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bad stomach cramps

H

harrybirch

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Type 2
hello, I'm a newbee to diabetes I was only told four weeks ago and put on metformin two weeks ago,
my question is after taking metformin for ten days, one a day in the evening with food (500 mg) I had no trouble, then on saturday afternoon/evening about an hour after taking metformin I had really bad stomach cramps, so bad I was doubled up in pain and I went to the loo four times in an hour, while I was sitting there still with a lot of pain, my legs and feet started to ache, this would not go untill I went to bed. On sunday I still had stomach pains but they were not as bad, again after taking metformin that afternoon with food the pains returned and once again sitting on the loo for what seemed like ages, it did'nt go until after I went to bed. To-day monday I had to go to the loo straight away after getting up and after I had finnished I noticed that there was blood in the water, so I am little worried as to what is going on, I have telephoned my surgery and I'm waiting for a call back. I would be most greatful if someone on this site could enlighten me a little further.

harryb
 
Hi HarryB

Although i was diagnosed over 18 months ago i only started Metformin a few weeks ago, I started on one tablet a day and over the next few weeks i have to build upto 4 :shock: .

I found that after about 3 days i had exactly the same symptoms as yours, couldnt get off the toilet at one point. Anyway someone suggested i take the metformin half way through a meal and this seemed to do the trick previuosly i was taking it before my meal. My stomach still feels a little off but not running to the loo every 5 mins.

Do you test your BG?? if so i wonder if you are noticing any difference

Hope your side effects wear off soon.

Brian
 
hi brian, I do take metformin during my food, I've also got to up the doseage to two a day in a few days time, I've also been monitoring my blood sugar levels at the moment its 8.4 thats two hours after food, but it does vary between 11.9 - 7.4 depending on what food I've had, the cramps have gone now thank goodness its now like a dull stomach ache that wont go away.

thanks for the reply
all the best
harryb
 
Hi Harry, It sounds like the Metformin. I suffered for eighteen month even on the slow release version until the doctor changed my meds. You might settle down, but talking to your GP is your best bet. As for the blood, try not to woory too much, probably all that pooing!...was is bright red?
 
hi giblet, yes it was bright red, at first I thought it might be piles but after checking I saw that it was'nt so I dont know, i'm still waiting on a call back from my surgery so I will post and let you know the outcome.


harryb
 
Metformin definitely upsets some digestive systems. Most people adapt to it, but some just can't.
You need to discuss this with your care team. It may be that you'd be better on a different regime.
hana
PS the long acting form Metformin SR is easier on some people.
PPs I've been on it for about 6 years without any trouble.( I'm not gloating, just informing. 8) )
 
hi hanadr, thanks for the info, I'm still waiting for a call back for my surgery, they dont seem to be in a hurry.

harryb
 
If the blood is bright red its probably a little internal hemorroid, and nothing too serious, but see the gp for reassurance anyway. let us know how you get on ok.
 
Hi all, good news the bad stomach cramps have gone now back to normal and I'm on two metformin a day blood/sugar levels down to 7.5 all day yesterday, not bad for me.

harryb
 
Hi Harry, I missed your post a few days ago. Glad to see that everything has settled down.
I have IBS and when I first went on Metf@rtin :lol: I did have diarrhoea, but thought it may have been my IBS playing up. I went straight onto 3 tablets a day. Wish someone would have told me about the side effects before I started :roll:
Metformin aka marf@rtin also makes you f@rt and burp a lot. I have just started on another medication sitigliptin and it makes you f@rt for England :lol: I keep having to apologise for hubby :oops: F@rts don't smell though TG :mrgreen:
 
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