Need name of DR who will prescribe in Portland, Oregon
Well, I took all the info I had from the folks here, info from
byetta.com and another web site to my doctor. She still refuses to
prescribe it for me since there are no studies to support its use for
people taking Lantus, I take 40 units at nite. I told her I want off
the Lantus because of the weight gain between the Lantus and Metformin
and she refuses, tells me I am insulin dependent and cannot stop
taking Lantus.
I lost my job and have to save $$ to go to a doctor in Portland
Oregon area out of pocket. I have an advocate trying to get
the ’spit’ for me until I get a new job and insurance. I have not
been out of a job in over 10 years and this is really starting to get
to me. I want off Lantus and want to try Byetta and hope it works for
me.
Can someone please help me in locating a physician in Portland area
who is good with diabettes and byetta? Please.
Pam Johnson
January 22nd, 2005 at 2:13 am
First, from your report that you take Lantus & metformin, you are most
certainly a type 2. That negates her claim that you are "insulin
dependant". Insulin dependant is reserved for type ones who will die if
they don’t get it.
Secondly, many, many diabetics on Lantus are also on metformin (me for
one) and are also on Byetta. You will see many reports of people doing
the same with their doctor’s agreement. AFAIK no studies have been done
though although I have seen doctors writing about using it on Medscape..
January 23rd, 2005 at 12:49 pm
Pam, what makes her think you are insulin dependant just because she
has you on lantus? Are you a type 1? If not you probably have pleanty
of beta cells helping you out during the day or you would have really
high numbers after meals as Lantus doesnt help with after meal numbers
generally.
Tell her you want a referral to an endo, or just find one and make an
appointment since you dont have to worry about insurance referrals.
When you call ask if the doc knows about Byetta. If they say no keep
calling*G*
If you are covered by no insurance go to www.pparx.org and print out
the applications and take them with you when you find a doc and have
them send them to the company. I go to a free clinic and get all my
meds this way. Havent approached them about Byetta yet tho.
Walk in Peace
Ruby M
–
January 24th, 2005 at 3:36 pm
Pam, how frustrating. I’m sorry you’re going thru this. I was taking
Lantus with Byetta and had no problems. I’m off the Lantus completely
now, though, because I don’t need it any longer.
Also, have you checked with a local diabetes support group? Sometimes
they are affiliated with local hospitals.
Good luck to you!