Should I take the Meds
In May 2022 I had a mild stroke. While in a short hospital stay, my A1C was found to be 7.0. My Primary Care doc had me do quarterly blood tests and my A1C went down to 6.8, 6.6, 6.4... He retired and my new PC wants me to start with Farxiga. I have just one kidney and have Stage 3a kidney disease (GFR 55).
I received a Libre 2 CGM last week and have been recording my glucose levels. Average level from midnight to 6an is 117; average from 6am to noon is 122; average from noon to 6pm is 118; and average 6pm to midnight is 138. The last value is largely due to post dinner value going to between 145 to 185.
My question is - do these values warrant starting the Farxiga med? I'll talk to the doc this week, but I feel a bit like I'm being railroaded as my old doc thought I could manage without meds. How many opinions do I need? Thanks for any info you can offer!
Hi
. Unfortunately, we are not medical experts, so we can't really advise you as to whether you should start the medication. I can see why you are getting the two different opinions though. You are right on the edge of a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis and you have only one kidney. You don't want to lose the kidney you have left, but you also have to be careful about low blood sugar if you take the medication. I would suggest having a good talk with your doctor about the reasoning behind the prescription. Some doctors, especially young doctors, are less likely to take chances than others because they don't have enough experience to trust that they are making the right decision. If, after the talk, you are still uncomfortable taking Farxiga, it might be time to find a new doctor. Whether you eventually take the medication or not, you need a doctor who gives you confidence in your treatment plan. I hope this helps. Keep us posted if you don't mind. I will be thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member) Thank you Lori! That is just the reinforcement I needed. I will keep you posted!
Hi
. It has been a while since you posted this. I wanted to check in and see whether you made a decision. I hope you are doing well. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member) Hi Lori - Thank you for writing! In fact, I started on the Farxiga yesterday! My average glucose has been hanging around 115, leaving me pre diabetic I've still been feeling fatigued, so I thought I'd start the med to see how far down I could get my sugar and see if that made me feel any better. Have no ill effects from the Farxiga so far and am still monitoring. Will let you know as soon as I see the downward trend. Warm Regards, Ken
Will do Lauren. Thank you! Hi
! I am glad to hear you are giving it a try. I hope your energy levels improve. I will look out for your next update. Warmly, Lori (Team Member)
