1. < Diabetes & Endocrine System

First day on Metformin

Posted by dhernandz @dhernandz, Jun 20, 2017

Ive been managing diabetes through diet and exercise...until now. A1C just hit 8.0 and Dr. put me on Metformin. 500 mg 1st week. 1000 mg after that. Stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea. Will this go away?

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JK | @contentandwell | Aug 25, 2018
In reply to @gailb "I took Metfomin for 3 years. During that time I was in the ER multiple times..." + (show)
@gailb

I took Metfomin for 3 years. During that time I was in the ER multiple times for dehydration and horrible stomach pains. I kept taking it because my doctor said none of those problems were from the Metfomin. I was finally hospitalized for a respiratory problem, and was given steroids IV. My blood sugar was so high after that that my vision was fuzzy! Upon release from the hospital, they prescribed insulin short term to bring my sugars under control. Suddenly I was free of my stomach problems and dehydration! I stopped taking Metfomin then, and have taken insulin since. That was in 2004.

My mom died from pancreatic cancer, so I decided not to take any medication that "stimulates" my pancreas. I have done OK on the various insulins I have taken. However I was eventually taking 134+ units of long and short term insulin. That's when I decided to have Gastric Bypass surgery so I could lose weight. I was 232 pounds at 5'6", and my doctor actually recommended the surgery for my health. I had the RnY in 2014, and have lost 85 pounds and kept it off. I was hoping my diabetes woul resolve as it has for most people who have the surgery. My blood sugar levels were normal for 3 months and then started rising again. My doctor put me back on insulin after 6 months. I now take 13 units of Lantus long acting insulin in the morning along with 1 Glipizide 2.5 mg. My blood sugar is around 7.0. The surgery is the best thing I have done for myself and my health. I weigh 147 lbs.

My husband is now on Metfomin and is having problems with vomiting when he gets in certain positions. I know it's from the Metfomin but he has resisted changing until recently when he finally read the information about Metfomin side effects. Next time he sees the doctor he's asking for something different. Everyone is different, but there are so many other ways to lower your blood sugar that I wouldn't continue Metfomin if it's making you sick already. I hope this is helpful for you.

Jump to this post

@lisalucier @mell I haven't taken metformin for years but when I did take it, it caused no problems. Things have been so stable though that I was able to not take anything. I have an appointment with the endocrinologist at the end of the week so hopefully things will still be OK. Frankly, I have not been very good.
JK

REPLY
mell | @mell | Aug 25, 2018
In reply to @gailb "I took Metfomin for 3 years. During that time I was in the ER multiple times..." + (show)
@gailb

I took Metfomin for 3 years. During that time I was in the ER multiple times for dehydration and horrible stomach pains. I kept taking it because my doctor said none of those problems were from the Metfomin. I was finally hospitalized for a respiratory problem, and was given steroids IV. My blood sugar was so high after that that my vision was fuzzy! Upon release from the hospital, they prescribed insulin short term to bring my sugars under control. Suddenly I was free of my stomach problems and dehydration! I stopped taking Metfomin then, and have taken insulin since. That was in 2004.

My mom died from pancreatic cancer, so I decided not to take any medication that "stimulates" my pancreas. I have done OK on the various insulins I have taken. However I was eventually taking 134+ units of long and short term insulin. That's when I decided to have Gastric Bypass surgery so I could lose weight. I was 232 pounds at 5'6", and my doctor actually recommended the surgery for my health. I had the RnY in 2014, and have lost 85 pounds and kept it off. I was hoping my diabetes woul resolve as it has for most people who have the surgery. My blood sugar levels were normal for 3 months and then started rising again. My doctor put me back on insulin after 6 months. I now take 13 units of Lantus long acting insulin in the morning along with 1 Glipizide 2.5 mg. My blood sugar is around 7.0. The surgery is the best thing I have done for myself and my health. I weigh 147 lbs.

My husband is now on Metfomin and is having problems with vomiting when he gets in certain positions. I know it's from the Metfomin but he has resisted changing until recently when he finally read the information about Metfomin side effects. Next time he sees the doctor he's asking for something different. Everyone is different, but there are so many other ways to lower your blood sugar that I wouldn't continue Metfomin if it's making you sick already. I hope this is helpful for you.

Jump to this post

so far, putting up with it. Also noting a lot more heartburn. Will talk to doctor after next readings.

REPLY
ginaquilts | @ginaquilts | Aug 25, 2018
In reply to @gailb "I took Metfomin for 3 years. During that time I was in the ER multiple times..." + (show)
@gailb

I took Metfomin for 3 years. During that time I was in the ER multiple times for dehydration and horrible stomach pains. I kept taking it because my doctor said none of those problems were from the Metfomin. I was finally hospitalized for a respiratory problem, and was given steroids IV. My blood sugar was so high after that that my vision was fuzzy! Upon release from the hospital, they prescribed insulin short term to bring my sugars under control. Suddenly I was free of my stomach problems and dehydration! I stopped taking Metfomin then, and have taken insulin since. That was in 2004.

My mom died from pancreatic cancer, so I decided not to take any medication that "stimulates" my pancreas. I have done OK on the various insulins I have taken. However I was eventually taking 134+ units of long and short term insulin. That's when I decided to have Gastric Bypass surgery so I could lose weight. I was 232 pounds at 5'6", and my doctor actually recommended the surgery for my health. I had the RnY in 2014, and have lost 85 pounds and kept it off. I was hoping my diabetes woul resolve as it has for most people who have the surgery. My blood sugar levels were normal for 3 months and then started rising again. My doctor put me back on insulin after 6 months. I now take 13 units of Lantus long acting insulin in the morning along with 1 Glipizide 2.5 mg. My blood sugar is around 7.0. The surgery is the best thing I have done for myself and my health. I weigh 147 lbs.

My husband is now on Metfomin and is having problems with vomiting when he gets in certain positions. I know it's from the Metfomin but he has resisted changing until recently when he finally read the information about Metfomin side effects. Next time he sees the doctor he's asking for something different. Everyone is different, but there are so many other ways to lower your blood sugar that I wouldn't continue Metfomin if it's making you sick already. I hope this is helpful for you.

Jump to this post

I hope the heartburn subsides. However, if you continue to have unwanted side effects, don't hesitate to ask that you meds be changed. There are many, many other options but many health care providers go to metformin first, probably out of habit and/or its low cost. Like medications for so many different situations, it can take a period of trial and error before you find what works best for you.

REPLY
grrranny | @grrranny | Jan 26 9:00pm

Aren't any of you taking extended-release metformin -- Metformin ER?
I could never tolerate the regular metformin. The ER version is a lot easier on the digestive system.

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