My new doctor/s seem to be helping

[mainepain]

At my last primary care doc appointment I was taken off glycolax and put on Amitiza instead. Has anyone else been on this medication? I know it's rather new so I imagine not many have tried it. So far it's been 2 days and I'm not all that impressed with it. The literature says it should work within the first 24 hours. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Maybe I just need to take it for awhile longer. The only concern I have with that is well you know :p

I do think that Miralax or rather Glycolax works much better but mixing the powder in water can be a pain.

I've also been placed on Actos which is an anti-diabetic medication apparently it is supposed to help your cells increase their sensitivity to insulin.
I was put on it to see if it will help with my peripheral neuropathy. I am not a full blown diabetic but I do show some signs of insulin resistance and pre-diabetes. Of course I've lost about 40-50lbs. since then and I walk everyday (VERY,VERY DIFFICULT TO DO!) Anyways, the only thing the med has done is caused me to have symptoms of hypoglycemia. Even though this med is not supposed to do that (Info that came from the doctor) My neuropathy is also just as bad. So I don't know if it is caused from higher blood glucose levels or not.

I'm still also going strong with the osteopathic manipulation. I do think it is helping. Now it has not stopped all pain but it seems to have lowered it from an 7-8 down to a 4 and I am so happy about that. My lower back does not seem to be spasming as much and I can stand for longer periods of time.

So at this point I am highly optimistic about it. :D

Take care everyone

[Kathi49]

Mainepain,

I know nothing about the new medication but hope it helps! :)

And when I was taking Miralax, I would just put the amount I was taking at that time in bottled water and shook it up. No fuss no muss! ;)

Glad to hear you are feeling better and I wish I knew more about Actos; just don't. But it is a good thing you are looking at or into pre-diabetes.

[Nana4&cntn]

Mainepain,

I have no knowledge of the new med with the exception of the commercials.

I am interested in what you said about pre-diabetes as I have been diagnosed with it also. I see my internal med doc the 24th and will ask him about what you have posted. I am very concerned with the diagnosis as there is no family history.

I am very happy to hear you are getting some relief from the pain.

Take care,
Kathy

[Mark N]

It is so good to hear you optimistic about your treatment after years of inadequate care. I hope you continue to have improved pain levels from the osteo treatments. It sounds like they are looking into all areas of yhour complaints and finding out the causes.

[Peter B]

Maine,
Is osteopathic manipulation just a fancy word for chiropractics or massage therapy. I'm interested in it. Happy to hear that things are going relatively well for you.

Pete

[cindybear]

with my miralax , I just put it in my coffee, You don't taste it, then my second cup..I have straight up...My doc has me BID with Miralax,,but I have never had to take it BID..sometimes, I have to skip my am coffee dose...It works good for me...And I' will not change what isn't broken...Good luck...With your new meds...Hugs, Cindy

[mainepain]

Hi all,

Well after about two maybe three days I'm proud to say that the Amitiza actually does work. I do not mean to be rude and or graphic but I was shocked as to how well it worked when I saw what came out of me ;) No wonder I've had stomach and abdominal pains.

However one thing does concern me and that is this odd swelling I have on the upper right abdominal quadrant. I've had it before I started the Amitiza so it is doubtful it is due to that. It is really noticeable after I have eaten a large meal and boy does it cause pain. I did mention it to the doc the other day but he attributed it to constipation. Now, seeing as I just went I am not so sure that is still the cause.

As for the Actos I have been having steady readings from my glucometer that are around 70 mg/dl and I am super dizzy! I am considering discontinuing the Actos but I haven't been able to speak to my doctor about it. If this keeps up what choice do I have but to stop it. I just can't keep up like this.

Now the good news :D My lower back is still feeling good. Not great but good and I will take it. Unfortunately, my feet are killing me. Both heels, and at the top. I also have an increase in numbness, pins & needles etc.

Peter: In my opinion osteopathic manipulation is quite similar to chiropractic care maybe massage as well as there is some. Now, I have never been to a Chiropractor before so I could be incorrect. (Feel free to correct me if I am in error) According to the doctor my spine is out of alignment and he as been performing some adjustments to try and straighten it. I'm also exercising to help out the corresponding muscles.

Now will this work for the long term? I do not know. Is there any real benefit to this? or is it just the power of positive thinking, placebo effect? again, I do not know but there is or rather seems to be a decrease in some of my pain and that is proof enough for me.

[GardeniaGirl]

Glad to hear you are happy about your new direction in treatment.

I am a miralax person and I like it because it doesn't interfere with any of my other numerous medications. Also, I can skip it or increase if needed.

Good luck with your new meds!

[Kathi49]

Mainepain,

Glad to hear the Amitzia worked for you. :)

I still don't know anything about Actos but I would bring that up with the doc.

As for "manipulations to align the spine" I just don't believe in that. But that is me. Releasing muscles spasms...yes. So, I will hush up LOL! It is good that your pain is decreasing but keep an eye on the feet, etc.