So I havent been around in awhile. I've kinda been at a loss of what to say. My mother in law came out mid may and I went off of the Met because I didnt want any embarassing side effects while she was here. Unfortunately, I have not wanted to restart the Met.
The fact of the matter is, I have lost about 1/4 of my hair. It still is coming out in clumps daily, when I shower, the drain gets clogged. My hair has been gloriously long, thick and healthy for my entire life. Even at age 5, it was down to my waist. I don't know how to deal with the fact that my once thick hair is now thin and lifeless. I am afraid that although I have stopped the Metformin, that my hair is going to continue to fall out. My GI issues are not any better either, even though it has been weeks since I have taken a single Metformin. Everything I eat gives me a stomach ache and my digestion is way off. I have not lost any weight, but I still am not having a normal bathroom experience. I wonder if this is normal.
On the flip side, I had another period this month- exactly 30 days from the previous one. This is great, but not so great because of the other side effects.
I really am at a loss of what to do. I am afraid to go back to the GYN and tell her that this is what happened or else she may want to do the uterine ablation or try another IUD. This really sucks.
So I have a period, but am losing my hair. I had no pain on the met but spent a lot of "quality time" in the bathroom. I have to decide on being bald and in no pain or being in pain but not have most of my hair hit the floor. What do I do? What can I do?
This isnt what I expected or hoped for.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
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...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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.
So I feel better today. I only took the 1000 mgs for the last two days and guess what happened yesterday...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Metformin Day 13 May 1, 2008
Happy Month of May everyone. The sun is out, the birds are chirping, the skies are blue.... but I can't seem to get off the couch. I started the 1500 mgs two days ago, and even blogging has seemed like a huge task. I have been so TIRED! I know it takes a few days to get used to each dose and that I'll probably bounce back, but I am just exhausted. The act of thinking, by itself, is hard for me lately. I guess I am just "spacey".. reminds me of my nickname as a kid: "Spacey Stacey" but it fits. I have been in mid conversations and forgotten what we are talking about. I've yelled at the dog and called my daughter's name instead of the dog's name. I've gone in the kitchen and just stood there trying to remember why I walked in, and worst of all, I have just stopped and stared off in the distance while my husband has been talking to me. He says I'm freaking him out, which I can understand. I told him that this should pass but I am so scared that it won't. I am taking 500 mgs in the am and 1000 mgs in the late evening and I have to figure something out. I feel like it is all too close together, like maybe I should take the 500 mgs later in the day since I only get a few hours of sleep at night. I'm just not motivated to do anything right now except lay on the couch and watch episodes of Big Brother on YouTube.
I have decided that I won't be driving until this brain fog dissipates. Italy is not the place to be driving if you're head isn't 100% focused. I'm really surprised I got this far in the blog, lol considering, but I haven't taken my pill yet this morning.
Let's hope this minor setback resolves itself or I may have to dye my hair bleach bottle blonde and get breast implants. I'll check in soon, if I can remember how to use the computer. :)
I have decided that I won't be driving until this brain fog dissipates. Italy is not the place to be driving if you're head isn't 100% focused. I'm really surprised I got this far in the blog, lol considering, but I haven't taken my pill yet this morning.
Let's hope this minor setback resolves itself or I may have to dye my hair bleach bottle blonde and get breast implants. I'll check in soon, if I can remember how to use the computer. :)
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Metformin Day 8, April 26, 2008
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it has turned out to be a wonderful day. I still can not tell you all how amazing it is to wake up and not immediately run to the kitchen to get rid of the hunger pangs. I haven't had my stomach growl in several days which is new to me. I went to the grocery store and was able to get what I wanted, able to think clearly, and to not overspend on boxes and bags of impulse buys that I don't need. I will admit to getting the box of belgian chocolates, but I think that as long as my arm works and I can eat solid food, that I will be eating chocolate is one way, shape or form. One can't live so close to Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany without eating chocolates... that's my excuse anyway. When we get back to the States, I will have to come up with another excuse, but rest assured I will find one.
I have gained a pound but that's because my side effects are gone and I feel wonderful. I'm not overeating, but I'm not sick to my stomach either. I think diet is KEY to this medicine and that with a proper diet, and with the B-12 and WITH lots of hydration, that the sickness that many women feel while on it could be mended. I have basically cut every single refined carb out of my diet- for the most part. When I can buy wheat- I do. Anything from bread, hotdog rolls, pasta, rice, crackers.. even pancake mix. The wheat products are there, you just have to look for them. They cost more, but if the extra dollar keeps you from spending the evening in the bathroom, it's worth it right?
I still do not have a period, but my chest is sore which means some kind of hormones are working in there somewhere. I normally don't feel anything at all, but I may actually have PMS. I was always moody due to insulin levels constantly roller coastering up and down, but I am have PMS as in breast tenderness, changes in physical chemistry (you ladies know what I mean) I'm going to be brutally honest, because this is what this blog is supposed to be for. But I am starting to have a sex drive again. I'm not going to get into detail because this is not an X rated blog, but as this blog denotes, I am trying to resume womanhood- all that comes with it. One aspect that needed to return was my sex drive. Women with PCOS have high levels of testosterone and my estrogen is off the charts, but I think things might be leveling off as, like I said, things seem to be more normal. I am noticing things that I have not seen in a long time (like oddly enough, my bras fit better), and my body is toning from the walking but not bulking up like it usually does. Normally when I work out, I see muscle form right away, but this time, I am just toning. It is a nice difference.
I have had nothing but good to report so far, but being it is only day 8, I will not jump to conclusions that things will always be great... maybe I will get used to it so much that the effectivity wears off?? I don't know. This blog is for me to find that out, and to share it with you.
Can someone like me get better? Can Someone like me STAY better? Can I resume my womanhood or will I be under a surgical knife and only be female because the synthetic hormones allow me to?
I am praying for a recovery and the ability to be a woman as God intended me to be, but that is only if this medicine continues to make me better. So far so good. Let's hope it stays that way.
I have gained a pound but that's because my side effects are gone and I feel wonderful. I'm not overeating, but I'm not sick to my stomach either. I think diet is KEY to this medicine and that with a proper diet, and with the B-12 and WITH lots of hydration, that the sickness that many women feel while on it could be mended. I have basically cut every single refined carb out of my diet- for the most part. When I can buy wheat- I do. Anything from bread, hotdog rolls, pasta, rice, crackers.. even pancake mix. The wheat products are there, you just have to look for them. They cost more, but if the extra dollar keeps you from spending the evening in the bathroom, it's worth it right?
I still do not have a period, but my chest is sore which means some kind of hormones are working in there somewhere. I normally don't feel anything at all, but I may actually have PMS. I was always moody due to insulin levels constantly roller coastering up and down, but I am have PMS as in breast tenderness, changes in physical chemistry (you ladies know what I mean) I'm going to be brutally honest, because this is what this blog is supposed to be for. But I am starting to have a sex drive again. I'm not going to get into detail because this is not an X rated blog, but as this blog denotes, I am trying to resume womanhood- all that comes with it. One aspect that needed to return was my sex drive. Women with PCOS have high levels of testosterone and my estrogen is off the charts, but I think things might be leveling off as, like I said, things seem to be more normal. I am noticing things that I have not seen in a long time (like oddly enough, my bras fit better), and my body is toning from the walking but not bulking up like it usually does. Normally when I work out, I see muscle form right away, but this time, I am just toning. It is a nice difference.
I have had nothing but good to report so far, but being it is only day 8, I will not jump to conclusions that things will always be great... maybe I will get used to it so much that the effectivity wears off?? I don't know. This blog is for me to find that out, and to share it with you.
Can someone like me get better? Can Someone like me STAY better? Can I resume my womanhood or will I be under a surgical knife and only be female because the synthetic hormones allow me to?
I am praying for a recovery and the ability to be a woman as God intended me to be, but that is only if this medicine continues to make me better. So far so good. Let's hope it stays that way.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Metformin Day 6, 4/24/2008
Hello my happy readers.. I don't know who you are but my blog has had several hits, so I know you're out there. :)
It is DAY SIX! WHOOT! I am surviving this. I really am going to make it I think. I started the dreaded 1000 mgs and seem to be a-ok! I am the one who when taking medication gets every side effect allowed for that medication, but this time, it's like God has smiled down on me and for once, I am one of the lucky ones. None of us with PCOS are lucky to say the least, but I am so grateful to not suffer through the suffering, kwim?
It was a good day yesterday, beautiful and sunny and all's I wanted to do was go to the gym. Alas I couldn't because I had other errands to do, but today is nice as well so I will be going as soon as Brianna gets off the bus. (Brianna is my 7 year old daughter. I also have a three year old named Justin). I went to the gym over the weekend and it was nice to just get out and move. I can't believe just how sick I was until now, that the metformin is helping so much. I didn't think it odd that I never wanted to go outside. I didn't think it odd that all I wanted to talk to my friends and family about was food. I didn't think it wrong that I would plan dinner before getting out of bed. I didn't think it wrong that 1/3 of our paycheck went on going out to eat several times a week because of my "cravings". Now I find that all of it was pretty odd behavior. Now I am obsessing over every little change the Metformin is making, but I stress about it while walking the track. :)
So my husband and I are in the transition of going semi-vegetarian. This means that we hardly have any red meat in our diets at all, and instead of making the meat the focus of our dishes, we are making out whole meals vegetarian or seafood. We still eat chicken and turkey once in awhile, so thats why I say we are semi vegetarian. Sometimes grilling out some hotdogs or chicken breast is too appealing but we have started to grill veggie burgers. (Morning Star isn't that bad to tell the truth)
Anyway, I have only lost 4-5 pounds but I feel so-much-better!! I don't have cravings anymore and when I eat, I actually feel full and stay full for a bit. Even if I don't see weight loss right away, I know it will come off eventually just because of the changes we have made. I used to be anorexic as a teenager-not on purpose. I was just so active with after school activities like colorguard that food was not a priority. I was busy 24/7 and would fall into bed at night with an empty stomach and not even notice- I would be THAT tired. I worked full time while in school and along with my band activities, that weight was never an issue. After I got out of HS and was no longer in those activities, I started to gain weight little by little and watched as my waistline expanded and my periods got more irregular. The more weight, the less often a period. Now at age 26, I have full blown PCOS, high blood pressure and insulin problems. So far on the Met, my blood pressure went from 147/94 down to 130/70. I am starting to feel energized like my teenage self used to be!
I am on day 6 and I feel great! I love to look in the mirror in the morning and see that my face is no longer swollen. I like to take my socks off and not have the ever present water ring from swelling. I like to cook meals that I know are healthy and I especially love to not be dependant on food again. It's like I was given a second chance and I am so happy to have it.
I know other Cysters with this disease are struggling with it. I just wish they all could feel as good as me. For once I am the exception, not the rule and it's a blessing considering. But don't be discouraged if you do have the dreaded side effects. This medication is working, even if you don't see it right away. It took years for our PCOS to form, but it can take months for it to get under control and possibly better. Easy going and don't lose hope. :)
When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.--Pauline R. Kezer
It is DAY SIX! WHOOT! I am surviving this. I really am going to make it I think. I started the dreaded 1000 mgs and seem to be a-ok! I am the one who when taking medication gets every side effect allowed for that medication, but this time, it's like God has smiled down on me and for once, I am one of the lucky ones. None of us with PCOS are lucky to say the least, but I am so grateful to not suffer through the suffering, kwim?
It was a good day yesterday, beautiful and sunny and all's I wanted to do was go to the gym. Alas I couldn't because I had other errands to do, but today is nice as well so I will be going as soon as Brianna gets off the bus. (Brianna is my 7 year old daughter. I also have a three year old named Justin). I went to the gym over the weekend and it was nice to just get out and move. I can't believe just how sick I was until now, that the metformin is helping so much. I didn't think it odd that I never wanted to go outside. I didn't think it odd that all I wanted to talk to my friends and family about was food. I didn't think it wrong that I would plan dinner before getting out of bed. I didn't think it wrong that 1/3 of our paycheck went on going out to eat several times a week because of my "cravings". Now I find that all of it was pretty odd behavior. Now I am obsessing over every little change the Metformin is making, but I stress about it while walking the track. :)
So my husband and I are in the transition of going semi-vegetarian. This means that we hardly have any red meat in our diets at all, and instead of making the meat the focus of our dishes, we are making out whole meals vegetarian or seafood. We still eat chicken and turkey once in awhile, so thats why I say we are semi vegetarian. Sometimes grilling out some hotdogs or chicken breast is too appealing but we have started to grill veggie burgers. (Morning Star isn't that bad to tell the truth)
Anyway, I have only lost 4-5 pounds but I feel so-much-better!! I don't have cravings anymore and when I eat, I actually feel full and stay full for a bit. Even if I don't see weight loss right away, I know it will come off eventually just because of the changes we have made. I used to be anorexic as a teenager-not on purpose. I was just so active with after school activities like colorguard that food was not a priority. I was busy 24/7 and would fall into bed at night with an empty stomach and not even notice- I would be THAT tired. I worked full time while in school and along with my band activities, that weight was never an issue. After I got out of HS and was no longer in those activities, I started to gain weight little by little and watched as my waistline expanded and my periods got more irregular. The more weight, the less often a period. Now at age 26, I have full blown PCOS, high blood pressure and insulin problems. So far on the Met, my blood pressure went from 147/94 down to 130/70. I am starting to feel energized like my teenage self used to be!
I am on day 6 and I feel great! I love to look in the mirror in the morning and see that my face is no longer swollen. I like to take my socks off and not have the ever present water ring from swelling. I like to cook meals that I know are healthy and I especially love to not be dependant on food again. It's like I was given a second chance and I am so happy to have it.
I know other Cysters with this disease are struggling with it. I just wish they all could feel as good as me. For once I am the exception, not the rule and it's a blessing considering. But don't be discouraged if you do have the dreaded side effects. This medication is working, even if you don't see it right away. It took years for our PCOS to form, but it can take months for it to get under control and possibly better. Easy going and don't lose hope. :)
When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.--Pauline R. Kezer
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