Andy Nut

[Linda57]

Since having a bit of a scare on sunday night I have felt ill ever since.


What was your scare, Andy??


Linda

[Andy_nut]

I think I had what could be described as a "hypo". But as I am new to diabetes I can't be sure.

I had been taking metformin for a week and had to work late night on sunday. I didn't eat enough, a beef sandwich, an apple and a peach. I took my metformin as normal after eating. When I finally went to bed I felt unwell, I was very hot, sweating and my heart was pounding. I tried to ignore it and go back to sleep but couldn't ignore it.

I ended up getting up and hitting the net to find out what was wrong with me and following some online tips I had a glass of apple juice, a biscuit and some bread and jam. After about 2 hours I felt fine but my mind was working overtime and I didn't get any sleep.

Since then I have had problems digesting food. I feel bloated all the time and very windy. I am getting scared to eat at night because ofr the past 2 nights I have had problems. I am cooking soup as I write so it is easier to digest. I know I have to eat and take the tablets but I am still a bit worried.

I don't have a date with diabetic clinic and my doctor is useless so the internet is my only resource at the moment.

Andy

[Cinnabon]

Hello Andy,

Sorry to hear you felt that way. DO you own a Glucose monitor? If you don't it might be a REAL good idea to try to get your hands on one. As this will most definitely save you from scares like that.

[Andy_nut]

I picked one up the next day.

Just need to see the dr to get a prescription for the strips and spikey things!

Ooh there is nothing better than drawing blood when you feel down ;-)

[mg_2204]

Andy, Metformin is not supposed to cause hypos. But with that said, your sugars can crash. Mine do these days. It's not a hypo as such because I don't go below 4 mmol/L... but going from let's say 10 to 5 in less than an hour FEELS LIKE an hypo. It's no fun at all, let me tell you. When I crash, I have a splitting headache on top of that, I feel like throwing up, etc. Yesterday I had my 6 monthly diabetic check and was put on long acting Metformin instead. I'm starting today. I can't wait to see if it will help.

Do you have a meter?

Could you change doctor?

Would be great if you could go see a dietician too...

The very best to you,

[HypnoToad]

you have been taking metformin for a week and you dont have a meter? odd, you deffently need that.

the bloated feeling and being gassy could be a side effect from the metformin, i had that for a few days when i started, it should go away, also with the metformin i find if i eat something a bit fattier then usual i feel kind of gross for a few hours afterwards.

deffently get that meter fired up tho, if you over compensate for a low then you going to go high and that will make you feel really crappy too

[Linda57]

I really feel for you Andy, Diabetes can be a roller coaster at times.

Im surprised you didnt get some free strips and a lancet with the meter, most do. I hope you get some supplies from your doctor soon.

I agree with Marie, what you felt was probably a low, not a hypo.........not the same but it can sure make you feel bad.

Until your body gets used to the new lower numbers, you will feel this way for a while I'm afraid.

Linda

[mg_2204]

... Just a quick note here : back in Canada, I was put on insulin without a meter, while I was pregnant. And Diamicron too, again without a meter. I didn't know at the time, but you do need a meter. My doctor obviously didn't think I needed one. :eek: And oh! My mother took meds for diabetes for years and never EVER had a meter.

Yes it's possible to be put on meds without a meter. But in my humble opinion... you really need one. If your doctor doesn't care, find another one.

[Andy_nut]

Thanks everyone.

I bought a meter a few days ago but had been too busy to do anything with it.

My readings have been all over the place over the last two days, today I went from 6.4 before lunch to 13 after lunch (2 hours) and then 7.0 3 hours later.

I had to buy my own strips for the meter at £30 but it is worth it. I am going to chase the diabetic clinic tomorrow to speed up my first appointment.

As far as my doctor is concerned, I am very limitted as we have a handful of doctors covering the area and they won't accept you if there is one closer to you. I have private health care which covers dieticians and plan to make an appointment next week.

I really appreciate everybodys input, it really helps :-)

[Peter Lee]

Andy, as one who has been through it, your symptoms are almost certainly due to getting used the Metformin - it took me six months before I felt well.

I was told by my diabetes consultant that Metformin on its own definitely does not cause hypos.

In Britain as a diabetic you have the right to get lancets and strips (but not a meter) on the NHS. You are also entitled to free foot examinations and treatment and also retinal inspections once a year. I get all of these things - no questions asked.

Try to have the confidence to stand up for your rights :thumbsup:

When I was first diagnosed I was really scared with what was happening to me, but that passed when I began to understand my condition. You have the right to ask for a second opinion if you are not happy with what your doctor is saying to you.

Good Luck :)

[Lori M.]

Hi Andy, I've just been diagnosed this week myself. I feel for you about getting blood drawn, I've had to have blood drawn 3 days in a row and I have a nice green bruise to prove it. Like you I'm getting most of my info on the net (especially here). They wanted me to take classes about diabetes at the hospital, but I'm not insured at the moment and I can't afford the $450.00 fee. The clinic where I go have their own dietician and I'm going to see her in a week or so. Just hang in there and we'll learn more about this disease. :thumbsup:

[Andy_nut]

Just spoken to the diabetic clinic... they might have an appointment for me in about a month.

Is it usual to have to wait 6 weeks for your first appointment? My BG was 19 when the doctor referred me.

[Peter Lee]

Just spoken to the diabetic clinic... they might have an appointment for me in about a month.

Is it usual to have to wait 6 weeks for your first appointment? My BG was 19 when the doctor referred me.
I had to wait about 5 weeks after my GP wrote to the hospital consultant. At that time my sugar was the same as yours. So your wait doesn't seem to be too unusual.

[Harold]

Is it usual to have to wait 6 weeks for your first appointment? My BG was 19 when the doctor referred me. Equating your Dibetic Clinic to our Diabetes Classes it seems to be pretty typical on both sides of the pond for T2's on oral meds. Part of this is so they can see how the meds are doing since most of them take that long to really start working.