Side effects :-(

[Mabel Figworthy]

Earlier this week I came down with what I think was probably a stomach bug, up half the night being sick, little to eat the day after, and I gained weight ! Next two days, gained another half pound each day. And I haven't been eating anything out of the ordinary, less than normal if anything!

So I thought I'd check the information slip that came with my new medication (which is definitely being kinder to my tummy, and is OK for the backache) -- I usually do not read the lists of side-effects in detail beforehand as they can get to be a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy if you're not careful, but now I read that BOTH of them have as a common side effect fluid retention, and one of them has as a possible side effect weight gain!!!! (Oh, and dizziness, which explains why I've been feeling wonky all week).

I still think it's worth it because apart from the stomach upset last Monday which I don't think had anything to do with the medication my staomach has been a lot better this week, and it was bad before! So I can live with a little dizziness, but I'm not happy with the weight gain, even if it is mostly fluid . Oh well, I'll just have to accept it I suppose!

[maggs]

Can you get intouch with your doctor, there may be a different type of tablet that does the samething without the side effects.

When I started to take medication for the rest of my life the first lot of tablets they gave me did not suit me at all, I had constent headaches I went back to the doctor and they changed the type does the same job to the ones I am on know with no side effects.

[Mabel Figworthy]

maggs, unfortunately this is already the third type they've tried -- I'm completely intolerant to opiates so they are out, the other lot give me a tummy upset, and this is really the only thing left, so I'm willing to take a little dizziness and some extra weight!

[RosemaryH]

Black coffee is a natural diretic.

Rosemary

[Mabel Figworthy]

Hmm, I might try that -- does it work with milk as I really do not like black coffee ?

[Lessa54]

Sorry to hear you're not feeling great. Hope things settle down for you and that the dizziness etc passes.

[Serinde]

Hmm, I might try that -- does it work with milk as I really do not like black coffee ?

It's the caffeine that acts as a diuretic, so milk won't interfere with that aspect. You might want to check the salt in your diet, too, because that can influence fluid retention (gain, alas). Tai chi and yoga on the exercise front, if your back is better, might also be a plus.

[Nachstenliebe]

oh dear... I hate how medication that helps always comes with some form of price
Faith

[kerbear879]

Hmm, I might try that -- does it work with milk as I really do not like black coffee ?

It's the caffeine that acts as a diuretic, so milk won't interfere with that aspect. You might want to check the salt in your diet, too, because that can influence fluid retention (gain, alas). Tai chi and yoga on the exercise front, if your back is better, might also be a plus.

Yep salt is horrible..I ate way too many peanuts yesterday and gained 3 pounds this morning. It you drink lots and lots of water it should help with that fluid rentention problem.

[Mabel Figworthy]

I do drink several gallons of tea every day (and consequently have to visit the bathroom an awful ot...) -- does that count?

[Mabel Figworthy]

Oh and thanks for the reminder about salt -- I try to cook most things from scratch, but even so it's a good thing to keep in mind, especially when even things like bread can have so much hidden salt in them!

Just read a bit about Jamie Oliver who was a bit embarrassed (or should be anyway) when it turned out that one of his pasta sauces contained more salt than seawater does, and that one portion of it contained almost an adult's full daily recommended allowance of salt!

[mags]

Its such a shame that medications come with some annoying side-effects.

[Rose]

Sorry about the side effects but I am glad to here that you are finally on to a medicine that is helping your stomach problems.

Some good always seems to come with a bit of bad in the mix.

[hada56]

so sorry to read that you're suffering such nasty side effects. hope things get sorted out for you.
I'd rather read the information about a certain medication, than end up suffering from some wierd side effect and thinking it's something else.

[Jilly]

I do hope the medication works Mabel.... I cut out all cooking and table salt when Dave developed Meniere's disease..worked wonders.
Take care

[K1nS]

Oh dear

[Nachstenliebe]

Saltier than seawater? And people thought this recipe tasted good??? My mom used to load everything with salt... so much I don't like salt on anything lol. I guess that's good though in the long run right??
Faith

[Dammetje]

Hi Mabel

If you google 'natural diuretics' you fwill find loads of foods that will relieve the fuild retention; for example

http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/n ... #question4" target="_blank

Check the label of your medication for counterindications/intercations though, before you try any food or drink. The nurse or doctor can also advise you by phone what would be appropriate (or not) for you to try

Good luck

[Granny]

Tea, though a liquid, because it is a diuretic, too can cause problems. I never gave it much thought but too much of any diuretic can lead to dizziness because though you have drank gallons (the wrong thing) you are dehydrated. My major passing out spell seemed to be from no other cause than dehydration. I also had other dizzy spells but I managed to sit down before I fell down. Life is a matter of trade offs. Hope you can find that happy medium.

[carolyn61]

One other caution regarding fluids and diurectics, the passing of large amounts of fluids while relieving that awful puffiness and weight gain, can cause you to lose potassium. Too much loss can be very serious, please always check with your physician before adding any diurectics, even all natural or homeopathic. I've been hospitalized twice since June for loss of potassium. It can play havoc with your cardiac system and rhythm.
Take good care of yourself. Its good to hear that you have found something that gives you some relief.