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Frustrated

janet carroll

janet carroll

Newbie
Messages
1
Location
London
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi everyone,

My name is Janet and I'm 70 years young. Two years ago I was diagnosed with borderline Diabetes I am now on Metformin

which gives me terrible diarrhoea. I was told by a friend that she takes a Metformin slow release capsule. I have asked my doctor(s)

to put me on this as the other one makes me ill, but they completely ignore my pleas. What can I do, other than change my surgery

only to find out that I get the same reception there?
 
@janet carroll - Hello - I think that is disgraceful that you have suffered the effects of Metformin. If your GP Surgery has more than 1 GP, could you not ask the receptionist if they know of whether other GP's prescribe the slow release Metformin?
 
Hi. That's not acceptable. The GP has replaced one problem with another and the GP must treat that. Metformin SR isn't that much more expensive. Do try another GP or surgery. Finally as Metformin doesn't have that much effect you may want to suggest that you will stop taking it and see what the response is.
 
Personally, in these circumstances, I would think about changing GP after some words with said GP...or...knowing what I know now about diabetes and diet...I'd save myself the stress, inform my awful and non-responsive doctor that I was stopping the meds to try and see if I could bring things under control by diet instead. Many, many people have. look into low carb diets on this site. You will see how successful many have been on lowering level and keeping them down with diet alone. To really be convinced by its effects you NEED a self-testing meter (which you may already have?) so you can figure out what foods work for you and which clearly have to be avoided. If it works - great. If you're not making a lot of headway and find the diet difficult to sustain...try the doctor then about alternative meds. The only way to get things done is to take control of your own diet and approach. recording the details helps inform both you and your doctor. I would emphasize that are all variations on a theme, and so do talk it over with your GP (unless he/she is too much of a closed medical book) and be sure you don't need meds for some other reason...doubtful though. Ask others...keep asking. Good luck.
 
I am in total agreement with @pleinster

Just wanted to add, it would be perfectly OK to write to your gp explaining your symptoms and requesting the slow release met.

If that doesn't give a result, another letter explaining that life on metformin is unbearable and you feel you are being forced to move to another practice, would do the job. No need for unpleasant confrontations. Plus, you will then have it, in writing, in your records, that standard metformin is unsuitable for you..
 
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