terry2008?
 
This is exactly what I'm nervous about! I take Mag O7 and it works, but only when I need it. Maybe I should take it daily. I have been on this for 3 years now!
 
Suddenly I'm happy I get diarrhea instead of constipation. The worst part is, with my back injury, I've pooped in my sleep a couple of times recently. Not sure what to do. I'm already eating a mild diet and using anti-diarrheal meds when needed.
 
I'm only 10 weeks in, but I go every day. I take 2 psyllium fiber capsules a day, and they seem to be doing the trick.
 
Were you ignoring the abdominal discomfort? I can almost understand not having a BM for a while, but how did it get to a ruptured colon because you were 'lazy'?
 
I've also noticed more heartburn since starting sema. Anyone else? A teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water usually does the trick.
 
I've seen some patients develop gallstones with rapid weight loss, even without semaglutide. It's something to keep in mind. If you're experiencing unexplained abdominal pain, get it checked out.
 
Nat_92 said:
I've also noticed more heartburn since starting sema. Anyone else? A teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water usually does the trick.
Click to expand...

Yes, the heartburn is awful! I take an antacid before my injection. I am also sleeping propped up.
 
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