New diabetes medicine, side effects, frustrations!

**kimlovescats** · 12-05-2005, 11:19 AM

I just wanted to let my cat side friends know that I have recently started on a brand new (on the market) diabetes medication called Byetta. It is an injectable that I have to shoot into my belly twice a day. It is supposed to almost be a new miracle drug, as it is thought to actually help restore the pancreas ... which would definitely be a miracle. Only problem is it comes with alot of side effects ... mostly being nausea, and other stomach / bowel discomforts ... and I have had some chest pain as well. Right now it has only been on the market for less than 6 months, so all of "us" who are using it are still guinea pigs. It is very promising, as it tends to cause weight loss as well, but also very scary!!!

I am just now getting to the stomach distress part, and here is where I could use PRAYERS and support! I am also an emetophobic BIG TIME (fear of vomiting) and any threat of that would make me stop my medication.

In fact I waited an entire week before I even started it when it was prescribed ... simply out of total FEAR! I finally felt like I was robbing myself of possibly my best opportunity for getting my diabetes under control, so I took the big plunge and started. For the first 3 or 4 days, I felt fine ... but then the nausea started. I REALLY need to get through this, but I am having panic and anxiety, and so afraid that I will get really sick from this drug.

I had posted a bit about Byetta on General and got no responses, so I hope that you don't mind me posting this here. I just am feeling very vulnerable right now and down right scared. I cried myself to sleep last night because I missed my hubby so much. I just am feeling very frightened right now.

Well, I have rambled enough, but prayers would certainly be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Kim

**momcat** · 12-05-2005, 02:33 PM

Hi! Wish I'd seen your previous post about this. You are absolutely right. diabetes is frustrating especially when you do EVERYTHING your doctor says and you still can't get it under control! I've been on insulin for 15 years now. For the most part things have gone okay but there were a few problems along the way. This past summer during a major heatwave I ended up in ICU because my sugar went from 39 to 740 in about 36 hours. After a whole lot of tests and lab work they were able to determine that I was on the WRONG insulin for almost a year. After that I changed doctors and we're still trying to get this straightened out. Please pm me, I'll give you all the support I can with this. It seems that being frustrated and discouraged go with the territory and right now I'm both! One more thing... you may want to ask your doctor about using the pen, I've been using it since October and love it! I'll do my best to help you through this..... promise!

**Tubby & Peanut's Mom** · 12-05-2005, 02:33 PM

Good thoughts and prayers on the way, Kim!

**krazyaboutkatz** · 12-05-2005, 02:39 PM

Kim, I'm sorry that you're having such a rough time right now.

Please know that you can always come here for emotional support. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

**Shady** · 12-05-2005, 02:45 PM

I dont know much about diabetes, but is there something you can take to counteract the nausea symptoms? Something like gravol or similar to settle your stomach?

I've also heard mint can, and perhaps researching on the net something natural might be a better alternative than more meds.

Could it be one of those side effects that eventually dissipate once your body gets used to the new drug?

It must be horrible for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

**kimlovescats** · 12-05-2005, 03:04 PM

Thank you for the replies. Momcat, how scary that must have been for you ... WOW!!! I sure am glad you got away from that doctor who obviously didn't know what the heck he /she was doing!!

Actually the Byetta IS in a pen, I have never used a real syringe yet. Is Byetta an option for you, or are you Type I? I am Type 2 ... have heard that it can't always be used for Type I's but sometimes. I do know that some are using it along with insulin. I really appreciate your coming forward and offering to help.

I just stopped by my Diabete's Educator's office to get more pens, and I mentioned the chest tightness and pain I have had a couple of times after injecting. Now I have to wait for the "on call" doctor to get back with me. My DE said that it wasn't a normal side effect, so to see my doctor. Of course my regular doctor is on maternity leave ... lol ... "always SOMETHING"!

Kim

**momcat** · 12-05-2005, 03:22 PM

Hi again, Kim! Right now I'm on Novolog and Lantus. What I really like about the new doctor is the nurse-educator and dietician are great, very thorough. There's some uncertainty as to if I'm Type I, Type II, or insulin resistant. Had some blood work done a week or so ago that should answer that question. I determine my Novolog dose by how many carbs I'm going to eat and how to figure out how much to take in addition if I'm over 120. Confusing at first but it's getting easier. For now, I'm keeping my options open and ask my team a lot of questions.

**Mad Mags Moo** · 12-06-2005, 09:56 AM

Hi Kimlovescats
I have been living with diabetes for 17 years now (diagnosed at 17 years old!) and yes it is a pain in the butt! I also love my chocolate....very bad I know but when you are told not to I find I do the opposite! I am now going to get hypnotherapy to stop me eating chocolate as my eyes have very mild changes and I do not want to lose my sight just for my love of chocolate.
I am on insulin 4 times a day and have my bad days and good days! Humalog and Lantus
I have not heard of that new drug that you are on so would be interested in finding out more. For nausea can you not ask your doctor for an anti sickness medication?
PM me anytime and I can give you support cyberstyle!!!

Oh and on a cat note...my cats can sense when I am not feeling so great and either completely ignore me when I am cranky! or give me lots of fuss when i am feeling down.....they are my therapy!

**Corinna** · 12-06-2005, 10:59 AM

My Merlin(dog Iknow) was my self trained alert dog. Sure miss him had to many problems since he has gone to the bridge.Hoping to soon find an other one to train .