what works?

lady_macbeth · 07-20-2006, 07:32 PM

Alright, so a little history, just so you'll understand where I'm coming from (pardon the rant I feel coming on!)
At 19 I was diagnosed with a Terratoma (a genetic benign tumor) which weighed 10 lbs and some oz when they removed it. My Dr at the time told me "you'll probably have some problems with the other ovary."
SOME PROBLEMS? I started growing facial hair; my periods, up 'till that summer like clockwork, started coming every 2- 3 weeks; I can't lose weight and despite all my efforts to conceive, I can't. I have acne (darnit! I'm 31! someone make it stop!).
I did manage to lose some weight, about 4 years ago, through regular excersize. I lost 50 lbs, then got involved with a great guy and quit going to the gym (ah, young love!) and gained it all back.. I've been going to the gym again for 2 months now, doing spinning and turbokick, as well as light weight work, and Ive been watching my diet. Ive gone from 292 to 314. Isnt this backwards?
I am also hypoglycemic (fasting blood sugar is normally about 57), my triglycerides are through the roof, and my darn knees hurt all the time (even at 6", 314 lbs is a huge amount of weight!)
My dr has me on spirinolactone, and lexapro, hoping maybe an attitude change will help my weight loss. Ive tried low dose birth control (I get hysterically witchy on it).
So here comes the question: Does glucophage work? Will it help lower my insulin production without making my blood sugar even lower? Will it help me lose the weight if I'm excersizing and eating right? My Dr. told me she didnt want to try it because she was afraid it would lower my blood sugar as well. I ahve to do something! Can anyone help?
Also, does anyone know whether a complete hysterectomy would help me?

Thanks!
Lady_macbeth

tameejean · 07-20-2006, 07:56 PM

Hi there!

I am on met and my Dr. was apprehensive about giving it to me because I am not overweight and that it can lower your blood sugar. I do know that it can lower your blood sugar, but I am not sure what weight does or does not have to do with it. I have heard that met has helped a lot of girls on this board lose weight though. Honestly, I am not sure what to tell you. Maybe you should get a second opinion?

Best of luck to you

Headyfeady3 · 07-20-2006, 10:15 PM

I am on met and it had helped me alot with the weight. I have lost 12 lbs some of it has come back but I think it is cause AF is around the corrner. I would say that met would most likely help but you would have to stay on top of your blood suger. The biggest thing that I did was I dont drink any soda and I only drink coffee rarly. I think that before you have a hysterectomy done you should get a second opinion.

ljl7171 · 07-21-2006, 02:10 AM

Met isn't the cure all for weight issues. Not everyone loses weight on Met. I myself have gained and kept on 30 pounds while on Met. It has helped with my IR issues so I keep taking it and pray that I can take the 30# and then some back off. (PS, I've been on Met for 3.5 years now, so I don't think it is just a getting used to it scenerio)

Good Luck,
Lana

R0xyg4l · 07-21-2006, 05:16 AM

I'm not sure about met, I'm sure there will be a lot others that are more knowledgable. But keep in mind if you have a hysterectomy, it won't be a cure all. Your hormones will still be completely out of balance and you'll still have to be on some sorta medication to balance it all out, just like women who hit menopause. Some doctors won't do a hysterectomy if your not over a certain age or haven't had any children, similar to getting your tubes tied. Good luck working things out, you've come to the right place!

mj_romo · 07-21-2006, 06:28 PM

No, a hysterectomy would not work to solve the problem. It might even make it worse.

I, too, am hypoglycemic with a fasting b.s. about as low as yours. My dr also wouldn't put me on glucophage or met because she was concerned that either one might send me into a hypoglycemic coma.

Instead, I turned to Eastern medicine - a homeopathic dr specializing in that. She's kinda wacky and her methods are a little weird, but if I do what she says, I feel pretty good (which, considering I'm PG, is a miracle). I would strongly suggest looking into alternative medicine - it's been a lifesaver for me.

k8p · 07-22-2006, 01:21 AM

Trying the Met certainly wouldn't hurt. I tried glucophage, but I didn't do well with so that is when I was given Met. Some have gained and some have lost on it. You definitely have to watch what you eat while taking this medication, that's for sure. Good luck!

IsabelleGrace · 07-23-2006, 05:38 AM

There are many more options than Met and BCP out there. How about Actos or Avandia? I tried Met and it didn't work for me, but Actos did. I started having cycles within two months and never had one on Met or Gluc XR when I was on it for almost a year. I couldn't take hormones because they made me crazy too. Maybe try Actos? Just a suggestion. Actos did not make me gain weight. I've gone from 180 to 120 with a lot of exercise, the Zone diet, supplements, and Actos. Just a thought. Discuss it with your Doc and good luck!

Eva37 · 07-23-2006, 09:55 AM

welcome to sc. I personally love Met -
eva