From: Grace (GRACIEDAWN) [#1]
20 Jun 19:54
To: ALL
Hello all! It has been a while since I have posted on here. Been busy working lately and haven't really been online for my self other than work.
Here's the deal: I started Byetta the beginning of May. I started as usual on the 5mcg dose twice a day. The first couple days my numbers were great, then suddenly went way up. Doctor added glucophage(which I don't tolerate well and am living on Immodium because of it) and then increased me to 10mcg dose twice a day. I have just started my second 10mcg dose pen last week. My numbers are never steady, the nausea has been horendous to the point that I can only tolerate about 1/2 cup of food at a meal and have to force myself to eat lunch so that I am not skipping any meals. I have yet to eat a meal since starting this. My fastings range from 130 to 175. Yes there are days when stress from work will make it higher. Some times my numbers come down during the day to about 120 never lower. One of my biggest issues has always been if a med is supposed to last 12 hours I am lucky to get 4 hours out of it. My liver metabolizes all meds from Tylenol to Byetta as fast as it can.
I am getting discouraged and am not sure what to do. My next doctor appointment is July 2nd. I am trying to hang in there until then. I am tired of the amount of money I have to spend on Immodium each week. It also isn't working as well as it used to because of the amount I now have to use. It adds stress to when I have to work outside of my home. Which in turn adds to my blood sugar issues which adds to my over all stress.
Anny suggestions or has anyone else experienced this?
From: toneylee in VA (TONEYLEE) [#3]
21 Jun 8:51
To: Grace (GRACIEDAWN) [#1] 21 Jun 9:40
Grace, I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time. It doesn't happen to everyone, but it sure is common. I sympathize.
First of all, have you read our Byetta Basics? You can find the link at the bottom of the Start page under Recommended Reading. Check it out for nausea tips and to make sure you are doing things as recommended by other Byetta users. For example, are you injecting and eating immediately--like in one minute? Have you tried any of the tips about things like ginger tea or ginger ale, keeping well-hydrated, eating bland foods?
Also, many people discovered that Byetta needs a minimum number of carbs to work optimally. This is not scientific, just people's experience. But eating enough carbs could be very hard while you are so nauseated. I'd say solve the nausea problem first and then worry about better numbers.
I have to add that Geri says metformin xl (extended, slow release) is not as hard to tolerate as regular metfromin. Have you tried that? And when are you taking the glucophage and Immodium? At the same time as Byetta injections? If so, due to slow stomach emptying, the Immodium may not be working well.
That's all I can think of right now, but I'm sure more people will answer you when they see your post. Hang in there!
From: Geri in Co:Byetta(3-06) (GERI) [#5]
21 Jun 8:58
To: Grace (GRACIEDAWN) [#1] 21 Jun 9:40
I'm sorry you are having such a rough time with Byetta. When Byetta first came out alot of us had the same issue but we learned from each other on how to combat the nausea so I will pass some of the info along to you. First, have you read the Byetta Basics on the start page under recommended reading? Lots of good info there.
Second I drank alot of real ginger ale. I used Vernors but I think there are other brands that use real ginger but I can't remember their names. Also I'm a firm believer in good nutrition and by eating more alkaline producing foods I was able to get off of my acid reflux meds. Try eating foods like cherries(in season now), melons, black olives, and avocados. Stay away from processed foods completely and eat simply. A protein, complex carb, and lots of fresh veggies. Small meals.
Third, this sounds strange but a piece of duct tape on my belly helped me as did sea bands that I bought from my local drug store. They have pressure points that you put on your wrists and they help.
Hope this helps some. Oh do some deep breathing to help with your stress levels.
From: Grace (GRACIEDAWN) [#7]
21 Jun 9:45
To: toneylee in VA (TONEYLEE) [#3] 21 Jun 10:08
Thank you both. I have tried all those suggestions except the duct tape. I actually thought my marine hubby was pulling my leg by telling me it would work. They evidently use it in the marines to great success. I might try it. I am on the extended release glucophage, it doesn't matter which I take it is not something my body tolerates. I have a very good diet(took years after becoming diabetic to get it and now after 10+ years I am thinking my pancreas is almost done with beta cells).
I am just hoping that it is something that will go away some day soon. This morning I am not feeling nauseous. That doesn't meant unfortantly it will last all day. It might it might not. Sometimes just driving down the road will trigger it for some reason. I do not get car sick or motion sick so it is not a related issue. It has only happened since the Byetta.
Anyway Thank you for the suggestions and support. I might have to try the duct tape the next time it happens.
Have a wonderful first day of summer all!
From: toneylee in VA (TONEYLEE) [#9]
21 Jun 10:17
To: Grace (GRACIEDAWN) [#7] unread
Grace: Darn! Sorry to hear you have already tried so many things! :)
But, maybe carry ginger Altoids with you and suck on them when you feel sick? And do try, especially for a bedtime snack, an alkaline food such as 6 raw almonds, a little melon, or a small handful of cherries? And also, please consider dehydration as an issue caused by your nausea and lack of appetite--sip fluids constantly throughout the day. Dehydration is a common cause of terrible nausea--like a vicious circle.
Also, we have heard from several people who did fine on Byetta 5 but were seriously nauseated when switching to the 10. One suggestion: To ease into it by injecting 5 in the morning and 10 at night (or vice versa) for a couple weeks or so. You might ask your doctor. The person who told us this was told by her doctor.
Oh, yeah! It was a seaman who told us about the duct tape, too.
Wishing you good luck...
From: toneylee in VA (TONEYLEE) [#11]
21 Jun 10:24
To: Grace (GRACIEDAWN) [#7] unread
From: Joanne in MI (JOANNE_IN_MI) [#13]
21 Jun 12:19
To: toneylee in VA (TONEYLEE) [#11] 21 Jun 16:52
From: Spanky (SGTSPANKY45) [#15]
25 Jun 19:43
To: Grace (GRACIEDAWN) [#1] unread
I started Beyetta 5 yesterday. So far I had a little stomach discomfort, but it's tolerable. My numbers dropped significantly but it's been only been 1 day and its probably mostly because of lack of food. The Beyetta does not make you not hungry as much as it makes you feel full faster so you eat less. I ordered a half of a turkey sandwich today and was full after three bites & couldn't finish the rest. We'll see if this continues through time...
Beyetta 5, Metformin 1000x2
From: Sue (SUEFIRST50) [#17]
26 Jun 8:20
To: Spanky (SGTSPANKY45) [#15] unread
That is how Byetta usually works - in the beginning at least. You get full very quickly and can't eat too much and in my opinion is the real reason for it causing weight loss. Many of us have found that in time we are able to eat more and do so the weight loss doesn't always continue but for some it might. It doesn't work the same for everyone.
It's important not to eat more than what your body says you should or you might have nausea but it is also important to eat well so eat small amounts at a time but eat more frequently. That keeps your blood sugar more even and will make you feel better.
Good luck.
From: Jacki [#19]
29 Jun 3:22
To: Grace (GRACIEDAWN) [#1] unread