As someone who has lived with diabetes for the last eight years, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage this chronic condition while also trying to maintain a healthy weight. When my doctor, Dr. Mohammad Sayem, suggested I try Semaglutide injections, I was both hopeful and apprehensive. After Dr. Sayem, my younger brother and familial doctor Dr. Mithun Chowdhury suggested the same medication for controlling diabetes and weight management properly. He had also taken the same injection for his weight management before. In this article, I want to share my honest experience with Semaglutide, including the benefits, side effects, and lessons I’ve learned along the way.
What is Semaglutide?
Before I dive into my personal story, let me briefly explain what Semaglutide is. Semaglutide is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking a hormone in our body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. Marketers sell Semaglutide under two brand names: Ozempic for diabetes management and Wegovy for weight management in the USA. Fitaro and Orsema (both from Incepta Pharmaceuticals) are two brand names for Semaglutide in Bangladesh.
Dr. Mohammad Sayem’s Experience with Semaglutide
Dr. Mohammad Sayem, a well-known medicine consultant in Bangladesh, has prescribed semaglutide injections to over 1,000 patients, primarily for diabetes management. His patients span various age groups, and he has observed significant improvements in their diabetic control after incorporating Semaglutide into their treatment plans.
According to Dr. Sayem, many of his patients have been able to reduce the dosage of other diabetic medications, including insulin, after starting Semaglutide injections at the appropriate dose. This highlights the effectiveness of Semaglutide in managing blood sugar levels and potentially reducing the reliance on multiple medications.
When asked about the side effects of Semaglutide, Dr. Sayem noted that while some patients may experience abdominal issues when they first begin the injections, he has not encountered any severe cases of gastric problems or constipation among his patients taking the medication.
Dr. Sayem’s extensive experience in prescribing Semaglutide injections to a diverse patient population provides valuable insights into the real-world application of this medication. His observations suggest that Semaglutide can be an effective tool in the management of diabetes, offering the potential to streamline treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.
Significant Opinion of Dr. Mithun Chowdhury from His First-hand Experience:
After consulting with Dr. Sayem, my younger brother and familial doctor, Dr. Mithun Chowdhury, also suggested that I use Semaglutide injections for the effective management of my diabetes and weight control. His recommendation came as a welcome second opinion, providing me with additional reassurance and confidence in moving forward with this treatment plan.
What I found particularly interesting was that Dr. Mithun Chowdhury had personal experience with Semaglutide injections. He had used the medication himself for weight management before suggesting it to me. This first-hand knowledge of the drug’s potential benefits and side effects added a unique perspective to his recommendation, as he could speak from both a medical and personal standpoint.
Seeking a second opinion from a trusted friends and family member and medical professional was important to me, as it allowed me to gather multiple viewpoints when considering this new treatment plan. Dr. Chowdhury’s support for the use of Semaglutide injections, coupled with his own successful experience with the medication, provided me with a greater sense of comfort and understanding regarding the decision I was about to make.
As I continue to navigate the challenges of managing my diabetes and maintaining a healthy weight, I am grateful for the guidance and support of both Dr. Sayem and Dr. Mithun Chowdhury. Their combined expertise and personal experiences with Semaglutide injections offer me a well-rounded and informed approach to making decisions about my health and well-being. I feel more confident in my ability to tackle these issues head-on, knowing that I have the support of two knowledgeable and caring medical professionals.
My Experience with Semaglutide
Starting the Journey
I began my Semaglutide journey in March 2023 with high hopes of better diabetes control and weight loss. My triglyceride (TG) levels were consistently high prior to starting Semaglutide, and my diabetes was not under proper control. I was also struggling with my weight, which was slightly above the normal range. Dr. Sayem started me on a low dose and gradually increased it over time to minimize the risk of side effects. I was excited to see how this medication could help me achieve my health goals. When I began the treatment at the starting dose (Semaglutide 0.25mg), I experienced gastric problems. After adjusting my doses for 4 weeks, I experienced diarrhea, vomiting, regular constipation, and severe gastric issues. Everyday, my bowel movements were not normal.
Concerned about the side effects of Semaglutide, I consulted several doctors in addition to Dr. Sayem. While attending an international conference in September, I had to visit Apollo Hospital in Chennai, India, due to a serious vomiting problem. The doctors there diagnosed me with a gallbladder polyp and grade-I fatty liver. The gastro-liver and medicine specialists prescribed medication and advised me to continue it for 3 months.
Unfortunately, I experienced the same issues again in November 2023 after returning home to Bangladesh. I underwent a whole abdomen ultrasound and MRI, which revealed that my gallbladder polyp was increasing in size. Although I reduced the dose of Semaglutide as per my doctor’s suggestion, my bowel movement problems worsened.
Benefits I Noticed
After starting Semaglutide, I noticed significant improvements in my diabetes management. My blood sugar levels became more stable, and my TG levels finally reached a normal range. This was a huge relief for me, as I had been struggling to control these aspects of my health for years. Additionally, I started losing weight steadily, which was another positive outcome of the treatment.
Surgical and ongoing challenges
A surgeon advised me to prepare for cholecystitis surgery due to the gallbladder polyp. I underwent successful surgery on February 19, 2024, at Square Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. My Spinal surgery is done successfully in Bangalore on April o1, 2024 by Dr. Arvind Bhateja. While the doctors couldn’t confirm that the side effects of Semaglutide directly caused my need for surgery, I personally believe that facing this type of surgery at the age of 35 is unusual, as it is more common in people over 50.
Despite these difficulties, I continue to take Semaglutide injections at a lower dose than my doctor has prescribed. My diabetes and creatinine levels are well-controlled, with an HbA1c of 6.2% and S. creatinine of 1.06 this month. However, I still suffer from regular constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalance, and my bowel movements remain unclear even after taking gastric medication.
Side Effects and Challenges
However, as I continued taking Semaglutide, I began experiencing some troubling side effects. The first issue I noticed was an exacerbation of my pre-existing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). My symptoms, including bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements, became more frequent and severe. This made daily life uncomfortable and challenging.
Furthermore, I began to experience worsening gastric problems. I experienced frequent bouts of stomach discomfort, nausea, and acid reflux. These symptoms seemed to intensify as time went on, and I found myself struggling to manage them alongside my IBS. Additionally, you can also read about- Semaglutide Cost.
Read Also: Benefits and Risks of Semaglutide
Uncertain Future
As I continue my journey with Semaglutide, I find myself facing an uncertain future. My doctor recently advised me to reduce the Semaglutide injection dose to 0.75 mg per week and observe the effects for the next 4 weeks. If my sugar levels remain controlled and I don’t experience any other side effects, I will continue with this dose. However, I am very apprehensive about the potential side effects of Semaglutide, as I have experienced more adverse reactions than benefits.
The side effects have taken a significant toll on my daily life, and I find myself struggling to tolerate the medication. I am unsure about what decision to make regarding my continued use of Semaglutide, and I worry about what the future may hold for my health.
Lessons Learned
My experience with Semaglutide has taught me some valuable lessons. Primarily, I’ve discovered the significance of comprehensively understanding the potential risks and benefits of a medication prior to initiating treatment. I wish I had been more aware of the possible side effects, especially given my pre-existing IBS, and had had more open conversations with my doctor about my concerns from the beginning.
I’ve also realized that everyone’s journey with medication is unique. What works for one person may not work for another, and it’s crucial to listen to your body and advocate for your health. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to speak up and seek help from your healthcare team. Dr. Sayem’s experience with Semaglutide in a large patient population highlights the varying responses individuals can have to the same medication.
Advice for Others
If you’re considering Semaglutide for diabetes management or weight loss, my advice is to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider. Make sure to disclose any pre-existing conditions, such as IBS or gastric problems, as the medication may exacerbate them. Ask about the potential benefits and risks, and make sure you understand what to expect in terms of side effects. It’s also essential to have regular check-ups and monitor your overall health closely while taking this medication.
Remember that Semaglutide is not a magic solution, and it may not be suitable for everyone. It’s important to approach this decision with realistic expectations and a willingness to adapt your treatment plan if necessary. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to seek support from your healthcare team, family, and friends throughout your journey.
Takeaways
My 8-year journey with diabetes has been filled with both victories and challenges, and my experience with Semaglutide has been no different. While this medication has helped me achieve better diabetes control, normalize my TG levels, and lose weight, it has also come with significant side effects that have impacted my quality of life, particularly my IBS, gastric problems, and the need for gallbladder surgery at a young age.
Dr. Mohammad Sayem’s extensive experience in prescribing Semaglutide to a diverse patient population provides a valuable perspective on the potential benefits and risks of this medication. While he has observed significant improvements in diabetic control and weight management, my personal experience serves as a reminder that individual responses to medication can vary greatly.
I believe that my story, alongside Dr. Sayem’s insights, can serve as a valuable lesson for others who are considering Semaglutide, especially those with pre-existing digestive issues. I hope that by sharing my journey, I can encourage open and honest conversations about the realities of managing chronic conditions and the importance of making informed decisions about our health.
As I navigate an uncertain future with Semaglutide, I remain committed to finding the best path forward for my health. I urge others to trust their instincts, listen to their bodies, and work closely with their healthcare teams to find the most suitable approach for their individual needs. With patience, persistence, and a willingness to adapt, I believe that we can all strive towards better health and well-being, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
