Re: Anyone use Byetta?
Hi Everyone
I am now in my 3rd month with Byetta, 2nd on the 10mcg dose and reporting back on progress.
For those who have just started out with Byetta and having unpleasant symptoms, here is a brief summary of my journey from which I hope you will see that it is well worth persevering with this,
Week1 on 5mcg - felt sick for most for most of the week and extremely tired. Loss of appetite made it hard to find things to eat but pushed myself to eat even if it was just toast. Slept if I felt rough and the feeling did past after a sleep. Was boosted by a shift downwards in blood sugar levels - from 13 to 10.5 within just a week. My advice if planning to start - see if you can take some time off work and give yourself a a chance to get used to the regime and the effects of the drug. Drink sugar free ginger and or a teaspoon of cider vinegar in warm water to combat the nausea.
Weeks 2 and 3 Gradually lost the sick feeling - tiredness in afternoons prevailed but as I am very overweight, this was not unusual. BS levels still dropping and losing about 1.5 lbs a week. This really boosted me. Appetite not great, but that is a good- often left food on my plate - unheard of!
Week 5 and now on 10mcg Bit of nausea for 1st couple of days but nothing as bad as week 1 on 5mcg. Found it a nuisance having to have lunch but made myself eat something or risk wanting something really naughty mid afternoon. What worked for me: I love biscuits so got a packet of the lowest fat and sugar ones I could find - low fat rich tea- had one with a cuppa mid afternoon if felt a bit wobbly or just plain fed up!
Now: I rarely feel sick now- mid morning I like a cup of coffee and this gives me that little boost I need if I feel sick. Still don't feel hungry lunchtimes but this is good for me - I have a simple sandwich most days and an apple about an hour later. We eat quite late in our house so if I do get hungry in the afternoon, it is a good old rich tea or a piece of fruit. My appetite is a lot better these days so I have to make sure I don't indulge out of greed but the good thing is that if I do overload my plate, I can just stop when I am full as I know I will suffer when I go to bed with a bloated feeling. I am still losing weight at a slow but sure 1lb a week - sounds very slow but the nurse is really thrilled that I am going the right way and feeling good. BS levels have not been over 8 for weeks now and often down to 6- real progress for me. The team want me to aim for between 4 and 8 so this is very promising. My tip: keep a journal of your progress and when having a bad day, look back at how far you have come to give you that lift.
Dread this time of year- so much temptation- it makes me quite scared at times so I have enlisted help from the family to help with shopping etc- as a distraction rather than to police me. Roll on January though and no more mince pies to hide from!
Good luck to all of you starting and well done to all of us still sticking with it - thanks for all the support. Wishing you all a very happy, healthy Christmas and a much happier New Year with lots to look forward to. :mrgreen: