Metformin users beware

fsmith · 02-19-2008, 08:33 AM

I was on 1500mg Metformin for type 2. For a year and a half I had stomach, bowel issues progressing to heart attack like symptoms this past summer (three trips to the emergency medical facility). I had all heart tests imaginable, stomach tests and CT scans from my neck to my pelvis. I had a colonoscopy.... so you see, I did everything I could and the Dr's were at a loss. No thought to look at my Metformin use. By chance my cousin mentioned that HER doctor (who is with the Shands teaching hospital in Gainesville, FL) told her to take CHROMIUM PICOLINATE, ALPHA LIPOIC ACID (100MG) and to watch her diet. I figured "what the heck" I couldn't feel much worse.... I quit my metformin (probably not a smart move I guess) and started taking the picolinate and lipoic acid. I told my family doctor what I had done and she agreed that it was worth a shot but she wanted me to take cinnamon tablets also. I have done that. My sugar is between 89 and 122 first thing in the AM now (as opposed to 130 - 137 on Metformin). The only sweating/stomach/bowel issue I have had is the ONE day that I took ONE Metformin just to see what it would do. You can buy the supplements OVER THE COUNTER at a drug store, they are CHEAP and they are working. Check with your doctor first, especially if you are sweaty, dizzy, diarreah (spell?), and pains beneath your breast bone thru to your back.... I had to share this. I may be unusual but if you are suffering, it is worth a try. Let me know how you do? Good luck.

Mom2P&A · 02-22-2008, 11:13 AM

This is so bizarre! I had been taking metformin (only 500mg/day) since june 07 when suddenly on feb 2nd '08 I began having heart palpatations, went to the ER and was told I have PVC's. But also have been having pains in breastbone and through back, and have had diarrhea for almost 3 weeks (which is just finally started to get better). I stopped taking my met almost 2 weeks ago to see if that would help what was happening to me and the palpatations did go away but still have the weird pains in my breastbone and back. I have been having testing done as well and have had 3 EKG's, a holter monitor done, and an echocardiogram. The doctor is going to set up a treadmill stress test next. I've had the dizziness also, but not much sweating. I'm having the same things as you and it's so frightening. I am so happy to find your post and would love to hear more stories if anyone has any. How old are you? I am turning 28 next week.

alexander4372 · 02-22-2008, 07:53 PM

Met cause a lot of stomach issues with me too. I went to emergency room too with it they told me it was acid reflux but I also had a very high heart rate!! I haven't tried the CHROMIUM PICOLINATE, ALPHA LIPOIC ACID but maybe I should. Do you take them all at once?

Choirgirl3 · 02-24-2008, 01:43 AM

This is really intersting stuff. I have not had any adverse reactions to the met. But ibruprofrin make my heart beat really fast ...so I stay away from it. I'm interested in natural remedies as much as possible. I would like to know if there is a particular brand of chromium you can recommend? What is the dosage you take? Also, I'm interested in checking my sugar levels, can you tell me more about how this is done, please?

frogluver74 · 02-24-2008, 05:21 PM

FSMITH...
Do you take 1000 of each? I have a Dr. appt tomorrow and would like to ask about this. Thanks~

soulfulqween · 02-24-2008, 05:29 PM

Try it I take the chromium piconilate as well...I couldn't deal with the Met either.

The Chromium is much much much much better...

need more info · 03-11-2008, 01:03 AM

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herb...iumsideeff.htm

thought you might be interested

need more info · 03-11-2008, 01:21 AM

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/alph...lipoicacid.htm

another interesting article

ChrissyJo · 04-23-2008, 11:43 PM

I have been on MET for two years, DR keeps upping my dosage because my IR/Diabetes II is not responding to my meds. Glyburide 10MG twice daily and Metformin 500MG twice daily. The last year has been horrible! I seriously had to quit my job due to WAY too many missed days. I was in and out of the ER 12 times in two months. My Gallbladder was suspected because of the area of pain. I was also told I might have Gastroparesis. Finally the MET was suspect. I told my doctor between the restroom visits and pain I can no longer take MET and work. I wanted to quit MET. DR said to quit the job before quitting MET. My fasting sugars are 280+. I will ask her if I take CHROMIUM PICOLINATE and ALPHA LIPOIC ACID can I at least cut down on the MET I am taking.
Thank you SO much for this thread and this info GREAT information!!

delilah925 · 05-01-2008, 12:24 AM

does it help with regulating the period??? or O???

delilah925 · 05-01-2008, 12:27 AM

does it help regulate periods and O???

Hezzer · 05-01-2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fsmith

. . . and pains beneath your breast bone thru to your back....

I've been experiencing that, but before I started metformin. For the me, the pain shoots horizontally from my upper back through to my breastbone. It takes my breath away when it happens. I've wondered what it is.

Polly13 · 05-06-2008, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hezzer

I've been experiencing that, but before I started metformin. For the me, the pain shoots horizontally from my upper back through to my breastbone. It takes my breath away when it happens. I've wondered what it is.

I've had this off and on before too. It is the worst. I actually posted on here about that awhile ago and got many responses saying that that kind of pain (upper back to breastbone) could be a symptom of gallbladder issues. Just thought I would mention it...

CRISTINACEC · 05-06-2008, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polly13

I've had this off and on before too. It is the worst. I actually posted on here about that awhile ago and got many responses saying that that kind of pain (upper back to breastbone) could be a symptom of gallbladder issues. Just thought I would mention it...

I was thinking the same thing. I had to have mine removed cause of the pain. I did not have gallstones but they did a function test and it was only working 15% of the time so they took it out. Since then the pain is gone.

ChrissyJo · 05-07-2008, 02:36 AM

My met usage "delilah925" has not at all helped regulate periods or O. I just use it to help my Insulin Resistance. If that is what you were asking....

02-19-2008, 08:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
fsmith Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1 Points: 903.12 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 903.12 Donate	Metformin users beware I was on 1500mg Metformin for type 2. For a year and a half I had stomach, bowel issues progressing to heart attack like symptoms this past summer (three trips to the emergency medical facility). I had all heart tests imaginable, stomach tests and CT scans from my neck to my pelvis. I had a colonoscopy.... so you see, I did everything I could and the Dr's were at a loss. No thought to look at my Metformin use. By chance my cousin mentioned that HER doctor (who is with the Shands teaching hospital in Gainesville, FL) told her to take CHROMIUM PICOLINATE, ALPHA LIPOIC ACID (100MG) and to watch her diet. I figured "what the heck" I couldn't feel much worse.... I quit my metformin (probably not a smart move I guess) and started taking the picolinate and lipoic acid. I told my family doctor what I had done and she agreed that it was worth a shot but she wanted me to take cinnamon tablets also. I have done that. My sugar is between 89 and 122 first thing in the AM now (as opposed to 130 - 137 on Metformin). The only sweating/stomach/bowel issue I have had is the ONE day that I took ONE Metformin just to see what it would do. You can buy the supplements OVER THE COUNTER at a drug store, they are CHEAP and they are working. Check with your doctor first, especially if you are sweaty, dizzy, diarreah (spell?), and pains beneath your breast bone thru to your back.... I had to share this. I may be unusual but if you are suffering, it is worth a try. Let me know how you do? Good luck.

02-22-2008, 11:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
Mom2P&A Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 100 Points: 3,121.37 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 3,121.37 Donate	This is so bizarre! I had been taking metformin (only 500mg/day) since june 07 when suddenly on feb 2nd '08 I began having heart palpatations, went to the ER and was told I have PVC's. But also have been having pains in breastbone and through back, and have had diarrhea for almost 3 weeks (which is just finally started to get better). I stopped taking my met almost 2 weeks ago to see if that would help what was happening to me and the palpatations did go away but still have the weird pains in my breastbone and back. I have been having testing done as well and have had 3 EKG's, a holter monitor done, and an echocardiogram. The doctor is going to set up a treadmill stress test next. I've had the dizziness also, but not much sweating. I'm having the same things as you and it's so frightening. I am so happy to find your post and would love to hear more stories if anyone has any. How old are you? I am turning 28 next week. __________________ Check out my Ebay items under Avatar, Also have Fertility books: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Dana-27 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DH Todd-34, EST. 1/23/99 Started TTC end of 1998, Early Miscarriage Dec. '98 Self Diagnosed PCOS 2001, Doctor Diagnosed PCOS 2002 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DD Paige 7/12/04 (conceived with met but on clomid break) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DD Aubrey 5/5/06 (conceived with met and clomid) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

02-22-2008, 07:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
alexander4372 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: utah Posts: 366 My Mood: Points: 3,692.08 Bank: 18,919.66 Total Points: 22,611.74 Donate	Met cause a lot of stomach issues with me too. I went to emergency room too with it they told me it was acid reflux but I also had a very high heart rate!! I haven't tried the CHROMIUM PICOLINATE, ALPHA LIPOIC ACID but maybe I should. Do you take them all at once? __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

02-24-2008, 05:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
frogluver74 Nik~Nik Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 3 My Mood: Points: 1.00 Bank: 120.60 Total Points: 121.60 Donate	alternate treatment FSMITH... Do you take 1000 of each? I have a Dr. appt tomorrow and would like to ask about this. Thanks~ __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Nikki

02-24-2008, 05:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
soulfulqween SoulfulCyster Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Where I am... Posts: 1,381 My Mood: Points: 13,083.92 Bank: 2,913.46 Total Points: 15,997.38 Donate	Try it I take the chromium piconilate as well...I couldn't deal with the Met either. The Chromium is much much much much better... __________________ Meds: Saw Palmetto Dong Quai Calendula Valerian Black Cohosh Dandelion Root Cinnamon Vitamin C Fe St John's Wort Chromium Picolinate To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. PCOS DX 6.7.04 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. A wonderful man luvz To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. me... To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. [/size]

02-24-2008, 01:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
Choirgirl3 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 134 My Mood: Points: 2,038.22 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 2,038.22 Donate	This is really intersting stuff. I have not had any adverse reactions to the met. But ibruprofrin make my heart beat really fast ...so I stay away from it. I'm interested in natural remedies as much as possible. I would like to know if there is a particular brand of chromium you can recommend? What is the dosage you take? Also, I'm interested in checking my sugar levels, can you tell me more about how this is done, please?

03-11-2008, 01:03 AM	#7 (permalink)
need more info Daughter of a King Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Down south Posts: 39 My Mood: Points: 261.60 Bank: 1,003.99 Total Points: 1,265.59 Donate	http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herb...iumsideeff.htm thought you might be interested

03-11-2008, 01:21 AM	#8 (permalink)
need more info Daughter of a King Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Down south Posts: 39 My Mood: Points: 261.60 Bank: 1,003.99 Total Points: 1,265.59 Donate	http://altmedicine.about.com/od/alph...lipoicacid.htm another interesting article

04-23-2008, 11:43 PM	#9 (permalink)
ChrissyJo Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Austin TX Posts: 19 My Mood: Points: 512.86 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 512.86 Donate	I have been on MET for two years, DR keeps upping my dosage because my IR/Diabetes II is not responding to my meds. Glyburide 10MG twice daily and Metformin 500MG twice daily. The last year has been horrible! I seriously had to quit my job due to WAY too many missed days. I was in and out of the ER 12 times in two months. My Gallbladder was suspected because of the area of pain. I was also told I might have Gastroparesis. Finally the MET was suspect. I told my doctor between the restroom visits and pain I can no longer take MET and work. I wanted to quit MET. DR said to quit the job before quitting MET. My fasting sugars are 280+. I will ask her if I take CHROMIUM PICOLINATE and ALPHA LIPOIC ACID can I at least cut down on the MET I am taking. Thank you SO much for this thread and this info GREAT information!! __________________ Diagnosed with PCOS since 15. Other diagnoses, Diabetes II, Bipolar, IBS, NASH The To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Love of my Life Jesse, my dogs and birds get me through.

05-01-2008, 12:24 AM	#10 (permalink)
delilah925 delilah925 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 9 My Mood: Points: 275.90 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 275.90 Donate	does it help with regulating the period??? or O??? __________________ terminally ill and want to be a mommy

05-01-2008, 12:27 AM	#11 (permalink)
delilah925 delilah925 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 9 My Mood: Points: 275.90 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 275.90 Donate	does it help regulate periods and O??? __________________ terminally ill and want to be a mommy

05-07-2008, 02:36 AM	#15 (permalink)
ChrissyJo Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Austin TX Posts: 19 My Mood: Points: 512.86 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 512.86 Donate	My met usage "delilah925" has not at all helped regulate periods or O. I just use it to help my Insulin Resistance. If that is what you were asking.... __________________ Diagnosed with PCOS since 15. Other diagnoses, Diabetes II, Bipolar, IBS, NASH The To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Love of my Life Jesse, my dogs and birds get me through.

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