Guest guest Posted January 15, 2006 Report Share Posted January 15, 2006 Hello Jane, In my opinion, the only person who is going to watch out for you and your body the best is you. There is no reason you should ever feel uncomfortable questioning your doctor. And if he makes you feel uncomfortable (like he is threatened and you should just do what he says no matter what, then I'd get a new doctor). He/she should be willing to discuss anything you want, including different meds and why he thinks a certain one is the right one. In my case, I do my own homework - research the meds (like you have), and then simply ask him the questions you have and don't leave until you get all your answers and feel good about your visit. By all means, ask your doc about your concerns. They are valid ones. There are good and bad things about every medication. My first doc put me on Amaryl when first diagnosed this past November. It has worked wonderfully for me with no side effects and I wish I could just stay on this med forever. However, my new doc ( who I love to pieces) doesn't like the way Amaryl works on the pancreas and wants to change it next month (or possibly take me off meds altogether and give it a try). In my mind, I know this new doc is probably right - he seems to be really well informed about meds and treatments and really looks at the individual when deciding on a medication. This is important. ** I left my first doc (after going to him for 20+ years) because I did NOT get any questions answered, the office in general was terrible in their knowledge about diabetes and I knew I needed something different. I am so glad I did this. So ask your questions - with this challenging diagnoses we have, it is important to get informed and aks LOTS of questions to your doc until you are satisfied you are getting the best possible treatment so you can avoid all possible complications. Good for you for doing your homework! Let us know how you make out! Sandy Question about Actos My doctor put me on Actos this past Friday. I am newly diagnosed and this is the only medication for diabetes I am on - I am on Synthroid, a fluid pill, and Lipitor for other things. In doing some reading, it looks like significant weight gain may be a side effect of Actos? And it looks like metformin is prescribed as the first medication more often and can help with weight loss. Do you think this is something I need to ask my doctor about? Or should I wait and see if I gain weight first? I don't think I have ever been in a position where I questioned a doctor's treatment or prescribed medication before and I am not sure how to handle it or if I need to chill out and give Actos a chance first. any input would be appreciated. Thanks Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2006 Report Share Posted January 15, 2006 Hello Jane, In my opinion, the only person who is going to watch out for you and your body the best is you. There is no reason you should ever feel uncomfortable questioning your doctor. And if he makes you feel uncomfortable (like he is threatened and you should just do what he says no matter what, then I'd get a new doctor). He/she should be willing to discuss anything you want, including different meds and why he thinks a certain one is the right one. In my case, I do my own homework - research the meds (like you have), and then simply ask him the questions you have and don't leave until you get all your answers and feel good about your visit. By all means, ask your doc about your concerns. They are valid ones. There are good and bad things about every medication. My first doc put me on Amaryl when first diagnosed this past November. It has worked wonderfully for me with no side effects and I wish I could just stay on this med forever. However, my new doc ( who I love to pieces) doesn't like the way Amaryl works on the pancreas and wants to change it next month (or possibly take me off meds altogether and give it a try). In my mind, I know this new doc is probably right - he seems to be really well informed about meds and treatments and really looks at the individual when deciding on a medication. This is important. ** I left my first doc (after going to him for 20+ years) because I did NOT get any questions answered, the office in general was terrible in their knowledge about diabetes and I knew I needed something different. I am so glad I did this. So ask your questions - with this challenging diagnoses we have, it is important to get informed and aks LOTS of questions to your doc until you are satisfied you are getting the best possible treatment so you can avoid all possible complications. Good for you for doing your homework! Let us know how you make out! Sandy Question about Actos My doctor put me on Actos this past Friday. I am newly diagnosed and this is the only medication for diabetes I am on - I am on Synthroid, a fluid pill, and Lipitor for other things. In doing some reading, it looks like significant weight gain may be a side effect of Actos? And it looks like metformin is prescribed as the first medication more often and can help with weight loss. Do you think this is something I need to ask my doctor about? Or should I wait and see if I gain weight first? I don't think I have ever been in a position where I questioned a doctor's treatment or prescribed medication before and I am not sure how to handle it or if I need to chill out and give Actos a chance first. any input would be appreciated. Thanks Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2006 Report Share Posted January 15, 2006 Jane, The drug companies must list all possible side effects of a drug. This does not mean that in your case you will have any side effects. If the doctor feels you need this drug, use it for a month with your diet and excersize and see how it works for you. It does take about a month for the Actos to work. It is very important to get those BG numbers down. Marla Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2006 Report Share Posted January 15, 2006 Jane, The drug companies must list all possible side effects of a drug. This does not mean that in your case you will have any side effects. If the doctor feels you need this drug, use it for a month with your diet and excersize and see how it works for you. It does take about a month for the Actos to work. It is very important to get those BG numbers down. Marla Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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