How Byetta has changed my life! :o)
Hello All,
I’ve not introduced myself yet but have been keeping up with the posts and
thought I’d share my experience with Byetta, my experience has been a very
positive one so I thought of you and others Baz that were nervous about
beginning and concerned about it’s possible side effects etc., so here’s my
story & experience with Byetta. :o)
I’m Elizabeth live in the Midwest and began using Byetta on March 15, 2007
barely a month and a half ago. I use the 5mcg pen so 1 breakfast shot and 1
before supper shot. I’ve had incredibly positive results with Byetta, my bg is
down from the upper 200-300’s to a normal range now of 98-115 on average.
The day I began with the first shot was the day my life changed in a major way
because I made the decision to not only start Byetta that day but how I lived my
life. I know Byetta has helped me in many ways but I also know how many
positive changes I’ve made in my life to take better care of myself to gain
confidence and work to get my body as healthy as possible. I’m now excersing
twice a day, Eat very healthy meals, 3 main meals a day and 2 snacks as needed
to keep my numbers consistent.
I now workout which is not something I did on any regular basis in the past, I
can say I actually look forward to it because I know how much difference it
makes when I do…the results last throughout the day as I keep on the move, so
much more energy, much more positive attitude toward myself and others, I can’t
even begin to share how much putting my health first has changed my life, I
never in the world thought it would have such impact in so many realms in my
life. I feel very good about myself now, yes, I’m still overweight but I can
now leave my house now and not worry about who’s thinking what anymore….it
doesn’t even come to mind anymore, I feel my confidence grow each time I make a
healthy choice, I think getting confidence back for me has to be one of the most
valuable changes as it also effects much else in life.
I don’t worry what other folks think when I workout, which is something I was
rather obsessed with in the past. lol Funny thing is, I really think other
people spend *way* less time thinking of us and how we look, what we’re wearing
etc. etc. than we do. I’ve given so much power out to others and have now
decided to take it back and use it to move forward.
The changes emotionally, mentally, physically, & spiritually are astounding to
me, yes each one of those has been affected greatly by making me the priority
for once, I am taking getting and staying healthy very serious now, in the past
I did when first diagnosed in 2001 for about 3 years or so, not sure when it
happened or even how but suddenly I found myself eating in unhealthy ways and my
health & well being were not the priority for some time my A1C went from a low
for me of 5.2 to 9.4. EEK…
Something just clicked for me when my doctor came in the office excited to tell
me about Byetta, she had just the day before gone to a conference and learned
about it, she sent me over to a very very supportive Dietician Educator to
practice using the pen, it was very new to me, and I was worried I wouldn’t be
able to do it right. It’s part of the ritual now and is second nature to me,
I’ve never had an issue with needles and that may help but as Nita often shares,
I’d rather do this simple thing than be unhealthy, in pain, lose a limb, my
sight (which is everything to me!!) or so many of the other side effects of not
controlling my bg.
The energy level I now have is simply amazing to me, I’m on the move
constantly and sleep better than ever at night. I’m enjoying experimenting with
new foods, things I wouldn’t have considered in the past. It almost feels as if
my taste buds have awakened by no longer eating processed junk food/simple
carbs, I enjoy food in a different way now, I see it as a fuel for my body now,
Byetta has helped rid me of appetite so there are times I have to set a timer to
remember a meal, the only time I ever feel hungry is if I stay up to late and my
sugar levels are to low. I’ve learned that getting proper sleep for Diabetics
is as important as what we eat and how often we move our bodies.
The weight loss has taken on a life of it’s own, I promised myself I would not
obsess about it and this has proved to be helpful and actually worked lol , to
me it is only a number but I am proud that it’s my hard work that helps with all
the positive results.
I do agree though, one cannot just take Byetta and expect to drop the bg #s and
have a loss in weight and feel healthier, it takes us making changes along with
the drug to really see healthy results that will last. .
I go for my next A1C at the end of May and am looking forward to seeing the
results, yet again, I’m working on not obsessing over any numbers, just taking
it all in and doing my part in getting healthier.
I have a very very supportive Doctor along with a wonderful Dietician Educator,
a therapist who cheers me on and a very helpful PT (knee issue which btw has
gotten SO much better since losing weight and bg’s going down). Hmm I don’t
even know the weight loss total right off the top of my head since I began…I
think last time I weighed at the doc’s I had lost approximately 50 lbs. since
beginning Byetta. It does blow my mind that much weight can have so much effect
on my knees and confidence level, I have a number of lbs. more to work off but I
believe lasting effects come for me by being consistent in what works for me.
OMG…realized I’d just written a book, but to share all that came to mind, I
didn’t feel I could write less. I encourage those of you that are unsure about
beginning to make a decision about what is most important to you in life. To
me it was regaining my health and getting my confidence back and walking through
the fear instead of allowing it power over me.
Thanks for listening,
Your posts inspire me each day, whether it’s positive results or not so
positive, it helps me to go on and support is one of things that seems to help
the most, knowing I’m in the race for life with all of you by my side.
Thanks Andrew for creating this list! :o)
Elizabeth
nausea seems to be such a high price to pay for results. i hope it wears off
soon….baz
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
December 9th, 2006 at 7:28 am
my elizabeth, what an uplifting story. i was just watching the video and feeling
nervous about it. i plan on starting on monday so will let you all know how i
do. did you have any of the side-effects? or was it smooth sailing right from
the start. so you did not experience any fatigue rather an increase in energy?
maybe i won’t sleep so much and get up at a decent hour to get in my 3 meals a
day…well, thank-you so much for relating a positive result from the byetta.
and sharing your triumph with us…..baz
I’m Elizabeth live in the Midwest and began using Byetta on March 15, 2007
barely a month and a half ago. I use the 5mcg pen so 1 breakfast shot and 1
before supper shot. I’ve had incredibly positive results with Byetta, my bg is
down from the upper 200-300’s to a normal range now of 98-115 on average.
The day I began with the first shot was the day my life changed in a major way
because I made the decision to not only start Byetta that day but how I lived my
life. I know Byetta has helped me in many ways but I also know how many positive
changes I’ve made in my life to take better care of myself to gain confidence
and work to get my body as healthy as possible. I’m now excersing twice a day,
Eat very healthy meals, 3 main meals a day and 2 snacks as needed to keep my
numbers consistent.
I now workout which is not something I did on any regular basis in the past, I
can say I actually look forward to it because I know how much difference it
makes when I do…the results last throughout the day as I keep on the move, so
much more energy, much more positive attitude toward myself and others, I can’t
even begin to share how much putting my health first has changed my life, I
never in the world thought it would have such impact in so many realms in my
life. I feel very good about myself now, yes, I’m still overweight but I can now
leave my house now and not worry about who’s thinking what anymore….it doesn’t
even come to mind anymore, I feel my confidence grow each time I make a healthy
choice, I think getting confidence back for me has to be one of the most
valuable changes as it also effects much else in life.
I don’t worry what other folks think when I workout, which is something I was
rather obsessed with in the past. lol Funny thing is, I really think other
people spend *way* less time thinking of us and how we look, what we’re wearing
etc. etc. than we do. I’ve given so much power out to others and have now
decided to take it back and use it to move forward.
The changes emotionally, mentally, physically, & spiritually are astounding to
me, yes each one of those has been affected greatly by making me the priority
for once, I am taking getting and staying healthy very serious now, in the past
I did when first diagnosed in 2001 for about 3 years or so, not sure when it
happened or even how but suddenly I found myself eating in unhealthy ways and my
health & well being were not the priority for some time my A1C went from a low
for me of 5.2 to 9.4. EEK…
Something just clicked for me when my doctor came in the office excited to tell
me about Byetta, she had just the day before gone to a conference and learned
about it, she sent me over to a very very supportive Dietician Educator to
practice using the pen, it was very new to me, and I was worried I wouldn’t be
able to do it right. It’s part of the ritual now and is second nature to me,
I’ve never had an issue with needles and that may help but as Nita often shares,
I’d rather do this simple thing than be unhealthy, in pain, lose a limb, my
sight (which is everything to me!!) or so many of the other side effects of not
controlling my bg.
The energy level I now have is simply amazing to me, I’m on the move constantly
and sleep better than ever at night. I’m enjoying experimenting with new foods,
things I wouldn’t have considered in the past. It almost feels as if my taste
buds have awakened by no longer eating processed junk food/simple carbs, I enjoy
food in a different way now, I see it as a fuel for my body now, Byetta has
helped rid me of appetite so there are times I have to set a timer to remember a
meal, the only time I ever feel hungry is if I stay up to late and my sugar
levels are to low. I’ve learned that getting proper sleep for Diabetics is as
important as what we eat and how often we move our bodies.
The weight loss has taken on a life of it’s own, I promised myself I would not
obsess about it and this has proved to be helpful and actually worked lol , to
me it is only a number but I am proud that it’s my hard work that helps with all
the positive results.
I do agree though, one cannot just take Byetta and expect to drop the bg #s and
have a loss in weight and feel healthier, it takes us making changes along with
the drug to really see healthy results that will last. .
I go for my next A1C at the end of May and am looking forward to seeing the
results, yet again, I’m working on not obsessing over any numbers, just taking
it all in and doing my part in getting healthier.
I have a very very supportive Doctor along with a wonderful Dietician Educator,
a therapist who cheers me on and a very helpful PT (knee issue which btw has
gotten SO much better since losing weight and bg’s going down). Hmm I don’t even
know the weight loss total right off the top of my head since I began…I think
last time I weighed at the doc’s I had lost approximately 50 lbs. since
beginning Byetta. It does blow my mind that much weight can have so much effect
on my knees and confidence level, I have a number of lbs. more to work off but I
believe lasting effects come for me by being consistent in what works for me.
OMG…realized I’d just written a book, but to share all that came to mind, I
didn’t feel I could write less. I encourage those of you that are unsure about
beginning to make a decision about what is most important to you in life. To me
it was regaining my health and getting my confidence back and walking through
the fear instead of allowing it power over me.
Thanks for listening,
Your posts inspire me each day, whether it’s positive results or not so
positive, it helps me to go on and support is one of things that seems to help
the most, knowing I’m in the race for life with all of you by my side.
Thanks Andrew for creating this list! :o)
Elizabeth
nausea seems to be such a high price to pay for results. i hope it wears off
soon….baz
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December 10th, 2006 at 7:02 pm
On 4/28/07, Anam-Cara wrote:
<< I’ve not introduced myself yet but have been keeping up with the posts
and thought I’d share my experience with Byetta, my experience has been a
very positive one >>
Wow - what an awesome, inspiring post. It brings back something I remember
from when my now 16-year old twins were in elementary school. The first 15
minutes of each morning was set aside for "Mind-Set". They had a
composition book that served as their "Mind-Set" journal. As soon as the
kids walked in the door they got their journals and wrote their "mind-set"
for the day - things they hoped to accomplish and learn just for that one
day. After they wrote those things, they were allowed to write anything
else that was on their mind or even draw a picture.
It spawned a habit for one of them who does her mental mind-set the night
before - like I do. What do I want to accomplish just for tomorrow and how
do I need to prepare to do that. Hollie plans gets out what she will wear
to school, makes her lunch, checks to be sure she has her homework in her
bookbag and looks over the notes for the classes the next day (important as
they are on block scheduling so they have different classes every other
day. She is my high-anxiety child who would feel completely overwhelmed if
she had to plan for the week or month ahead - she has learned to think about
just one day. After being on Paxil from the time she was 8 until 14 due to
this extreme high anxiety, this is a big accomplishment for her and she is
so proud of herself for being able to quite taking the medication two years
ago. She has always struggled in school and it so overwhelmed her and she
had so much trouble mastering even basic math skills - right up until 8th
grade when I helped her learn how to take one day at a time and we worked on
that together.
I am proud of her - not intellectually gifted, but a hard worker, she is a
4.4 GPA sophomore - and last summer was selected into a competitive math
summer camp at the University of North Texas math institute.
That is how I continue to look at my health - one day at a time. After five
years of "pre-diabetes" - FBG staying in the 100-110 range I was basically
angry when I went actually became diabetic. I was angry because I was doing
so many things to improve my health and it seemed my efforts were in vain.
But I have never been a quitter and like I wrote in an earlier post, I just
look at diabetes and my other health issues as a battle that I must prepare
for each day.
Like Elizabeth, something just "clicked". I think that the final jolt of
the diabetes diagnosis was like getting my marching orders. I had to come
up with new strategies and start fighting for my life. The big scare for me
had been the blurred vision and remembering a friend of mine who became
blind from diabetes. If I thought of the many years ahead that I will be
dealing with all this I know I would just give up. But, like Elizabeth, it
really is all about mindset. I’ll take each day and continue to fine-tune
the battle plan and, also, say my thank-you prayers that Byetta is making
this easier to manage.
December 11th, 2006 at 2:27 am
nita, that sure made me feel better. i think i am over-whelmed about the byetta
and not taking one day at a time like you said. i, too, get very anxious and
nervous when i have to plan too far in advance. i do hve a question for you. i
meet once a week with a knitting group. at the end of the meeting, we have a
piece of pie made by the oranoque farms place we meet. now if i am on byetta,
will that make me sick? or interfere with the byetta if i had taken it
earlier?…things like that have me confused….baz
Wow - what an awesome, inspiring post. It brings back something I remember
from when my now 16-year old twins were in elementary school. The first 15
minutes of each morning was set aside for "Mind-Set". They had a
composition book that served as their "Mind-Set" journal. As soon as the
kids walked in the door they got their journals and wrote their "mind-set"
for the day - things they hoped to accomplish and learn just for that one
day. After they wrote those things, they were allowed to write anything
else that was on their mind or even draw a picture.
It spawned a habit for one of them who does her mental mind-set the night
before - like I do. What do I want to accomplish just for tomorrow and how
do I need to prepare to do that. Hollie plans gets out what she will wear
to school, makes her lunch, checks to be sure she has her homework in her
bookbag and looks over the notes for the classes the next day (important as
they are on block scheduling so they have different classes every other
day. She is my high-anxiety child who would feel completely overwhelmed if
she had to plan for the week or month ahead - she has learned to think about
just one day. After being on Paxil from the time she was 8 until 14 due to
this extreme high anxiety, this is a big accomplishment for her and she is
so proud of herself for being able to quite taking the medication two years
ago. She has always struggled in school and it so overwhelmed her and she
had so much trouble mastering even basic math skills - right up until 8th
grade when I helped her learn how to take one day at a time and we worked on
that together.
I am proud of her - not intellectually gifted, but a hard worker, she is a
4.4 GPA sophomore - and last summer was selected into a competitive math
summer camp at the University of North Texas math institute.
That is how I continue to look at my health - one day at a time. After five
years of "pre-diabetes" - FBG staying in the 100-110 range I was basically
angry when I went actually became diabetic. I was angry because I was doing
so many things to improve my health and it seemed my efforts were in vain.
But I have never been a quitter and like I wrote in an earlier post, I just
look at diabetes and my other health issues as a battle that I must prepare
for each day.
Like Elizabeth, something just "clicked". I think that the final jolt of
the diabetes diagnosis was like getting my marching orders. I had to come
up with new strategies and start fighting for my life. The big scare for me
had been the blurred vision and remembering a friend of mine who became
blind from diabetes. If I thought of the many years ahead that I will be
dealing with all this I know I would just give up. But, like Elizabeth, it
really is all about mindset. I’ll take each day and continue to fine-tune
the battle plan and, also, say my thank-you prayers that Byetta is making
this easier to manage.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
December 11th, 2006 at 6:45 am
nita, you should be very proud of your girls…very inspiring…..baz
Wow - what an awesome, inspiring post. It brings back something I remember
from when my now 16-year old twins were in elementary school. The first 15
minutes of each morning was set aside for "Mind-Set". They had a
composition book that served as their "Mind-Set" journal. As soon as the
kids walked in the door they got their journals and wrote their "mind-set"
for the day - things they hoped to accomplish and learn just for that one
day. After they wrote those things, they were allowed to write anything
else that was on their mind or even draw a picture.
It spawned a habit for one of them who does her mental mind-set the night
before - like I do. What do I want to accomplish just for tomorrow and how
do I need to prepare to do that. Hollie plans gets out what she will wear
to school, makes her lunch, checks to be sure she has her homework in her
bookbag and looks over the notes for the classes the next day (important as
they are on block scheduling so they have different classes every other
day. She is my high-anxiety child who would feel completely overwhelmed if
she had to plan for the week or month ahead - she has learned to think about
just one day. After being on Paxil from the time she was 8 until 14 due to
this extreme high anxiety, this is a big accomplishment for her and she is
so proud of herself for being able to quite taking the medication two years
ago. She has always struggled in school and it so overwhelmed her and she
had so much trouble mastering even basic math skills - right up until 8th
grade when I helped her learn how to take one day at a time and we worked on
that together.
I am proud of her - not intellectually gifted, but a hard worker, she is a
4.4 GPA sophomore - and last summer was selected into a competitive math
summer camp at the University of North Texas math institute.
That is how I continue to look at my health - one day at a time. After five
years of "pre-diabetes" - FBG staying in the 100-110 range I was basically
angry when I went actually became diabetic. I was angry because I was doing
so many things to improve my health and it seemed my efforts were in vain.
But I have never been a quitter and like I wrote in an earlier post, I just
look at diabetes and my other health issues as a battle that I must prepare
for each day.
Like Elizabeth, something just "clicked". I think that the final jolt of
the diabetes diagnosis was like getting my marching orders. I had to come
up with new strategies and start fighting for my life. The big scare for me
had been the blurred vision and remembering a friend of mine who became
blind from diabetes. If I thought of the many years ahead that I will be
dealing with all this I know I would just give up. But, like Elizabeth, it
really is all about mindset. I’ll take each day and continue to fine-tune
the battle plan and, also, say my thank-you prayers that Byetta is making
this easier to manage.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
December 11th, 2006 at 8:50 pm
On 4/29/07, BAZ560 wrote:
<< we have a piece of pie made by the oranoque farms place we meet. now if
i am on byetta, will that make me sick? or interfere with the byetta if i
had taken it earlier?…things like that have me confused….baz >>
*It could make you sick if it has been less than a few hours since your
shot. I would suggest asking for 1/2 a piece of pie (you could bring the
rest home and freeze it for another day). When I am at a place where I
cannot bring my own food and there are foods I should not eat, I put the
tinest serving I can on my plate and a larger serving of vegetables and
things that I can eat. I try to plan my injections around special events.
And, whenever I go to a restaurant - no matter what I order - I always ask
for a to-go container immediately and put half of it and have it for lunch
the next day. That is automatically 50% calories saved. I am a dessert
lover but am at the point where I can just say no, thank you, I’m just not
hungry. Then I go home and let myself have a treat that I can have. I make
some really great treats with Splenda and I keep vanilla SF Jello pudding
(from the dairy case) in the fridge and Breyers no-sugar-added or low-carb
ice cream in the freezer. I don’t have either often but it is part of my
‘ammunition’ when the enemy comes calling :)*
**
*And, yes, I am very proud of my girls. They were uprooted from a community
in Virginia that they loved and where all their friends were in Aug of
2005. Then they had to go a full year without me there with them (in
Texas). They were very, very upset by everything but have fulled through
just fine - they both were inducted into the National Honor Society a few
weeks ago and they both have lots of friends.*
December 12th, 2006 at 4:15 am
nita, could you please elaborate about planning your shots aruond special
events?….baz
*It could make you sick if it has been less than a few hours since your
shot. I would suggest asking for 1/2 a piece of pie (you could bring the
rest home and freeze it for another day). When I am at a place where I
cannot bring my own food and there are foods I should not eat, I put the
tinest serving I can on my plate and a larger serving of vegetables and
things that I can eat. I try to plan my injections around special events.
And, whenever I go to a restaurant - no matter what I order - I always ask
for a to-go container immediately and put half of it and have it for lunch
the next day. That is automatically 50% calories saved. I am a dessert
lover but am at the point where I can just say no, thank you, I’m just not
hungry. Then I go home and let myself have a treat that I can have. I make
some really great treats with Splenda and I keep vanilla SF Jello pudding
(from the dairy case) in the fridge and Breyers no-sugar-added or low-carb
ice cream in the freezer. I don’t have either often but it is part of my
‘ammunition’ when the enemy comes calling :)*
**
*And, yes, I am very proud of my girls. They were uprooted from a community
in Virginia that they loved and where all their friends were in Aug of
2005. Then they had to go a full year without me there with them (in
Texas). They were very, very upset by everything but have fulled through
just fine - they both were inducted into the National Honor Society a few
weeks ago and they both have lots of friends.*
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
December 14th, 2006 at 9:54 pm
*Well, normally I take my Byetta injections at 6AM and 6PM during the work
week. My breakfast and lunch run about the same amount of calories and
carbs - so I think keeping the shots spaced evenly works best for me.
However, if I know we are going to have our monthly birthday celebration
after lunch, I will just eat a cheese stick or lite yogurt and a piece of
fruit for breakfast and then have 1/2 of a small piece of the cake after my
lunch - so I will often save my Byetta for that meal instead of breakfast -
knowing there will still be six hours until my dinner injection.*
**
*Next Friday will be more difficult. We are having our annual employee
picnic that is from 9AM until 3PM. There will be snacks available all day
and a main meal. I know the menu includes beef brisqet, BBQ chicken
quarters, potato salad, jalapeno bread, and a big dessert table. I will
skip my breakfast injection and eat a low-carb breakfast - probably a
low-carb Slimfast I can put in the cooler with my Byetta and drink close to
the time I get there (about 1 1/2 from my house). The Slimfast will keep me
from being hungry until lunch so no temptation problems there. I will go to
my car and take my injection when people start lining up for food. I will
skip the BBQ chicken because of the sugar in the sauce - but will have beef
brisquet - it will be on a bun - since it will be white bread (which our
body sees as sugar), I will take the top of the bun off and eat my sandwhich
open face with a knife and fork - a habit I developed when I started trying
to lose weight in April 06. I will have about 1/4 cup of potato salad. I
will make some SF cookies or some kind of SF dessert and put on the dessert
table so I won’t be tempted by the other stuff. If there is something I
feel I just gotta have - I will put the tinest smigeon on my plate and move
on. I have found that - really - sometimes a taste is just enough - if I
have already eaten my meal.*
**
*There will be plenty of opportunity for exercise if I want it. I may be
hungry again about the time to start home. I usually keep brazil nuts and
walnuts in a baggie in my purse and I will have a diet coke in the cooler
for the drive home.*
**
*One thing I don’t do - I never skip meals. If I know I have a big evening
event I still eat breakfast and lunch and my two snacks - I just eat less
than I might normally do. That keeps me from overeating at the event in the
evening but I don’t stress if I eat a little of something that is usually
hands-off. I feel if I eat right at home and work for all my meals, that I
can allow something I might not normally eat for a special occasion.*
December 15th, 2006 at 1:02 am
NITA, OH, THANK-YOU SO MUCH. NOW I SEE YOU MUST PLAY AROUND WITH THE SHOTS TO
FIT IN YOUR OWN SCEDULE. I AM PLANNING ON STARTING THE BYETTA TOMORROW. MY FEAR
NOW IS GOING TOO LOW ON MY BS DURING THE NIGHT WHILE I SLEEP. AND NOT KNOW IT.
WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR A SNACK AT BEDTIME?………….BAZ
*Well, normally I take my Byetta injections at 6AM and 6PM during the work
week. My breakfast and lunch run about the same amount of calories and
carbs - so I think keeping the shots spaced evenly works best for me.
However, if I know we are going to have our monthly birthday celebration
after lunch, I will just eat a cheese stick or lite yogurt and a piece of
fruit for breakfast and then have 1/2 of a small piece of the cake after my
lunch - so I will often save my Byetta for that meal instead of breakfast -
knowing there will still be six hours until my dinner injection.*
**
*Next Friday will be more difficult. We are having our annual employee
picnic that is from 9AM until 3PM. There will be snacks available all day
and a main meal. I know the menu includes beef brisqet, BBQ chicken
quarters, potato salad, jalapeno bread, and a big dessert table. I will
skip my breakfast injection and eat a low-carb breakfast - probably a
low-carb Slimfast I can put in the cooler with my Byetta and drink close to
the time I get there (about 1 1/2 from my house). The Slimfast will keep me
from being hungry until lunch so no temptation problems there. I will go to
my car and take my injection when people start lining up for food. I will
skip the BBQ chicken because of the sugar in the sauce - but will have beef
brisquet - it will be on a bun - since it will be white bread (which our
body sees as sugar), I will take the top of the bun off and eat my sandwhich
open face with a knife and fork - a habit I developed when I started trying
to lose weight in April 06. I will have about 1/4 cup of potato salad. I
will make some SF cookies or some kind of SF dessert and put on the dessert
table so I won’t be tempted by the other stuff. If there is something I
feel I just gotta have - I will put the tinest smigeon on my plate and move
on. I have found that - really - sometimes a taste is just enough - if I
have already eaten my meal.*
**
*There will be plenty of opportunity for exercise if I want it. I may be
hungry again about the time to start home. I usually keep brazil nuts and
walnuts in a baggie in my purse and I will have a diet coke in the cooler
for the drive home.*
**
*One thing I don’t do - I never skip meals. If I know I have a big evening
event I still eat breakfast and lunch and my two snacks - I just eat less
than I might normally do. That keeps me from overeating at the event in the
evening but I don’t stress if I eat a little of something that is usually
hands-off. I feel if I eat right at home and work for all my meals, that I
can allow something I might not normally eat for a special occasion.*
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December 15th, 2006 at 10:48 am
I eat dinner every night at 6:30 and only rarely have a snack. I check my
BG before bedtime - if it is below 88, I would eat something - like 1/2 a
banana or 4 oz OJ. I did have some trouble off and on during my first month
of my BG going as low as 54 about three times. If it go that low I would
use a glucose tab or drink about 4 oz of regular Coke. Once I adjusted to
the meds I’m like really steady all the time now ….. 94 - 98 almost all
the time.
On the weekends we eat earlier - I had 1/2 grilled chicken breast, steamed
vegetable medly (carrots, red onion, broccolli, and cauliflower), a square
of whole grain cornbread and 1/2 cup cubed water melon). That was at 4:30
and I did not go to sleep until midnight - but I never got hungry after
dinner and my BG was 94 at 11 PM and 97 this morning at 5AM. I have been on
Byetta for four months.
December 15th, 2006 at 10:31 pm
NITA, YOU SURE ARE DOING WELL! HAVE YOU LOST ANY WEIGHT? THAT IS MY BIG GOAL
ALONG WITH LOWER BLOOD SUGARS……..BAZ
I eat dinner every night at 6:30 and only rarely have a snack. I check my
BG before bedtime - if it is below 88, I would eat something - like 1/2 a
banana or 4 oz OJ. I did have some trouble off and on during my first month
of my BG going as low as 54 about three times. If it go that low I would
use a glucose tab or drink about 4 oz of regular Coke. Once I adjusted to
the meds I’m like really steady all the time now ….. 94 - 98 almost all
the time.
On the weekends we eat earlier - I had 1/2 grilled chicken breast, steamed
vegetable medly (carrots, red onion, broccolli, and cauliflower), a square
of whole grain cornbread and 1/2 cup cubed water melon). That was at 4:30
and I did not go to sleep until midnight - but I never got hungry after
dinner and my BG was 94 at 11 PM and 97 this morning at 5AM. I have been on
Byetta for four months.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
December 16th, 2006 at 2:49 am
well, all, i did it!!!!! took both my shots today. didn’t sleep a wink last
night worring about it. called the hot-line and a nice young man talked me thru
it. does not hurt at all. got no nausea, but some burps and a little reflux. but
nothing awful. first time i didn’t go back for seconds or thirds after supper.
bs have been lowest i ever saw them…..124 111 94……now i am worried about
my glipizide. didn’t take it this am and sugars have been good. will take it
tonight but think i will half the dose. and if bs too low at bedtime, i will eat
a snack.the only bad thing was at my second shot when i went to re-set the pen,
i turned it too far and instead of ending up with the arrow pointing to the
right, my arrow points upward.is that bad?….should i just proceed as normal
tomorrow. i called the hot-line, but all the technical help had gone so someone
is supposed to call me in the morning. i hope i didn’t ruin the pen! has this
ever happened to anyone else?.well, i am
proud of myself and have eaten far less today than i have in a very long
time.smiling……baz
I eat dinner every night at 6:30 and only rarely have a snack. I check my
BG before bedtime - if it is below 88, I would eat something - like 1/2 a
banana or 4 oz OJ. I did have some trouble off and on during my first month
of my BG going as low as 54 about three times. If it go that low I would
use a glucose tab or drink about 4 oz of regular Coke. Once I adjusted to
the meds I’m like really steady all the time now ….. 94 - 98 almost all
the time.
On the weekends we eat earlier - I had 1/2 grilled chicken breast, steamed
vegetable medly (carrots, red onion, broccolli, and cauliflower), a square
of whole grain cornbread and 1/2 cup cubed water melon). That was at 4:30
and I did not go to sleep until midnight - but I never got hungry after
dinner and my BG was 94 at 11 PM and 97 this morning at 5AM. I have been on
Byetta for four months.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
December 16th, 2006 at 7:07 am
> can someone tell me if their have had bubbles in the byetta pen. If
so, what should be done, if anything. I do not know if this is
dangerous or not. Today, this am and this pm bubbles…I tried shaking
the pen, but they are still there floating…>
> thanks for any info.
December 16th, 2006 at 10:40 am
Hi Midge…
Are they Big bubbles or tiny bubbles? If not HUGE then tap the pen with
your finger til all the bubbles go up to the top and "waste" a dose. This
should rid the pen of bubbles. If they seem big, call the byetta helpline.
You can find their phone number at www.byetta.com . They might decide your
pen needs replacing for free. One question though. do you store your pen
with the needle still attached? This can cause bubbles and leaking.
Demetria-Beth
_____
> can someone tell me if their have had bubbles in the byetta pen. If
so, what should be done, if anything. I do not know if this is
dangerous or not. Today, this am and this pm bubbles…I tried shaking
the pen, but they are still there floating…>
> thanks for any info.
December 16th, 2006 at 4:54 pm
On 4/30/07, BAZ560 wrote:
<< when i went to re-set the pen, i turned it too far and instead of ending
up with the arrow pointing to the right, my arrow points upward.is that
bad?….should i just proceed as normal tomorrow. >>
The arrow is supposed to point to the right. When it is time for your next
injection you will pull the arrow toward you and around until you see the
number with the line underneath.
If you haven’t watched the video at the website, do it.
December 16th, 2006 at 9:12 pm
My main focus has been on eating healthy and getting my BG regulated and
consistent. When you are not having cravings all the time, it is easier to
make healthy eating choices. I have lost ten pounds since December but I
attribute that to a much improved diet and exercise every other day for 30
minutes - and going up the stairs at work (6 flights).
December 17th, 2006 at 12:19 am
"SIX FLIGHTS"……………..i applaude you!!!!!!!!!! so it is ok to turn the
arrow around till it comes back to the right spot?……baz
My main focus has been on eating healthy and getting my BG regulated and
consistent. When you are not having cravings all the time, it is easier to
make healthy eating choices. I have lost ten pounds since December but I
attribute that to a much improved diet and exercise every other day for 30
minutes - and going up the stairs at work (6 flights).
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December 17th, 2006 at 5:48 am
*You don’t have any choice - that is the only way you will get your dose of
medicine. That is where it is supposed to be after your injection - you
dial the arrow around until it points sideways - then remove the needle and
put the cap back on your pen. At the next injection you pull out the end
and turn until you get the number with the underline - then inject.*
**
*Six flights of stairs is indeed an accomplishment for me (though - I do
stop every flight after the second to catch my breath!) In August of 2006
due to a combination of (1) chronic left-side sciatica; (2) two herniated
discs pressing on a nerve causing severe pain down my right leg, (3) a
statin that was causing muscle damage and weakness in both legs, and (4)some
diabetic neuropathy (any one of which would have been bad enough by
themselves), I could barely walk, even with a cane, and was in constant
agonizing pain. The worst of this lasted into October (when I could walk
without a cane, but not without pain) and I did not experience significant
healing until the end of December. I almost lost on the dream job of a
lifetime but was walking enough by late October that I was able to accept
the job offer and was blessed with a great supervisor who let me work
10-hour days so I could have Wednesday’s off for chiropractic care and
neurology follow-up. If anyone had told me last fall I would ever again be
able to walk up stairs (which I have not able to do for over 12 years
because of the sciatica) I would have told them they were crazy. And, now I
do six flights twice a week.*
**
*You know, it takes diabetics longer to heal from just about everything and,
sometimes, they don’t heal. I credit a loving God, the prayers of
friends, an awesome primary care provider, three epidural injections, a
caring chiropractor, an understanding supervisor, and a husband who massaged
me every night during all those months for my healing. Oh, and most
certainly, Byetta. Getting my BG under control so quickly helped with the
worst of the neuropathy. I am not pain-free, but I no longer suffer
agonizing bouts of pain. I am truly blessed.*
December 17th, 2006 at 9:54 am
I never store the pen with the needle. I don’t reuse the needle and I have had
bubbles in mine most of the time. I never have extra doses and have never
wasted a dose to try to rid the pen of them. Have never had the bubble get out
so I don’t worry about it.
Am I taking a risk?
Pam
Hi Midge…
Demetria-Beth
_____
> can someone tell me if their have had bubbles in the byetta pen. If
so, what should be done, if anything. I do not know if this is
dangerous or not. Today, this am and this pm bubbles…I tried shaking
the pen, but they are still there floating…>
> thanks for any info.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
December 17th, 2006 at 10:48 pm
well, all, i did it!!!!! took both my shots today. didn’t sleep a wink last
night worring about it. called the hot-line and a nice young man talked me thru
it. does not hurt at all. got no nausea, but some burps and a little reflux. but
nothing awful. first time i didn’t go back for seconds or thirds after supper.
bs have been lowest i ever saw them…..124 111 94……now i am worried about
my glipizide. didn’t take it this am and sugars have been good. will take it
tonight but think i will half the dose. and if bs too low at bedtime, i will eat
a snack.the only bad thing was at my second shot when i went to re-set the pen,
i turned it too far and instead of ending up with the arrow pointing to the
right, my arrow points upward.is that bad?….should i just proceed as normal
tomorrow. i called the hot-line, but all the technical help had gone so someone
is supposed to call me in the morning. i hope i didn’t ruin the pen! has this
ever happened to anyone else?.well, i am
proud of myself and have eaten far less today than i have in a very long
time.smiling……baz
I eat dinner every night at 6:30 and only rarely have a snack. I check my
BG before bedtime - if it is below 88, I would eat something - like 1/2 a
banana or 4 oz OJ. I did have some trouble off and on during my first month
of my BG going as low as 54 about three times. If it go that low I would
use a glucose tab or drink about 4 oz of regular Coke. Once I adjusted to
the meds I’m like really steady all the time now ….. 94 - 98 almost all
the time.
On the weekends we eat earlier - I had 1/2 grilled chicken breast, steamed
vegetable medly (carrots, red onion, broccolli, and cauliflower), a square
of whole grain cornbread and 1/2 cup cubed water melon). That was at 4:30
and I did not go to sleep until midnight - but I never got hungry after
dinner and my BG was 94 at 11 PM and 97 this morning at 5AM. I have been on
Byetta for four months.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
December 18th, 2006 at 3:06 am
nita, that sure made me feel better. i think i am over-whelmed about the
byetta and not taking one day at a time like you said. i, too, get very anxious
and nervous when i have to plan too far in advance. i do hve a question for you.
i meet once a week with a knitting group. at the end of the meeting, we have a
piece of pie made by the oranoque farms place we meet. now if i am on byetta,
will that make me sick? or interfere with the byetta if i had taken it
earlier?…things like that have me confused….baz
Wow - what an awesome, inspiring post. It brings back something I remember
from when my now 16-year old twins were in elementary school. The first 15
minutes of each morning was set aside for "Mind-Set". They had a
composition book that served as their "Mind-Set" journal. As soon as the
kids walked in the door they got their journals and wrote their "mind-set"
for the day - things they hoped to accomplish and learn just for that one
day. After they wrote those things, they were allowed to write anything
else that was on their mind or even draw a picture.
It spawned a habit for one of them who does her mental mind-set the night
before - like I do. What do I want to accomplish just for tomorrow and how
do I need to prepare to do that. Hollie plans gets out what she will wear
to school, makes her lunch, checks to be sure she has her homework in her
bookbag and looks over the notes for the classes the next day (important as
they are on block scheduling so they have different classes every other
day. She is my high-anxiety child who would feel completely overwhelmed if
she had to plan for the week or month ahead - she has learned to think about
just one day. After being on Paxil from the time she was 8 until 14 due to
this extreme high anxiety, this is a big accomplishment for her and she is
so proud of herself for being able to quite taking the medication two years
ago. She has always struggled in school and it so overwhelmed her and she
had so much trouble mastering even basic math skills - right up until 8th
grade when I helped her learn how to take one day at a time and we worked on
that together.
I am proud of her - not intellectually gifted, but a hard worker, she is a
4.4 GPA sophomore - and last summer was selected into a competitive math
summer camp at the University of North Texas math institute.
That is how I continue to look at my health - one day at a time. After five
years of "pre-diabetes" - FBG staying in the 100-110 range I was basically
angry when I went actually became diabetic. I was angry because I was doing
so many things to improve my health and it seemed my efforts were in vain.
But I have never been a quitter and like I wrote in an earlier post, I just
look at diabetes and my other health issues as a battle that I must prepare
for each day.
Like Elizabeth, something just "clicked". I think that the final jolt of
the diabetes diagnosis was like getting my marching orders. I had to come
up with new strategies and start fighting for my life. The big scare for me
had been the blurred vision and remembering a friend of mine who became
blind from diabetes. If I thought of the many years ahead that I will be
dealing with all this I know I would just give up. But, like Elizabeth, it
really is all about mindset. I’ll take each day and continue to fine-tune
the battle plan and, also, say my thank-you prayers that Byetta is making
this easier to manage.
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
December 18th, 2006 at 8:52 pm
When I had an issue last month, i covered a lot of ground with the tech support
folks. As suggested, tap the tube to get the bubbles to join up at the top.
The top being the needle end, and point it up. "Waste" a dose. If the bubble
is still there, then it isn’t going to ever come out, so don’t worry about it.
If you accidently inject a bubble into your body, well again, don’t worry. You
are basically injecting into the flesh, not the blood stream.
Paul
Am I taking a risk?
Pam
Hi Midge…
Demetria-Beth
_____
> can someone tell me if their have had bubbles in the byetta pen. If
so, what should be done, if anything. I do not know if this is
dangerous or not. Today, this am and this pm bubbles…I tried shaking
the pen, but they are still there floating…>
> thanks for any info.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
December 22nd, 2006 at 9:17 am
is that best to do?….i bought one of those very small blur freezer hard
plastic thingys. are the frozen washcloths better? i don’t want to freeze
it by mistake.baz
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
December 23rd, 2006 at 11:58 pm
pam, thanks for the encouragement……..baz
nita, that sure made me feel better. i think i am over-whelmed about the byetta
and not taking one day at a time like you said. i, too, get very anxious and
nervous when i have to plan too far in advance. i do hve a question for you. i
meet once a week with a knitting group. at the end of the meeting, we have a
piece of pie made by the oranoque farms place we meet. now if i am on byetta,
will that make me sick? or interfere with the byetta if i had taken it
earlier?…things like that have me confused….baz
Wow - what an awesome, inspiring post. It brings back something I remember
from when my now 16-year old twins were in elementary school. The first 15
minutes of each morning was set aside for "Mind-Set". They had a
composition book that served as their "Mind-Set" journal. As soon as the
kids walked in the door they got their journals and wrote their "mind-set"
for the day - things they hoped to accomplish and learn just for that one
day. After they wrote those things, they were allowed to write anything
else that was on their mind or even draw a picture.
It spawned a habit for one of them who does her mental mind-set the night
before - like I do. What do I want to accomplish just for tomorrow and how
do I need to prepare to do that. Hollie plans gets out what she will wear
to school, makes her lunch, checks to be sure she has her homework in her
bookbag and looks over the notes for the classes the next day (important as
they are on block scheduling so they have different classes every other
day. She is my high-anxiety child who would feel completely overwhelmed if
she had to plan for the week or month ahead - she has learned to think about
just one day. After being on Paxil from the time she was 8 until 14 due to
this extreme high anxiety, this is a big accomplishment for her and she is
so proud of herself for being able to quite taking the medication two years
ago. She has always struggled in school and it so overwhelmed her and she
had so much trouble mastering even basic math skills - right up until 8th
grade when I helped her learn how to take one day at a time and we worked on
that together.
I am proud of her - not intellectually gifted, but a hard worker, she is a
4.4 GPA sophomore - and last summer was selected into a competitive math
summer camp at the University of North Texas math institute.
That is how I continue to look at my health - one day at a time. After five
years of "pre-diabetes" - FBG staying in the 100-110 range I was basically
angry when I went actually became diabetic. I was angry because I was doing
so many things to improve my health and it seemed my efforts were in vain.
But I have never been a quitter and like I wrote in an earlier post, I just
look at diabetes and my other health issues as a battle that I must prepare
for each day.
Like Elizabeth, something just "clicked". I think that the final jolt of
the diabetes diagnosis was like getting my marching orders. I had to come
up with new strategies and start fighting for my life. The big scare for me
had been the blurred vision and remembering a friend of mine who became
blind from diabetes. If I thought of the many years ahead that I will be
dealing with all this I know I would just give up. But, like Elizabeth, it
really is all about mindset. I’ll take each day and continue to fine-tune
the battle plan and, also, say my thank-you prayers that Byetta is making
this easier to manage.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]