Glucophage and then some...

[lesgunn]

I was diagnosed T2D in Nov last year, tried Metformin which made me feel like sh*t so the doc put me on Glucophage. Since then, various aches and pains later, ultrasound cos I was getting soreness around the bottom of my rib cage which was clear followed by a feeling of a lump in my throat when I swallowed! Endoscopy negative and yet this throaty phlegmy clearing my throat thing is carrying on and my sinuses feel stuffed up, but not like a cold. On top of that dizzy spells laying down, very odd!

I've been to the docs so many times in the last few months it's ridiculous, I was never like it before. As for going to the loo, OMG the episodes should be made into a comedy...seriously though, the Glucophage gives me diarrhea that's no joke. As for burping and wind, I wish it would stop.

Anyone else relate to this?

 

[Northerner]

Hi Les, is it the slow-release version of Glucophage you are taking or the ordinary type? Some people find that it depends on when they take the drug in relation to food as to what effects it has - when do you normally take yours? What are your blood sugar levels like before and after eating?

Sorry for all the questions! 🙂

 

[lesgunn]

Hi Northerner,

Slow release stuff it is. Bloods have always been around 5 to 6 ish, sometimes 8 or 9 after food but that's normal I understand?

I just wish this throaty feeling would disappear because it really does make me worry about all sorts.

I normally take mine with food.

 

[Northerner]

Are you on any other medication? It might be worth suggesting to your GP that you stop taking the metformin for a while to see if the problems disappear. Your levels sound pretty good so it looks like you should be fine without it for a period.

 

[lesgunn]

Have been on antibiotics for a cyst near my bottom and amitryptiline. Is it normal for you to be taken off the medication? I thought once you were on it, that's that?

 

[Northerner]

Have been on antibiotics for a cyst near my bottom and amitryptiline. Is it normal for you to be taken off the medication? I thought once you were on it, that's that?

No, it's not uncommon for people who have gained good control to stop needing the medication, many of our members have done this, and certainly a temporary lay off would be possible and confirm whether the metformin is the cause. Also, there are alternative therapies that can be used if you can't tolerate the metformin, so I'd speak to your GP about the options available 🙂

 

[lesgunn]

Ah ok, thanks Northerner. To be honest, my bloods have nearly always been 5 to 6 ish. I've lost about 3 stones, started swimming once a week and all the original aches and pains with my back have largely disappeared. That said, this throas thing coupled with my diarrhoea has got me worried.

 

[Northerner]

Ah ok, thanks Northerner. To be honest, my bloods have nearly always been 5 to 6 ish. I've lost about 3 stones, started swimming once a week and all the original aches and pains with my back have largely disappeared. That said, this throas thing coupled with my diarrhoea has got me worried.

I'm surprised your doctor hasn't suggested stopping it before now, given the problems you have been having and the good numbers you have. Many congratulations on the weight loss, and the exercise will be a big help in improving your insulin sensitivity, so the more you can manage the better! 🙂

 

[lesgunn]

Thanks, I'm seeing the doc in just over an hour so will see what she says. I'd like there to be some respite 😉

 

[Northerner]

Thanks, I'm seeing the doc in just over an hour so will see what she says. I'd like there to be some respite 😉

Let us know how it goes! 🙂 Good luck!

 

[Copepod]

I was diagnosed T2D in Nov last year, tried Metformin which made me feel like sh*t so the doc put me on Glucophage. Since then, various aches and pains later, ultrasound cos I was getting soreness around the bottom of my rib cage which was clear followed by a feeling of a lump in my throat when I swallowed! Endoscopy negative and yet this throaty phlegmy clearing my throat thing is carrying on and my sinuses feel stuffed up, but not like a cold. On top of that dizzy spells laying down, very odd!

I've been to the docs so many times in the last few months it's ridiculous, I was never like it before. As for going to the loo, OMG the episodes should be made into a comedy...seriously though, the Glucophage gives me diarrhea that's no joke. As for burping and wind, I wish it would stop.

Anyone else relate to this?

Glucophage is a trade name for metformin. Both have diarrhoea and wind as known side effects, although many people find that the effectss diminish as time passes. Slow release versions of metformin / Glucophage are much more expensive, which is why people don't start on them, but if side effects remain troublesome, do ask about changing over.

 

[lesgunn]

Thanks Copepod.

Just been to see the Doc. He said bear with the Glucophage but cut it down to one a day if it's getting that bad. He's put me in for a camera check on my vocal chords to see what's going on there because it doesn't feel right at all.

 

[AlisonM]

I had horrendous problems with Metformin, Glucophage SR and Gliclazide, the side effects not only didn't wear off, they got steadily worse over time and didn't help my numbers much either. In the end, after months of whining from me, they took me off all those and put me on Byetta, then they added insulin. Magic, no more digestive horrors, no more added aches and pains in my feet and legs, plus no more permanent exhaustion. I still have some nausea from the Byetta but it's minor. It's taken 2.5 years to get here but I finally feel I'm getting the right meds for my Diabetes. All I can suggest is that you keep whinging, every time you have a diabetic appointment, mention how awful you feel. Eventually they'll hear you.

I have had that phlegmy thing too but that's allergies in my case. Have you been tested for asthma? It doesn't necessarily make you wheezy so it could be that rather than anything diabetes related.

 

[lesgunn]

Hi Alison

Thanks for that, doesn't make me feel like I'm alone in this. All the aches and pains in my chest and various palpitations and weird nights trying to get to sleep have really taken their toll in the last 6 months.

I will see what happens when they put the cam down and look at my throat, this seems the most bizarre thing and it extends down to my breastbone. Ever wanted just a day of peace...?!

🙂

 

[trophywench]

Silly question time - have you has a chest X Ray?

 

[lesgunn]

Hi trophywench, yes ultrasound and gastroscopy all clear, next is a camera checking my vocal chords. If nothing serious kills me, the anxiety will!

 

[Hanmillmum]

Thanks for that, doesn't make me feel like I'm alone in this. All the aches and pains in my chest and various palpitations and weird nights trying to get to sleep have really taken their toll in the last 6 months.

🙂

I wonder if the amitriptyline could be contributing to the palpitations, dizziness and weird nights ? It wouldn't explain your GI problems though, perhaps it is a combination of your meds that are causing all these problems ?

 

[lesgunn]

Hi hanmillum,

It could be, yes. The throat feeling and palpitations across the top of my chest towards my throat feels muscular if that makes sense but the stuffy nose can be checked when the ENT cam goes to work. The rest of me isn't falling apart just yet thank god!!

😉

 

[lesgunn]

Appt at the hospital on Tues to get the cam into my nose and throat, see what happens. Wish I could feel normal again!!

 

[lesgunn]

Hi everyone, quick update, the cam up the nose/down my throat was negative so relief there.

Quick question...anyone get a bubbling feeling in their arms or legs as if there is air in the blood and you get mini palpitations? Only been happening for 2 months.

Thanks x