Birth Control question please help - Page 2

Russie · 23rd October 2009, 11:29 PM

How do you control flushes while taking Metforfim??

I have a friend with POCS and she says Metformin gives her wicked flushes.

Thanks.

mutantfrog · 24th October 2009, 06:29 PM

Russie,

I don't. I'm not entirely certain anymore that Metformin causes flushes for me...I went off it for a week and didn't see any improvement in my skin (it got worse, actually). I thought for a while that maybe the Met was causing my Rosacea, but I'm pretty sure now it's not. Making it worse or more prone to flares, maybe, but not causing it.

I'm starting to think that maybe it's a combination of a lot of little factors: taking met might make me more prone to flushing, fluctuating hormones might make me more prone to flushing, stress/heat makes me more prone to flushing, etc. There are just too many things happening at the same time.

If it came down to staying with Metformin and putting up with flushes, or not taking Metformin, I'd stick with the Metformin. It helps with my insulin too much to give it up--the side effects of not controlling it will make me way sicker/uncomfortable than Rosacea will. I don't want to end up with diabetes or heart problems. I guess it's a case of lesser evil.

I've never been able to completely nail down from a doctor that Metformin specifically causes facial flushing. Just "flushing". I know it can cause people to be low in Magnesium and B12 among other things--I think it can also make one more easily dehydrated. So I don't know whether we're talking like a facial flush, a body flush/rash, or what. I did find some information saying that if the Met was causing "flushing", it was a symptom of a more serious problem (lactic acidosis) and should be stopped immediately and to see a Dr pronto.

nataljaoo · 4th November 2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russie

She just shrugs off my endometriosis as well, which really ticks me off!

??? Wow, from what I know endometriosis is not an innocent condition. Do you experience much pain from it? It might not be on your mind now, since you post about proper birth controle, and I don't want to worry you unnecessary, but emdometriosis can in some cases make it tough to conceive and become pregnant. I would keep an eye on your symptoms and make sure your gyno takes it serious as well. You don't want to end up with all sorts of problems in the future fertility wise.. I only mention this because I have had my fare share of gyno research and visits lately, due to something completely different (ectopic pregnancy), but it did shine a completely different light on me trying to AVOID getting pregnant for 10 years and now being at the other end of the spectrum.

Best wishes Natalja

Russie · 4th November 2009, 08:19 PM

Thanks for the kind thoughts Natalja. So sorry to hear of your problems.

Sadly, I am already past the point of being likely to conceive naturally, as doctors didn't catch it in time. Mine is already considered severe or Stage 4. We are likely going to adopt in the next few years. I am not really interested in IVF and that is the only other option.

Yes, I've had horrible cramps since I was 15. There are occasions where they are so bad that I have to stay in bed for a day or so. I am looking for another Gyno because she doesn't take it seriously.

I feel for you because I spent a long time trying not to get pregnant. I don't know if you ever watched Sex and the City, but I feel like the Charlotte character with all of the pregnancy stuff.

Russie · 4th November 2009, 08:22 PM

Natalja,

On another note, did the Remeron make you gain weight? I have considered taking it, but 20 extra pounds will push me past a healthy BMI.

Thanks.

nataljaoo · 5th November 2009, 05:14 PM

Hi Russie,

I'm so sorry to read your experience so far.. That must be very difficult for you and your partner. What a step to start an adoption procedure. Are you trying to adopt a child from your own country or does that not matter for you? I have been thinking about it as well, first because I was so afraid of getting pregnant with my baaaad rosacea at the time and later because of the troubles we have encountered recently, but I would probably opt (fingers crossed it's not necessary) for IVF, since the whole administration drama of adopting and the financial factor of it makes it a difficult thing for us. I hope things go well for you! Horrible that you have walked around with those symptoms for so long, I can't believe it...

Remeron does make you gain weight, I'm afraid.. I went from 50 kg to 65, but with some effort and mostly self-controle I am back on 60 now. Which is fine for me, but you do have to put up with a ferocious appetite while on the med. In time it get's less I have to say, and I have been on and off the med some times because of this weight thing, but I am always so happy to get back on the remeron again, as my flushing is just over the roof otherwise. Just as my irritability, lol. But if you are at 'risk' and shouldn't gain weight for health reasons, you might want to consider this with your doctor perhaps. I know of someone here who is on another med to counterattack the weight gain, but I'm not sure how safe and healthy this is.

Best wishes,
Natalja

Russie · 5th November 2009, 05:30 PM

Thanks for the info on Remeron.

As for adoption, we really don't care what country we adopt from, but have heard adopting in the US might be easier. It is very expensive to privately adopt here in the US, but so is IVF. IVF ususally costs around $15,000-$20,000 per time. I have a British friend who did IVF, but NHS paid for it. Some insurance companies pay for it here, but most do not. I have several friends who have done IVF successfully and now have twins.

Good luck!

nataljaoo · 7th November 2009, 08:51 PM

Good luck to you too Russie! I hope we hear soon about your baby-child!
Yes, in Holland IFV is also covered by health insurances mostly, at least if there is a medical ground for it.
It always bewilders me how it is possible that so many people can be uninsured in the USA...... I sort of assume you are from the USA, sorry if not..
It is illegal to be in Holland, everyone has insurance. It is expensive though, around 120 euro´s per month (probably 180 dollars), but then you are mostly covered for things. I believe up to 5 rounds of IVF are covered here. Too bad that insurances are sooooo expensive in your country. That must have been a very difficult decission for you.

Best wishes Natalja

Russie · 8th November 2009, 04:56 AM

I have health insurance, unfortunately IVF isn't covered though. My husband was concerned about what the hormones would do to my Rosacea and really didn't want twins if possible. I have three friends who have done IVF and they all had twins. That scared him off of IVF, so adoption is the next logical step.

Take care.