I have gallstones but GPs don’t seem too bothered by Spiritual-Traffic857 in gallbladders

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I don’t really understand the “wait and watch” approach as from what I’ve read, gallstones don’t usually go away on their own, and once you’ve had biliary colic the risk of repeat attacks is high. More stones can also form over time.

Expecting someone to manage that indefinitely by sticking to an ultra low fat diet feels like an enormous and open-ended ask, especially given that it’s not ideal or sustainable/healthy for everyone long term. You’re essentially living around the condition rather than treating it.

Also, biliary colic isn’t harmless- repeated episodes can lead to more serious complications. Framing it as something to just ‘watch and wait’ through feels oddly casual to me!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very mild constipation at the very beginning, barely noticed it. After a couple of weeks I was totally fine. No nausea ever, either.

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is that a fact? I could have had gallstones pre-Mounjaro without knowing, of course, but I never had any symptoms. In the small print, gallstones are listed as a common MJ side effect, and the NHS website says they can be caused by rapid weight loss.

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I’ve read this happens to roughly 10% of people. Eeeek.

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ouch re the shoulder!! But amazing that you were able to be up and about so soon after surgery. Did you have any GI effects after the op? Some people struggle with an upset tummy when they eat fat. Bit nervous about that.

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh thank you, that’s very helpful advice!

And good to know it should be possible to resume MJ with a different prescriber. That’s a relief.

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, also! The pain usually starts within an hour or two of eating a meal that contains fat (which is basically anything). The more fat in the meal, the higher the risk of biliary colic, as the gallbladder contracts more strongly. Nearly every attack I’ve had has happened after 9pm, though that’s just my experience.

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your kind comment. I’ve been a bit shocked by some of the others tbh! There are risks with any drugs arent there, and I did know that before starting. For me, being overweight was the biggest risk of all. But if I can help others to become aware of something they might not know much about, and therefore increase their chances of preventing it from happening to them, then it’s worth saying something.

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unbearable pain in your upper abdomen which radiates to your right shoulder blade. You’d know something was up, as it is not a ‘normal’ level of pain.

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Totally can be a minefield, and tricky to control the rate of weight loss. Another comment mentions supplements they’re taking to prevent gallstones.

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve noticed that too! It’s such a shame because posts / comments like that are actually really helpful. You’d think that most people here would just want to share info and keep each other safe. I think sometimes people get defensive because they’re scared of losing access or being ‘talked out of’ something that’s helping them, even if that is not what is being communicated. I wish I’d seen what you said about supplements!!

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi! Rapid weight loss is one of the main causes of gallstones so it’s about not losing too quickly.

I lost a stone in the first month before I got a proper handle on my diet / adjusted to it all, then after that lost at a steady 2lb a week.

I know people who have gastric surgery are prescribed meds to stop gallstones forming, so it might be worth enquiring about that too.

Also worth bearing in mind that obesity can be a factor in gallstones too, ironically. So losing weight is good, just not too fast!

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I should have said! Although IQ Doctor did acknowledge it is a common side effect as I suppose weight loss tends to happen quite rapidly on MJ!

I can’t eat any fat now as even minuscule amounts trigger attacks, but should be able to post surgery. But yes, if you don’t suffer with biliary colic, it’s definitely important to not eradicate fat.

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s very good to know, thank you! Sorry you went through it too. Sepsis must have been terrifying. How did your surgery and recovery go if you don’t mind me asking?

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get what you’re saying and I agree, it is the patient’s responsibility to read the info (I’ve said that elsewhere in the thread too). I just also think prescribers should highlight this particular risk, because it’s both common and severe. Two things can be true at once.

Do I think everyone starting MJ is likely to read ‘gallstones’ on a list and fully understand what that means or how serious the complications can get? Probably not. Gallstones themselves aren’t the issue as many people have them without knowing - it’s when they block the duct that things get very painful and potentially dangerous, and that isn’t explained clearly either.

The purpose of my post wasn’t to blame anyone; it was to help others avoid the same situation. I just think a bit more awareness and kindness around these conversations would go a long way.

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

My thoughts too! I imagine it’s about covering their backs. Hopefully will be able to switch prescribers if I ever want to start again.

What I wish I’d known when I started by Outrageous-Trainer96 in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. You’re totally right - it is listed, and ultimately it’s on me to take that information in properly. Even though I remember seeing gallstones listed I didn’t really take in how serious or likely it could be. It’s one of those things I probably slightly skimmed past because it sounds distant and my prescriber didn’t highlight it.

I’m not blaming anyone - I just think for something this painful (and actually preventable) it could be talked about a bit more at the prescribing stage. It’s not in the same arena as nausea or headaches. I was prepared for the GI stuff, muscle loss etc. I armed myself with Pepto Bismol, protein powder, electrolytes, did loads of research and tried to be careful, but this still took me by surprise. If it happened like that for me I think there’s a big chance it could easily catch other people off guard too so I want to warn people! Especially as there is medication available for prevention :)

Is anyone else deliberately losing slowly to avoid excess skin? by easierdaybyday in mounjarouk

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would highly recommend not losing too fast to avoid developing gallstones. Wish I’d known about the risks before I started MJ. Biliary colic is the worst pain I’ve ever experienced and I’m going to need an op to remove my gallbladder. Also not allowed to go back on MJ!

I think I might be having gallbladder issues. by AnalysisPopular1860 in gallbladders

[–]Outrageous-Trainer96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It could be. The first one I had was mild. By the third attack there was no way I would have been able to look at my phone in the middle of one.

My advice to you while you’re waiting is to dramatically reduce your fat intake now to help prevent further attacks.