Metformin - a decade of stress & misery...

stephenT2

Well-Known Member
Messages
62
I have been on Metformin since diagnosed with type 2, a decade ago. Soon after, I developed a recurring issue of diarrhea, to the extent that I often had very little notice of a bowel movement with embarrassing consequences. I was also on a fair cocktail of other drugs for heart issues, blood pressure, beta blockers etc etc all with stated side effects of 'stomach' issues. I just suffered it as a process of not being in great health, and increasing age!

However, a new diabetes consultant before Christmas referred me to a gastroenterology specialist, and the first thing he did was a trial of stopping my Metformin (substituting Gliclazide instead). Within 10 days, every symptom that had plagued me for 10 years disappeared. I could now go out on a full day without planning my life round where the nearest public toilet availability was.

However, being a thorough consultant, I was sent for a colonoscopy (3 previous ones have found nothing more than a few polyps, all removed as of 3 years ago), where a diagnosis of bowel cancer was discovered. So, my operation is in 2 weeks, and it's possible that one of the side effects will be a return to the symptoms I have just got rid of! Oh well, **** happens!
 

Freema

Expert
Messages
7,346
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I have been on Metformin since diagnosed with type 2, a decade ago. Soon after, I developed a recurring issue of diarrhea, to the extent that I often had very little notice of a bowel movement with embarrassing consequences. I was also on a fair cocktail of other drugs for heart issues, blood pressure, beta blockers etc etc all with stated side effects of 'stomach' issues. I just suffered it as a process of not being in great health, and increasing age!

However, a new diabetes consultant before Christmas referred me to a gastroenterology specialist, and the first thing he did was a trial of stopping my Metformin (substituting Gliclazide instead). Within 10 days, every symptom that had plagued me for 10 years disappeared. I could now go out on a full day without planning my life round where the nearest public toilet availability was.

However, being a thorough consultant, I was sent for a colonoscopy (3 previous ones have found nothing more than a few polyps, all removed as of 3 years ago), where a diagnosis of bowel cancer was discovered. So, my operation is in 2 weeks, and it's possible that one of the side effects will be a return to the symptoms I have just got rid of! Oh well, **** happens!


wish you all the best of luck....hopefully it will heal and not be as bad as you fear...
 
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Energize

Well-Known Member
Messages
810
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
@stephenT2
Wishing you all the best for your forthcoming operation. I trust it all goes well, that you have an uneventful and full recovery and that you don't get any return of 'side effects' causing you to be frequenting the loo urgently etc.

Please do keep us updated as to how you are doing. I also hope you find the NHS food to be suitable for your needs etc.
 

AM1874

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,383
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
Not much
I have been on Metformin since diagnosed with type 2, a decade ago. Soon after, I developed a recurring issue of diarrhea, to the extent that I often had very little notice of a bowel movement with embarrassing consequences. I was also on a fair cocktail of other drugs for heart issues, blood pressure, beta blockers etc etc all with stated side effects of 'stomach' issues. I just suffered it as a process of not being in great health, and increasing age!

However, a new diabetes consultant before Christmas referred me to a gastroenterology specialist, and the first thing he did was a trial of stopping my Metformin (substituting Gliclazide instead). Within 10 days, every symptom that had plagued me for 10 years disappeared. I could now go out on a full day without planning my life round where the nearest public toilet availability was.

However, being a thorough consultant, I was sent for a colonoscopy (3 previous ones have found nothing more than a few polyps, all removed as of 3 years ago), where a diagnosis of bowel cancer was discovered. So, my operation is in 2 weeks, and it's possible that one of the side effects will be a return to the symptoms I have just got rid of! Oh well, **** happens!
Hi @stephenT2 .. puts my "problems" into perspective. All the very best for your op ...
 

13lizanne

Expert
Messages
8,262
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
The Gym, + unkindness and rudeness
Stephen my friend, I was where you are 28 years ago. Had op, no reoccurrence of cancer. Many other people can say the same. You may very well have a return of your symptom for a week or three, but it doesn't last. Promise! All the best for your op, please feel free to send me a private message in the weeks following your op if you think that I could be of help to you.
 

connie104

Well-Known Member
Messages
925
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Wishing you the best of luck with your operation , hope all goes well . How you stood the.
Side effects for 10 yeasts is amazing I only lasted 3 months on metformin as I could not handle the symptoms you describe.
 

jonbvn

Well-Known Member
Messages
553
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Stephen my friend, I was where you are 28 years ago. Had op, no reoccurrence of cancer. Many other people can say the same. You may very well have a return of your symptom for a week or three, but it doesn't last. Promise! All the best for your op, please feel free to send me a private message in the weeks following your op if you think that I could be of help to you.
What a fantastic community we have here.