Eighteen Hours of Stomach Distress
Greetings, I am a 42-year-old woman, 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds. My current medications include Junel, bupropion (300 mg), sertraline (50 mg), valacyclovir (1 gram), and semaglutide (2.5 mg or 20 units). I consume 3 to 6 alcoholic beverages weekly and occasionally use a vape while drinking. At around 2 a.m. this Sunday, I was abruptly awoken by severe stomach cramps, prompting a rush to the bathroom. Despite the urgency, nothing happened initially, and during my wait, I began to perspire profusely. After a brief period, I lay back down, only to be overwhelmed by an intense urge to both vomit and have a bowel movement. The experience was quite distressing, resulting in severe diarrhea—watery, foul-smelling, and accompanied by vomiting. I felt entirely out of control, struggling with this dual distress until approximately 7:30 a.m. when I managed to sip some water. While on the toilet, I also experienced excruciating pain in my lower back, likely due to my awkward posture. Thankfully, I haven’t vomited since then, but by 6 p.m., I had another loose bowel movement, this time with streaks of red blood. My stomach is sore from the intense activity. Initially, I attributed my symptoms to a chicken finger and a small portion of fries I had during dinner the previous night, though with semaglutide, my appetite is typically reduced. Interestingly, my son had the same dish but showed no signs of discomfort. I’m contemplating whether this could be food poisoning; however, my son's good health makes that scenario improbable. Another consideration is the possibility of pancreatitis, a condition often highlighted as a risk associated with semaglutide, which lingers in my mind. Alternatively, it may simply be a case of a common stomach virus. I’m uncertain if I should endure another night of this ordeal or if it warrants a visit to the emergency room. I have a strong aversion to being someone who occupies medical resources unnecessarily. The presence of blood and ongoing discomfort are certainly troubling. I’ve noticed no significant improvement or deterioration. Thank you for your guidance.
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 12:40:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a really distressing situation with severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. I understand your concerns, especially with your current medications and the possibility of serious conditions like pancreatitis. Let's break down the situation to prioritize your next steps.
Key Points:
- You have severe abdominal symptoms, including pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea.
- A possible cause could be food poisoning, viral gastroenteritis, or complications related to your medications.
- The presence of blood in your stool and ongoing pain warrants immediate attention.
Explanation:
Severe stomach distress accompanied by bloody diarrhea and vomiting can indicate a few different issues. Common causes include:
- Food Poisoning: This can cause symptoms like yours, but typically resolves in a day or two.
- Viral Gastroenteritis: Often spreads quickly and can cause similar symptoms but usually persists only for a short time.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications, including semaglutide and others, can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
- More Serious Conditions: The presence of blood in the stool can be concerning and should be evaluated to rule out conditions like pancreatitis, especially as it can be a complication of certain medications.
Next Steps:
- Seek Immediate Attention: Given your symptoms—particularly the bloody diarrhea and severe pain—it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away. Go to the emergency room or a healthcare facility where you can be evaluated properly.
- Hydration: In the meantime, try to stay hydrated by sipping small amounts of clear fluids (like water or an electrolyte solution) if you can tolerate it without triggering nausea.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on any changes or worsening of symptoms. If you notice additional blood loss, ongoing severe pain, or inability to keep fluids down, that increases the urgency.
- Prepare for Evaluation: If possible, have information ready about your recent diet, medications, and any other relevant health history to discuss with the healthcare team.
Your well-being is the top priority, and it's better to err on the side of caution in situations like this. Please take care of yourself and seek help accordingly.
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