Hospitalization Due to Gastroparesis Triggered by Zepbound
Subject: 29/Female/190lbs/Location: Atlanta My sister has recently been prescribed Zepbound, leading her to shed 50 pounds through a combination of exercise, dietary changes, and the medication. Unfortunately, on Monday, she began to experience severe vomiting, expelling all of her intake. Previously, she had experienced nausea, but those episodes typically subsided. However, this time was different—she was admitted to the hospital that same day and diagnosed with critical dehydration and suspected gastroparesis. Thankfully, all other tests have returned normal results, but she currently cannot consume any food or liquids without vomiting. Her treatment regimen includes metoclopramide (Reglan), Ativan, Phenergan, Bentyl, potassium (which is causing her significant pain), and Zofran. It’s worth noting that she’s unable to undergo the gastro-emptying test as she took Zepbound just prior on Sunday. It’s heartbreaking to see her suffering so intensely, and I’m feeling utterly helpless as I watch her endure relentless vomiting. I’m concerned that she’s not receiving the level of care she deserves; there have been long wait times for medications that have already been approved, complaints about a lack of clean supplies, and an overall feeling of neglect in her treatment. I’m reaching out to see if there are any alternative tests or treatments you might suggest. I recognize that many others have similar questions, but my family is struggling significantly and I have a special needs child waiting for me at home. I appreciate you taking the time to read this.
Answers (1)
8/22/2025, 3:02:22 PM
OpenHealth AI
I’m truly sorry to hear about your sister’s difficult situation. Managing severe vomiting and any potential complications like gastroparesis can be distressing, both for her and for family members like you who care deeply. It’s understandable to feel helpless in this situation. Let’s focus on some immediate steps and potential alternative approaches that could help her.
Main Points:
- Seek a comprehensive evaluation of her medications and symptoms.
- Consider alternative supportive care measures.
- Monitor hydration and nutrition needs closely.
Explanation:
Your sister’s reaction to Zepbound, combined with the onset of severe vomiting and a diagnosis of suspected gastroparesis, requires careful management. Metoclopramide is commonly used in gastroparesis, but dosages and combinations with other medications might need reevaluation due to her persistent symptoms. Ensuring that she remains hydrated is crucial to prevent further complications.
Next Steps:
-
Medication Review: Ask the medical team about the dosage and combination of medications she is receiving. There may be alternatives or adjustments that could alleviate her vomiting and improve her overall comfort. For instance, reassessing the use of metoclopramide may be beneficial, especially if she is experiencing side effects.
-
Supportive Care: Given that she is struggling to keep food down, requesting a consultation with a nutritionist can help outline appropriate nutritional support, possibly via IV fluids or enteral feeding, if suitable. They may also suggest anti-nausea medications that have fewer side effects or different mechanisms of action.
-
Definitive Testing: Although the gastro-emptying test cannot be performed due to recent Zepbound intake, discuss with her healthcare team about alternative diagnostic procedures or imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan, to assess for any underlying issues contributing to her symptoms.
-
Patient Advocacy: Acceptably expressing your concerns regarding the care and treatment delays can sometimes ignite a renewed focus on her care team’s part. If possible, involve a patient advocate within the hospital to help address delays in medication or treatment. Clear communication about your sister's severity and deterioration is key.
-
Continuous Monitoring: Keep track of any changes in her symptoms, including the frequency and severity of vomiting, any abdominal pain, and her hydration status (e.g., signs of dehydration). This information can assist the healthcare team in tailoring her treatment more effectively.
It’s essential to stay involved and proactive while ensuring she gets the attentive care she needs. I hope for her swift recovery. If you have further questions, please feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Concerns About My Daughter's Morning Health Issues
My 17-year-old daughter experiences troubling symptoms each morning, particularly on days when she needs to rise early for school or work. She often wakes up feeling dizzy and nauseated, accompanied by a rapid heartbeat exceeding 100 beats per minute. This situation prevents her from being able to eat and may persist for several hours, or in some cases, throughout the entire day. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall (172 cm) and weighing 121 pounds (55 kg), her physical health otherwise seems fine. I have a personal history of inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST), which is why I take beta-blockers for management. A few years ago, she consulted a cardiologist regarding her frequent episodes of near-fainting, who recommended increasing her water intake and adding more salt to her meals. Given the persistent nature of her symptoms, I am contemplating whether a follow-up appointment with the cardiologist is warranted, especially since all previous tests, including ECG and ultrasound, came back normal. This situation significantly affects her daily life, restricting her ability to engage fully in school and work. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
A Mysterious Illness That Resembles Strep Throat
As an 18-year-old college student, standing at 5'4" and weighing 140 pounds, I maintain an active lifestyle. I do not smoke or have any preexisting health issues, aside from the vitamins and supplements I take daily. Approximately five days ago, I began to feel unusually fatigued and achy. Within just a day, my symptoms escalated to include a high fever reaching between 101°F and 102°F that ibuprofen couldn’t seem to alleviate. I experienced extreme tiredness that kept me bedridden all day, along with a persistent headache and intense throat pain, which was compounded by swollen lymph nodes and the familiar white patches often associated with strep throat. Having dealt with strep throat before, I recognized a need for antibiotics. Two days into feeling unwell, I visited an urgent care facility for an assessment and received a rapid strep test, which unfortunately came back negative. I recalled a previous incident where my rapid strep test also indicated a false negative, only for the culture sent for further testing to confirm the presence of strep bacteria. Given my symptoms and the findings from the examination, the healthcare provider prescribed Cefdinir, as I am allergic to amoxicillin, despite the negative rapid test results. The antibiotics proved effective, and I felt nearly back to normal, leading me to believe that my culture results would also come back positive for strep, suggesting a recurrence of my previous infection. However, I received the culture results yesterday, and to my surprise, they came back negative for strep. While I lack medical expertise, I’ve been led to believe that false negatives in cultures are exceedingly rare. Now, I find myself puzzled about what kind of bacterial infection I might have had if it wasn’t strep. Any insights or information regarding my situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Bleeding Concerns with IUD and Yeast Infection Treatment
I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5’4” and weighing 155 pounds. Hello everyone! Approximately three weeks ago, I had the Kyleena IUD placed, and everything felt fine afterward—I can still feel the strings. I noticed some mild spotting that was brown for about a week, followed by my menstrual period, then continued with light spotting. Recently, I suspect that I might have developed a yeast infection, which I am currently addressing using Monistat 7. I applied the first dose yesterday. To clarify, I am certain that I am not dealing with a sexually transmitted infection. However, I’ve observed an increase in bleeding, significantly more than what I’ve experienced before. The blood appears to be light red, and I would compare the amount to the lightest day of my period. I could comfortably go an entire day without needing to change my pad, though I still do it for hygiene reasons. Is this a common occurrence? Most of the bleeding took place this morning after I woke up, coinciding with the Monistat cream leaving my body. Under what circumstances should I seek medical advice regarding this issue instead of waiting to see how the treatment progresses?
Understanding Recurrent Symptoms: Are They Histamine-Related?
Hello, health professionals, I am seeking your expertise regarding a variety of symptoms I have been experiencing intermittently over the years. While they appear linked, I'm having difficulty pinpointing their root cause. **Personal Summary:** - 27 years old, Female - Non-smoker (formerly vaped for about eight years, cessation initiated two years ago) - No diagnosed autoimmune conditions - Background of anxiety (which might exacerbate some symptoms, though it doesn't account for all) - Currently taking Flonase and a multivitamin **Skin Reactions:** - I've dealt with recurring itchy rashes and hive-like bumps since childhood. They manifest suddenly and usually resolve without intervention. - These rashes are often itchy, can be raised, and tend to appear sporadically without identifiable triggers. - Antihistamines provide consistent relief, leading me to suspect a role of histamines in these eruptions. - These episodes do not align with typical contact allergies or classic food allergies. - They can happen multiple times daily, and I've often dismissed them as merely anxiety-related rashes. - Sometimes the itching precedes the visible rash, while other instances present with a red, inflamed area that stirs inquiries about my well-being from others. **Foot Discomfort:** - Over the last few years, I’ve encountered severe itching on the soles of my feet. - These episodes typically include small pale or white spots with redness surrounding them, occasionally featuring a red center. - Itching intensity can be overwhelming, yet these lesions usually arise suddenly, - They frequently improve upon avoiding scratching and may resolve within a range of 30 minutes to two days. - The first episode was triggered after swimming in a freshwater lake, though I’ve also experienced it while wearing specific footwear like Crocs or boots, but not consistently. - Certain events coincide with my typical skin rash, hinting at a potential systemic condition rather than merely a localized issue. - The symptoms do not mirror those of warts, ringworm, or fungal infections. **Ear and Sinus Issues:** - Itchy ears have been a recurring issue for the past few years; I initially attributed it to overly aggressive cleaning with cotton swabs, which I realize is harmful. - I have a history of chronic sinus problems, including post-nasal drip and regular ear infections. - The inflammation appears to flare up sporadically rather than constantly. - Recently, I experienced a painful ear issue that began with what I thought was a pimple. The next day, my ear was swollen. After visiting a clinic, I was diagnosed with a double ear and sinus infection, treated with antibiotics. My pain persisted, leading to a follow-up with my primary care physician, who prescribed Flonase and noted ongoing nasal inflammation. Missing doses led to increased ear discomfort, prompting me to take Flonase more regularly. Unfortunately, a recent flare of swelling and discomfort in my ear led me to consider consulting an ENT specialist. **Gastrointestinal Symptoms:** - I was diagnosed with gastritis through an upper endoscopy procedure. - Testing for H. pylori returned negative. - I've since developed food sensitivities and gastrointestinal discomfort not previously experienced. - I saw significant improvement after removing gluten and dairy from my diet, with tests for celiac disease yielding negative results. - Symptoms tend to flare up in response to stress or specific food intake rather than being a constant presence. **Additional Context:** - A history of childhood asthma (now occurs infrequently) - Sensitivity to heat - Past instances of feeling lightheaded, resembling vasovagal symptoms, alongside vertigo - Symptoms across various systems often flare together, but not in every instance - While my anxiety can intensify symptoms, both antihistamines and diet modifications have had notable positive effects **My Inquiry:** While I don’t wish to self-diagnose, I'm curious if my range of symptoms might suggest: - Histamine intolerance - Mast-cell overactivity (not necessarily MCAS, but an increased reaction) - Physical or contact urticaria I'm primarily seeking: - Recommendations for a suitable specialist - Insight on whether this symptom pattern fits a recognized mechanism - A clearer understanding of what warning signs to be concerned about **Summary:** I contend with a long-standing pattern of episodic itchy rashes and hives, significant but transient foot itching along with bumps, persistent ear irritation coupled with sinus problems, and gastritis accompanied by food sensitivities that improved on an elimination diet. Antihistamines aid multiple symptoms. Could this suggest underlying histamine-related issues manifesting across multiple systems rather than in isolation?
Chronic Joint Pain Since Childhood
Since I was eight years old, I’ve endured intense and persistent pain in my joints. Initially, the discomfort was primarily in my knees, characterized by a sharp sensation right beneath the kneecap. As someone on the autism spectrum, I often visualize a strange, soothing thought: the idea of removing my kneecap and using an ice cream scoop to relieve the pressure underneath it. My parents sought help from several medical professionals, all of whom attributed my symptoms to growing pains. I even underwent cancer screenings at the age of nine because doctors felt my level of discomfort was excessive for mere growing pains. At school, I frequently had to wear dual knee braces. When I turned 14, I had a CT scan, but the results were inconclusive; doctors continued to insist it was just growing pains. At 18, I had an X-ray that also revealed nothing abnormal. Now at 20, my joint pain persists and is progressively worsening. My hands now ache in addition to my knees, and on particularly bad days, the pain radiates down to my ankles, making walking and sleeping almost impossible for half the week. The discomfort has entirely hindered my ability to work. My family and I strongly suspect that I may have some form of arthritis, but I struggle to convince the medical community of this due to my young age. My father, who suffers from arthritis himself, often empathizes when I express my pain, telling me, "that sounds familiar." I have broken down in front of numerous doctors, pleading for assistance, yet I consistently leave without answers, only to be scheduled for more scans that come back normal. The medical care I have received thus far has been far from satisfactory; for instance, I was prescribed eye drops that nearly resulted in serious damage to my vision when I consulted an eye specialist. This is just one of many frustrating experiences I’ve faced. I feel completely overwhelmed and in agony, and I have no way to reach out for specialized medical help since my only means of transportation is my father, who is also afflicted by arthritis. I feel lost and in deep pain without a clear path forward.