Metformin day 24, May 12, 08

Sorry to all of you readers due to my lack of blogging in the last 5 days. I have tried to blog over this time period but every time I start to write my new post, I end up deleting it not sure if I should write what I need to write. I have just been experiencing something from the Metformin that was not expected and I think would be discouraging for those who are considering taking glaucophage but since I pledged to be honest in my description of my "recovery" then I feel it necessary to explain what has happened over the last 5 days.

It started about May 9th. I was in the shower and got my hair wet and noticed that it felt "different". Now my hair is something I have been proud of my entire life. I hated it as a kid because it was so hard to brush, but I've always had glorious hair. I often grow it out as long as I can stand it and then cut 10-11 inches off and donate it to "locks of love" to be made into wigs for cancerous children. As you can see, my hair means a lot to me. So back to the shower. I put the shampoo in my hair and begin to "lather" when I notice as I go to pull my hands away that they are covered in hair. Large amounts of hair strands on both hands. I try not to freak out thinking maybe it's because it's getting warmer outside. Heck, my dog sheds, why can't I? I proceed to rinse my hair out and more and more strands are coming out. By the time I finished my shower, I was a numb. I didn't cry. I didn't panic. I didn't do anything but towel dried my hair and stare at my damp hair in the mirror. Sure enough, it is definitely a lot thinner than it was before the Met. Since then, my hair has slowly been falling out more. No I am not bald or anywhere near bald, but I am afraid that the hair loss is not going to stop. I dropped from the 1500 mgs dose back down to 1000 and don't know if it is helping any yet, but I am too afraid to go back up to 1500 mgs. I didn't see this hair loss a week ago and I would have noticed.

I googled Metformin and hair loss, and sure enough, it is a side effect. Personally, I would rather deal with the other unpleasant side effects before dealing with losing my hair, but what can I do? This medication is my last hope before having to explore surgery. I am sure that going through premature menopause would probably contribute to hair loss as well. (among other things)

It really is unfair that we have to suffer through this horrible "syndrome". I am thankful that it isn't terminal or anything like that, but wonder how much more of this I have to go through before menopause.

ps. I try not to put my personal "comings and goings" on this blog because it is focused on the Metformin, but wanted to let you all know that my mother in law is here visiting us in Italy and that we will be going to Rome this weekend so if you don't hear from me for another long stretch, it's because I'm beating up some gladiators and chilling with the Pope. (Well, at his "crib" anyway). :) Take care everyone.

Metformin Day 19: May 7th, 2008

I'm BAACCK! Things are going so well for me, it's hard to describe. I feel so good! I had a normal period, lasting 3 days but a good flow for the first two, and I am doing well. Hard to believe I had a three day period. Usually they never end. It's almost like a normal person's period.

I am doing well with the 1500 mgs but I have to take them all at once at night time. It's the only time I actually feel ok. I know it's supposed to be spread out, but it's the only way I can handle the whole dose. I sleep through most of the side effects which is a blessing. I am back down to losing the 5 pounds again but I haven't seen any real signifcant weight loss. I am not losing hope though, I think in a few weeks I should see some more improvement in that department.

I want to tell you, lettuce while on Metformin is not the greatest idea. I won't get into an more detail as I am sure you can use your imagination but lettuce= bad!

We go to Rome next weekend and I am worried about side effects while down there. I am thinking of not taking my met for the days we are there and then coming back and taking 1000 mgs again for a few days before I work back up to the 1500 mgs. I need to do some more research first though.

I will still keep continuing to update the blog here. I can say things are getting much better.

Metformin day 15: May 3rd, 2008

Hello my fellow friends and partners in crime.
So I feel better today. I only took the 1000 mgs for the last two days and guess what happened yesterday...
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I STARTED MY PERIOD! Whoo hoo. Well, the excitement wore off a few hours after it started because this is a pretty bad one, but it is a period none-the-less. This is a step in the right direction. YAY! Now if it stops in a reasonable amount of time (less than 10 days) then I will be so HAPPY to have had a *normal* cycle. I stopped taking the provera a few days back but finally had a period. If it is a real one, I can't be sure, but if I have another one in 28-31 days, I can be assured I may have actualy ovulated. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?
I guess that explains why I have been so crappy feeling lately. This is one of many steps of the road to recovery but it is progress nonetheless.

Aunt Flow has showed up with a lot of suitcases so let's hope she leaves before she overstays her welcome.