Headaches?

Stephaniebaz · 05-02-2005, 04:29 PM

I've been taking Met. for approx. one month and have lived through the nausea and upset stomach...they've actually subsided a bit. But, now I'm getting headaches on almost a daily basis. I can't tell if its AF (I have NO CLUE when she'll come again...the Provera did nothing for me) or if its the Met.

Does anyone else get headaches? They are doozies, right behind my eyes.

I'd love to hear from you! Thanks so much!

TickledPink · 05-02-2005, 05:24 PM

I did get headaches in the beginning too! I just took lots of tylenol and took it easy for awhile!

(((((hugs)))))

Stephaniebaz · 05-02-2005, 07:23 PM

Thanks so much. I've only been taking the medication for about a month, how long did your headaches last? I'm so confused with the timeline for everything...I'm seeing a RE at the end of the month, so I'm anxiously awaiting that meeting, but any information you have would be greatly appreciated. I love hearing from others in my situation.

TickledPink · 05-02-2005, 07:48 PM

I don't really remember cause I have been on it for two years now! Sorry I can't be more of a help.

nellann · 05-03-2005, 06:19 PM

When I started on Met in December I had HA&NA big time. My dr. had me take it with supper and then when I increased to 750 mg, I tookthe 250 in the AM and the 500 with supper. I no longer have HA or the NA. Worth a try...
I was the queen of the toilet for a while!!!!!!!

Stephaniebaz · 05-03-2005, 07:23 PM

Nellann,

Thanks for the information. I too am intermittently "ruler of the throne", and I had NA for the beginning of the month, but that's better now. Its these headaches that are killers.

How long have you been going through this?

TickledPink · 05-03-2005, 08:45 PM

How many mgs of met are you taking?

DrewM · 05-03-2005, 09:16 PM

This is just an idea, but if the met is helping your body use insulin better, then maybe the headaches are caused by low blood sugar. If your insulin is better able to carry the glucose to your cells, then there is less glucose in your bloodstream than you are used to. Symptoms can include headaches.

After being on met for over a year, I've been paying attention to things like that, and if I have high-carb, sugary stuff for lunch, I almost always get a headache in the afternoon, along with intense cravings for more high-carb, sugary stuff. I think it's the same reason as above--the sugar causes an insulin spike, which then depletes my blood of sugar, giving me a low blood sugar headache.

I don't know how scientific my explanation was, but that's how I understand the function of insulin. It would be easy enough to test out--next time you get one of those headaches, sip some juice or regular soda and see if it goes away.

Hope you feel better!!

nellann · 05-03-2005, 09:27 PM

I have only had experience with this since December 04. I too have learned that if I dont eat "properly" with the Met. I have HA's. Even though we dont have "diabetes" it is still Insulin. And we have to eat that way. NOw I am not saying to go strict or anything. But just make sure you have enough protein in your body to counteract the sugar you are putting in. If I do that I dont have HA's. I am still working on this myself!!!! When my doctor started me out, I was on 1000mg a day. I was on the throne all the time and week. So I decreased and have gradually had to work my way up to 750mg and I will probably inccrease again in June. It is all a learning experience and what works best for your body. Oh and I found out that I cant take the Met at bedtime either...I am up puking all night. You just have to find what works for you.....Good luck. I will try and keep an eye out for you.
Love from Colorado!!!!!

Stephaniebaz · 05-03-2005, 10:02 PM

DrewM, TickledPink and Nellann,

Thanks again for the information. I am on 500mg 3x/day of Met that I started on April 8th.

DrewM, that TOTALLY makes sense to me. I never really thought about it that way. I have little experience with diabetes (even though I'm in the medical field), so to have you put it that way, it really helps.

To be honest, I haven't really been studying my diet too much. I am overweight, but not obese. I guess I could stand to lose 30lbs, but am not miserable with myself. However, I've noticed this belly that has recently formed (I've always carried my extra weight in my hips and thighs). My dr. said that the Met should help with that belly weight.

I've also heard that the South Beach Diet is supposed to help. I've sort of poked around at the Diet and Exercise threads, but haven't really put forth a good effort yet. I know I need to.

Nellann, it sounds as if we have the same type of symptoms. I was so sick the first couple of weeks. I actually talked to my DH about stopping the medication. If the "drive" for a baby wasn't so high for us, I probably would have. That's definitely subsided, although I get hit with my "boo-boo belly" and spend an awful lot of time in the bathroom every once in a while.

Before I was diagnosed, I would get the shakes if I didn't eat every 4 hours or so (my DH would laugh that I was like a clock). I am noticing now that I am REALLY craving sweets. I've always had a sweet tooth, but this is pathetic! Nellann, thanks for keeping an eye out for me, feel free to PM me if you ever feel like it. It'd be great to have someone to bounce ideas off of!

Thanks again cysters!!
Stephanie

TickledPink · 05-04-2005, 12:05 AM

ohhhh you started out on all 1500mgs at once? Yikes! I worked my way up from 250mgs to 1500mgs over about a months time! That could very well be the reasons for you symptoms.

Stephaniebaz · 05-04-2005, 11:05 AM

Yeah, I'm beginning to realize that it may be true. My doctor said that I could start taking it immediately and didn't mention anything about gradually working my way up to the full dose.

I also think it definitely has to do with my diet. After I had that whopper of a headache the other day, I ate dinner and felt better almost immediately...I really need to keep an eye on what I eat.

TickledPink · 05-04-2005, 11:28 AM

yeah maybe you should call him and think about cutting back to like 500mgs and working your way up to 1500mgs as your body gets used to it! No wonder you are sick! Some doctors have no clue!

My doctor made it very clear that I would probably feel like death if I started out on the full doseage and didn't build up gradually.