VENT: Taking my own advice for a change

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

So over the years I have had several health problems starting with thyroid issues in my late teens, Carpel Tunnel with surgery to both hands over 20 years ago, Gestational diabetes, ulcerative colitis that resulted in 18 inches of my colon being removed and Oh and let's not for get that gallbladder coming out in '03. About two years ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia but somehow keep working in spite of the intense and sometimes unremitting pain.

So with that history I have always known that Diabetes was lurking in the background just waiting. I was feeling more crappy than usual and if I had thought about it more all the symptoms were text book Type 2. My Dr. did blood work and my fasting blood sugar was over 500! Also my A1C which has been in the high 5's for years was a whopping 9.7.

I started Metformin two months ago and am currently taking 2000mg at night and another 2000 in the morning. This has gotten me into somewhat acceptable numbers - but dealing with the gastro-intestinal side effects is driving me crazy. Between the diarrhea and the Constance flatulence I'm at my wit's end . My son who is a wrestler has got me going to the gym with him for a light work-out 3 to 4 days a week and it's helping, but some days the fibro pain is so bad I want to cry. I do occasionally take opiates for relief but try to be careful as I have a history of Alcoholism (Sober since 2004). Pills have never done for me what Alcohol did so thank goodness we don't even keep it in the house.

I guess I'm just venting due to the stress of all this. My Dr. offered to put me off on disability but I just don't see myself sitting at home. I really love the hospital where I work and the Psych patients I care for.

Funny thing is people are always coming to me and asking for advice about their health issues but now I am having to face taking my own words to heart.

The good news is my last blood work which did not include a fasting blood sugar had an A1C of 6.5 and I lost 12 pounds so that's something.

Any suggestions on how to deal with the gastrointestinal issues would be much appreciated. Anecdotal witchcraft remedies are fine at this point.

Thanks for listening

Hppy