Stop Metformin for surgery?

Quagga · 11-23-2004, 10:18 AM

I am booked for surgery under general anaesthetic on Thursday (2-day's time).

Yesterday, when I went to get my refill of Metformin from the pharmacy, I noticed on the PI sheet that it says you should stop taking it 2-3 days prior to surgery. I did not get the sheet before, this is the first time, and I have never seen this info anywhere else on the web. It says something about needing to regain renal function prior to surgery. Anyone know anything about this? Has a doctor mentioned this to you before?

I got a real fright, because it was just lucky i saw the sheet 3 days before my surgery. I did not want to take any chances, so I stopped taking the Met immediately.

I am wondering though if it's a good idea? And how soon after the surgery can I start taking it again?

The other thing I am worried about is that I have finally gotten settled on Met, and hardly experience any of the side effects. I used to get them really bad in the beginning. Is it going to take weeks again to get used it again? And will I have to build up the dosage again as well?

I know I should ask a doctor all these questions, but my doctor's useless, and she won't know anyway. I am booked to see another doctor, but only in January.

So please help!