Re: Glucophage

[Guest guest]

Bill Eastman writes:

<< ... ). I have an appointment with my doctor on April 1 to talk to my

doctor about the ultrasound and also the glucophage. I'm going to suggest

another HBA1C or at least a glucose and liver function test after it's been

a month since I stopped the glucophage ... >>

Bill, a glucose test will probably show you as diabetic, but an HbA1c test

should be a pretty good indicator of your average blood glucose level over

the previous six weeks to two months. My HbA1c's are well within normal

range because of my eating style and activity level, but I feel certain if I

were to have a GTT (glucose tolerance test), I would go sky-high, because I

don't handle carbohydrates well. I hope that you too will be able to manage

on diet and exercise alone.

Susie

[Guest guest]

Thanks Susie.

I didn't start glucophage until 12/30/98. I believe it was the pecan pie

(and other pies) between Thanksgiving and Christmas. From now on, I'm going

to be more careful. Pumpkin pie probably would have been better than pecan.

Re: Glucophage

>From: OtterCritter@...

>

>Bill Eastman writes:

>

><< ... ). I have an appointment with my doctor on April 1 to talk to my

>doctor about the ultrasound and also the glucophage. I'm going to suggest

>another HBA1C or at least a glucose and liver function test after it's been

>a month since I stopped the glucophage ... >>

>

>Bill, a glucose test will probably show you as diabetic, but an HbA1c test

>should be a pretty good indicator of your average blood glucose level over

>the previous six weeks to two months. My HbA1c's are well within normal

>range because of my eating style and activity level, but I feel certain if

I

>were to have a GTT (glucose tolerance test), I would go sky-high, because I

>don't handle carbohydrates well. I hope that you too will be able to manage

>on diet and exercise alone.

>

>Susie

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Ta Da! Come see our new web site!

>http://www.onelist.com

>Onelist: A free email community service

[Guest guest]

Last Thanksgiving (my first as diabetic) I was, as usual, in charge of making

the pies. Because of diabetes I made one pecan and one pumpkin - which I

thought wouldn't be too much of a problem for me as total sugar for whole 12 "

pie was 1 c. Well, it was in the oven before I realized I'd left out the 1c.

sugar! Must've been my subconscious. Anyway, I was able to rescue pie from

oven, mix in the sugar and baked it. They never knew the difference -- and one

slice didn't mess up my BGs either (the stuffing did, tho!) Vicki

[Guest guest]

Bill Eastman writes:

<< I didn't start glucophage until 12/30/98. I believe it was the pecan pie

(and other pies) between Thanksgiving and Christmas. From now on, I'm going

to be more careful. Pumpkin pie probably would have been better than pecan.

>>

Sometimes it seems we spend more time beating ourselves up regarding our

holiday activities than we do enjoying them ... ( ... And that is

especially true when we are diabetic.

I'm at the point now where the payoff is no longer there. I am more

miserable physically and emotionally from eating wrong than any momentary

guilty pleasure I used to (think I) receive(d) from eating the no-nos. I

keep fiddling around with food combos, trying to find foods which are very

satisfying, but which are low - or relatively low - in carbohydrates. Spices

and sour things seem to really zip up my taste buds. I like Krazy Mixed Up

Salt and cajun and creole spices, and olives and coumin. I love to salt a

lemon wedge and bite into it, then wash it down with ice water or

unsweetened iced tea.

The return to good health feels too fine to mess it up. I think that is one

of the most powerful influences this group can have on us ... we can express

ourselves freely to others who truly understand what we are going through.

And in talking things out, sometimes we come to appreciate that the wise

choices make us feel better physically, as well as make us feel better about

our strength and resolve to enjoy a longer, healthier life than the

naysayers think we're entitled to as diabetics.

Susie (just back from Tampa, where the weather was so balmy I felt like

tossing my pager in the Gulf and becoming a beach bum, but leaving out for

Minneapolis and South Dakota tomorrow)

[Guest guest]

Can anyone who is on Glucophage tell me if they had intestinal problems

when first taking it? Just started it today and am already experiencing

severe cramping and diarrhea. The doc said it affected some people this way

and that about 1 in 10 people had to discontinue the med. because of this.

He started me out on 500 mg. twice a day. I certainly can't handle this for

any length of time!!!

[Guest guest]

, I take glucopage 2X a day 500mg. Yes, it had that effect on me

also. Yes, you think you are not going to make it. But its only temporary.

Mine lasted about 4 or 5 days and then things were better. I try not to miss

taking it for a day or two, (I ran out not thinking and we were on a trip)

and it was like starting all over just not quiet as bad. But don't worry it

will go away and you will feel better. Shelia

[Guest guest]

Wow, 4 years. No way can I take this for four years. Shelia said she was

like this for 4-5 days. Will try it again tomorrow and then if it's as bad

will call the dr. on Tuesday to see what he thinks. Does anyone know if it

would be okay to take something like Imodium? Maybe I'll call a my pharmacy

tomorrow and ask about that.

<<

I had intestinal and stomach probelms for the whole 4 years that I took it!

Doc

Quack even suggested that we go into hospital for tests to find out why the

stomach problems! He had no clue. As soon as I stopped glucophage, the

problems

stopped! Toni

>>

[Guest guest]

I had intestinal and stomach probelms for the whole 4 years that I took it! Doc

Quack even suggested that we go into hospital for tests to find out why the

stomach problems! He had no clue. As soon as I stopped glucophage, the problems

stopped! Toni

ValPoos@... wrote:

> From: ValPoos@...

>

> Can anyone who is on Glucophage tell me if they had intestinal problems

> when first taking it? Just started it today and am already experiencing

> severe cramping and diarrhea. The doc said it affected some people this way

> and that about 1 in 10 people had to discontinue the med. because of this.

> He started me out on 500 mg. twice a day. I certainly can't handle this for

> any length of time!!!

>

>

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

writes:

<< Can anyone who is on Glucophage tell me if they had intestinal

problems

when first taking it? Just started it today and am already experiencing

severe cramping and diarrhea ... He started me out on 500 mg. twice a day.

>>

, start off with smaller doses and build up gradually. That works

well for many. Can you break the pills in half?

Susie

[Guest guest]

Yes, I take Glucophage and I did have intestinal problems. My doctor

told me that I would have problems for about 2 weeks and then they would

subside. That is exactly what happened. It does last the full two weeks

though so if you plan to continue on the medicine, be sure to expect

this side effect. Please talk to your doctor about it.

Heller

ValPoos@... wrote:

>

> From: ValPoos@...

>

> Can anyone who is on Glucophage tell me if they had intestinal problems

> when first taking it? Just started it today and am already experiencing

> severe cramping and diarrhea. The doc said it affected some people this way

> and that about 1 in 10 people had to discontinue the med. because of this.

> He started me out on 500 mg. twice a day. I certainly can't handle this for

> any length of time!!!

>

>

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 99-07-05 00:14:40 EDT, you write:

<< Can anyone who is on Glucophage tell me if they had intestinal problems

when first taking it? Just started it today and am already experiencing

severe cramping and diarrhea. The doc said it affected some people this way

and that about 1 in 10 people had to discontinue the med. because of this.

He started me out on 500 mg. twice a day. I certainly can't handle this for

any length of time!!! >>

I probably shouldn't respond to this post but I will anyway...I'm on

Glucophage 2000 mg a day and I've never had problems with it, even in the

very beginning.

Starting gradually is the way to go, but it sounds like that's what you're

doing - though maybe you should just be taking one 500 mg. once a day at the

beginning.. I don't know if the pills come in 250 mg. size but if they do,

maybe that's the place to start. Or maybe cut one in half.

I've even taken it without food once or twice because I forgot at mealtime

and it's been okay. Guess I'm lucky. Just goes to show how individual this

disease is! Vicki

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 99-07-05 09:38:16 EDT, you write:

<< we made sure the ride was near a restroom! Then I was mostly ok

for the day. But I threw up once at least every other day! Now that I'm on

insulin, I am able to ride all the rides with them...and do! Toni

>>

Now, THERE'S a good reason to go on insulin! :-) Vicki

[Guest guest]

I did use imodium when needed, but mostly mine was stomach. I couldn't even bend

down to pick something without getting a wave of nausea! My grandkids love for

me to go to Six Flags. I always knew that after the first ride I'd have to go

throw up, so we made sure the ride was near a restroom! Then I was mostly ok

for the day. But I threw up once at least every other day! Now that I'm on

insulin, I am able to ride all the rides with them...and do! Toni

ValPoos@... wrote:

> From: ValPoos@...

>

> Wow, 4 years. No way can I take this for four years. Shelia said <snip>

[Guest guest]

ValPoos@... wrote:

>

> From: ValPoos@...

>

> Can anyone who is on Glucophage tell me if they had intestinal problems

> when first taking it? Just started it today and am already experiencing

> severe cramping and diarrhea. The doc said it affected some people this way

> and that about 1 in 10 people had to discontinue the med. because of this.

> He started me out on 500 mg. twice a day. I certainly can't handle this for

> any length of time!!!

>

>

>From what I've read, and my own experience, 500mg x 2 is higher than the

recommended starting doseage. I was started on 500mg once per day for a

week, then two per day, and it worked out with few problems. It also

seemed to react to the type of foods eaten also. Check rxlist.com for a

more detailed listing of the medication.

--

Dave -- July 5, 1999

dorcutt@...

t2 08/98 Glucophage & Aspartame

Davor's daily aphorism:

Imagination is more important than knowledge - Einstein

----------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

> From: ValPoos@...

>

> Can anyone who is on Glucophage tell me if they had intestinal

problems

> when first taking it? Just started it today and am already

experiencing

> severe cramping and diarrhea. The doc said it affected some people

this way

> and that about 1 in 10 people had to discontinue the med. because of

this.

> He started me out on 500 mg. twice a day. I certainly can't handle

this for

> any length of time!!!

My doctor started me on glucophage right off. 2 x 500mg twice a day

as well. He said to take them 20 to 30 minutes before breakfast and

dinner. When I got the prescription filled, the pharmacist asked me

if that's what I had been told and said not to. That I would have

fewer problems if I took them at the same time as my meals. I've

never been bothered by them.

Annette

[Guest guest]

Annette wrote:<Can anyone who is on Glucophage tell me>

My husband and I are both on it and we each get different reactions. He HAS TO

EAT WITH the pills or he gets diarrhea within 3 hours all the time. I on the

other hand got the diarrehea for about 3 months no matter how I took it. I

leveled off for about a year and then all hell broke loose. I was throwing up

before, after, and in between, had severe stomach pains and constipation.

Someone for got to mention I have liver damage, a no no according to the fine

print.

---

Carolyn D. Kaminski

--

Visit http://www.ivillage.com for your FREE iVillage.com email account.

iVillage.com: The #1 Women's Network -- Real Solutions for Real Women.

[Guest guest]

Vicki

you are very lucky indeed.

We must ALL remember " why do you think they call it practicing? " because the

only thing percise about medicine is the billing procedure!

---

Carolyn D. Kaminski

--

Visit http://www.ivillage.com for your FREE iVillage.com email account.

iVillage.com: The #1 Women's Network -- Real Solutions for Real Women.

[Guest guest]

Bill & Toni Fuller wrote:

<I had intestinal and stomach probelms for the whole 4 years that I took it!

Doc Quack even suggested that we go into hospital for tests to find out why the

stomach problems! He had no clue. As soon as I stopped glucophage, the problems

stopped!>

I didn't even last that long. They kept saying I need to get things under

control and the problems would go away. But they only got worse. I got the

clue from the internet. No one ever looked at the chart to see I already have

liver damage since I was a teenager. It had maxed out the liver function but

their test didn't tell them that. Only my body did and I was thinking they will

kill me before the figure this out. Same thing stop pills problems stop!!!!!!

Carolyn D. Kaminski

--

Visit http://www.ivillage.com for your FREE iVillage.com email account.

iVillage.com: The #1 Women's Network -- Real Solutions for Real Women.

[Guest guest]

When my liver function test was high, _I_ remembered that I had started

Glucophage and took myself OFF of it. I told the doc and we waited months.

I then did another test and my liver function returned to normal. Before

that though, I had a hepatitis profile done and an ultrasound on my liver.

Both came back negative.

The Glucophage wasn't helping my BG readings. At least the Glucoctrol is

helping my BG readings. I still prefer to get off the damn sulfur pill and

told that to the internist. He won't listen...so he is FIRED. After all, he

tried to tell me NOT to see the endo. I'll see the endo and NOT see the

internist.

The internist wrote in my records that I was taking Glucophage yet wrote me

a prescription for Glucotrol.

Waiting for August 30...

Re: Glucophage

>

>

>Annette wrote:<Can anyone who is on Glucophage tell me>

>

>My husband and I are both on it and we each get different reactions. He

HAS TO EAT WITH the pills or he gets diarrhea within 3 hours all the time.

I on the other hand got the diarrehea for about 3 months no matter how I

took it. I leveled off for about a year and then all hell broke loose. I

was throwing up before, after, and in between, had severe stomach pains and

constipation. Someone for got to mention I have liver damage, a no no

according to the fine print.

>---

>Carolyn D. Kaminski

>

>

>

>

>

>--

>Visit http://www.ivillage.com for your FREE iVillage.com email account.

>iVillage.com: The #1 Women's Network -- Real Solutions for Real Women.

>

>---------------------------

[Guest guest]

>When my liver function test was high, _I_ remembered that I had started

>Glucophage and took myself OFF of it. I told the doc and we waited

months.

That should have said 2 months

[Guest guest]

When will they realize that stuff is toxic to some? Just like Dave G/. has a

problem, so some of us just can't tolerate glucophage. Dr. Quack wanted to do

upper GI. Thought I had an ulcer, of all things!

And you said...*only thing precise is billing* HA! Even that is a practice! My

visit to eye doc and they said they had called my insurance company, talked to

Janell and my co-pay was 50%! It has always been 20%. They were just trying to

get all they could from me! Told me I couldn't leave til I paid! Had I known

then what I know now, I would have walked out with a smile on my face! Call my

insurance company and they have no Janell working there! Toni

CAROLYN D KAMINSKI wrote:

>

>

> Bill & Toni Fuller wrote:

>

> <I had intestinal and stomach probelms for the whole 4 years that I took it!

Doc Quack even suggested that we go into hospital for tests to find out why the

> stomach problems! He had no clue. As soon as I stopped glucophage, the

problems stopped!>

>

> I didn't even last that long. They kept saying I need to get things under

control and the problems would go away. But they only got worse. I got the

clue from the internet. No one ever looked at the chart to see I already have

liver damage since I was a teenager. It had maxed out the liver function but

their test didn't tell them that. Only my body did and I was thinking they will

kill me before the figure this out. Same thing stop pills problems stop!!!!!!

>

> Carolyn D. Kaminski

>

> --

> Visit http://www.ivillage.com for your FREE iVillage.com email account.

> iVillage.com: The #1 Women's Network -- Real Solutions for Real Women.

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

what were they going to do? call the cops! hold you prisoner! as for invasive

testing, they can have all the blood they want but " nothing is going in " while I

am conscious. my biggest problem is not reading med history and not listening

to what I say. if they want a guinea pig they will have to pay me.

---

Carolyn D. Kaminski

--

Visit http://www.ivillage.com for your FREE iVillage.com email account.

iVillage.com: The #1 Women's Network -- Real Solutions for Real Women.

[Guest guest]

I was reading a thread in the misc.health.diabets newsgroup, and want to

repeat an observation made there. Diabetics' inability to tolerate

Glucophage may be a result of your carbohydrate intake. Glucophage makes

some of the carbohydrates you eat indigestible, which is the cause of the

digestive problems ... It makes sense that lowering carbohydrate intake

would make the Glucophage gentler on your system ... as well as improve

glycemic control.

Susie

[Guest guest]

Hi Caroline,

> My husband and I are both on it and we each get different reactions. He

HAS TO EAT WITH the pills or he gets diarrhea within 3 hours all the time.

I on the other hand got the diarrehea for about 3 months no matter how I

took it. I leveled off for about a year and then all hell broke loose. I

was throwing up before, after, and in between, had severe stomach pains and

constipation. Someone for got to mention I have liver damage, a no no

according to the fine print.

I would have given up on it long before the 3 months were over. I've been

lucky enough not to have any problems with it. Are you taking something

different now?

Annette

[Guest guest]

Dear Susie,

I have to agree with this observation....When I was consuming a high carb

diet, I found the amount of Glucophage I am consuming almost

intolerable....2000mg a day......Now I have reduced the number of carbs, I

tolerate the Glucophage quite well...

I also take 160mg gliclazide....plus Premia 5 and 1200 mg gemfibrozil per

day so sometime I do rattle a bit. <G>

BTW...glad to see you here....I'm very new to this list but I always

enjoyed your posts to misc. health diabetes....

Rhondda....Type 2 for 7 or 8 years.

----------

>

> To: diabetes_intonelist

> Subject: Re: Glucophage

> Date: Tuesday, 13 July 1999 2:48

>

>

>

> I was reading a thread in the misc.health.diabets newsgroup, and want to

> repeat an observation made there. Diabetics' inability to tolerate

> Glucophage may be a result of your carbohydrate intake. Glucophage makes

> some of the carbohydrates you eat indigestible, which is the cause of the

> digestive problems ... It makes sense that lowering carbohydrate intake

> would make the Glucophage gentler on your system ... as well as improve

> glycemic control.

>

> Susie

>

>

> ---------------------------