the new girl

[Angelia]

Hi.
My name is Angelia and I was diagnosed with Type 2 Dec 2003. I was able to control my glucose levels with diet and exercise for 2 years. Then I took a job that moved me away from all of my friends and family and I have had a really tough time with control since. I've been on Actos for a little over a year and I just started Metformin about 2 1/2 months ago. I started on 500 mg 2x/day and all was well...or so I thought. 2 weeks ago, my doctor increased my dose to 1000 mg 2x/day and I haven't been able to eat much since. I've lost 15 lbs in these 2 weeks. My doctor doesn't seem concerned about the nausea and says it should go away when I get used to the med, but that could take a couple more weeks. Anyone have any advice on how to survive the next weeks while I wait?

I've always had a fairly positive outlook on life with diabetes...until now. I just feel lost right now. I am very thankful that I found this website. I have looked through some of the postings here and have found quite a bit of comfort. I hope that this website can be a valuable tool for me in my journey through life with diabetes.

[princesslinda]

Hi Angelia, Welcome! Glad you found the forum, it's a great source of information and support.

Sorry your struggling with the metformin....many do to some degree. I only take 500 mg twice daily, but if I eat something with more carbs than usual or something greasy, I get the nausea and occasional diarrhea..it's no fun, so I feel your pain! I'd suggest you try and eat lower carbs and see if this helps with the gastric distress. Also, make sure you take the metformin with food...I take mine at b/fast, just when I start eating and at bedtime with either some cheese or peanut butter (I have taken it with a late dinner as well)...NEVER on an empty stomach! Also, the metformin XR (Extended release) is supposed to help minimize the gastric effects, might want to see if your doc will switch you to these.

Also, it takes approx. 3 weeks for the metformin to build to optimal amount in your body, so your symptoms may resolve when your body gets used to that new amount. You might want to try taking an anti-nausea medication such as Maalox to help with these symptoms as well.

Hang in there. If your symptoms don't abate, you'll have to contact your doctor for more advice.

Take care,
Linda

[ladytaz]

Hi Angelia! Welcome to DF! :)

[notme]

Hi Angelia welcome to the forums. You will adjust to the metformin over time. I know it is frustrating, but hang in there.

Welcome to our little corner of the internet.

[Penny]

Hi Angela and welcome. It should get better with the Metformin, takes some longer than others. If it helped with me losing weight, I would take alot more.:D I hope you are making new friends where you have moved, it helps to have people around that you care about. There are many people on the forum who will be your friends, too! And I love your signature....going to send it to a lady who needs a laugh right now.

[moorejames]

Not to discourage you, because you may very well adjust to the meds, but I struggled for over 6 months with nausea and stomach cramps on regular metformin.

Once we switched to Fortamet (extended release version) things got better. I recently switched again to Glumetza, which is a different version of extended release metformin, and things got much, much better.

Stick it out for awhile, but don't be afraid to ask for alternatives. It made a big difference to me.

Although, once my appetite came back, I DID put back on 6 or so pounds.

Amazing how much weight you can lose when you're afraid to eat anything.

[HiImDan]

http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/9.gif

[bryan42]

:) Welcome Angela!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bortiz]

hello welcome angela

[shockme]

hi angelia and welcome!i love the "poem" in your signature!:D take care,trish