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I am now three days into being bed and housebound with the worst uncontrollable explosive diarrhea I have ever experienced. I have diverticulitis so that is really saying something. When I am not in the bathroom or trying to clear up the mess I am asleep.I stopped my metformin on Wednesday last week ,saw the Doctor on Friday and she wrote me out a prescription for the slow release tabs which I haven’t and now never will take. I tried Imodium with no result except for minor relief and today I am back to agony and incontinence. How long will this last will someone please tell me. I only took 500mg for six days.
I too have Diverticular Disease and was told at my GP surgery that Metformin was not suitable for someone with this condition as well. I don't know what your HbA1c was but you might need something different from Metformin altogether. I presume you can tell the difference between what is happening now and an attack of Diverticulitis. I suggest you go back to the Doctor and actually ask if Metformin is contra indicated with DD, and for something different. In the meantime, if you can take them, paracetemol, a hot water bottle on your tummy, and unfortunately lots of water.
Just to add there are other medications other than Metformin, can't help with how long it takes to get out of the system. I would have thought it should be clearing the system by now. I would contact your Doctor again.
Hi Felina
thanks for your reply.Mine was 61. I did tell them I had diverticulitis which has been well controlled apart from an occasional blip. This is like nothing I have ever experienced. I am in bed with pads and towels and a hot water bottle in the small of my back. I am managing to drink but I really need to know when it will calm down.
You really need to get an emergency appointment with your Doctor. If you have a temperature and swamping pains like childbirth, it could be a bad attack of Diverticulitis, possibly triggered by the Metformin. If you have an infection it will need urgent antibiotics. Unfortunately bad attacks of DD can linger on for weeks, and the antibiotics have nasty side effects. If it is just side effects of Metformin, then hopefully it will clear up soon. But both require clear fluids only and a proper medical assessment.
@Bonniesmum how are your blood sugars doing? I'd be tempted to call 111 and see what advice they can give as you may end up dehydrated and need to be put on a drip etc, if not then giving them a call anyway won't do any harm, please do and I hope you feel better soon xx
You have my every sympathy. My insides have never really fully recovered from the Metformin, but I never had to consider them before, not they are a bit tetchy once in a while.
If you can't get help from the GP consider a walk in centre or A & E if you don't feel better tomorrow.
Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
