Diabetes.Blog.com

1 - Bill, the diabetes doc, I am so sorry I did not know at the time I brought up the sobject of extreme gas pains in my breast that it wasn,t from byetta. I never meant for anyone to go off topic. I will be more careful from now on. But the information and answers I got my have saved me from my own denial. So thank you so much for the other blog.You are problely saving lifes that your not even aware of much thanks, Danielle (Comment this)

2 - Do not worry about it, Danielle. He and I discussed this and we decided it was an important topic that deserved an area of it's on. Gave me my soapbox. Isn't he the greatest?
Big Hug for him too. {{{{ }}}}}
The last time this topic came up I didn't go into detail and regretted it. Cardiac Disease is the number one killer of Females in this country if you asked anyone on the street they would probably answer Breast Cancer. They would be so wrong. The diagnosis is more difficult because the symptoms are a lot more vague. Diabetes increases the risk significantly so the age group that is here is in big need of some education regarding this. (Comment this)

3 - Danielle, please do not worry about being the one to bring up the subject of heart problems, These are things that concern all diabetics, and it was very good of Billthediabetesdoc to create a special place for these discussions. (Comment this)

4 - Thanks for your support, it means a lot. So far though it looks like we are the only ones who found it.Betty your sound advice and the encourageing way give it are wonderful. Instead of scareing me to death, you kindly and firmly made me look closer into myself .My family has a long histery of heart problems.And a special thank you to you Susan. I,ll fill you both in when I get back from my check-up. I have had only mild gas pains today, thank God. Talk soon, Danielle [{{{{{{{}}}}}}} (Comment this)

5 - To Bill or Betty,
Has there been any clinical evidence of Diabetic Cardio pts becoming more sensitive or aware of angina pain? Quick bio, male 52, Type 2, onset @ 12-13yo, diagnosed @ 25. On orals for 20 yrs, insulin last 4. Diag w CAD @ 46, 2 @ 40% in rt. Collapsed 2 yrs later w 2x 98% in rt and 25% Lt main. 2 stints in 01. Cathed 2x since due to angina, very subtle, never have had any acute pain. Both showd stints open 95+% and the Lt Main 100% OPEN. Dr Russo & I reviewed the 2 post stint caths, and concluded the pain had to be from some apparent small vessel disease(I worked in cardiac lab for 4 yrs). Have been on Byetta for almost 2 mo, and my bs levels are amazing. AM 100, PP 75-100, and never over 130. Also lost 30#. In the past week I have been having noticable pains, have always had them, just very dull and muted before. Now they are sharper. Could this be due to the normalizaation of my bs levels? I will see Dr Russo on thurs. Pains are NOT ACUTE, and if they become so I WILL RUN to the er. Absolutely no other CAD symptoms. Could you check this out and see if it has beeen reported. Will discuss w DR Russo thurs and prob either do a thall, or just go ahead and take a look. Will let you know what we find.

Thanks for all you do.
Chris (Comment this)

6 - Chris, I have bad small vessel disease and had EECP in December. The Treatmnent no one tells you about. I have had no angina since then. Knock on wood loudly somewhere. It made an incredible difference in my exercise tolerence and my lifestyle. I had a Cath that showed lesions below stinting guidelines in my already Bypassed LAD. I have completely lost one of my grafts. I have Familial Hypercholesterolemia and despite a wonderful team of doctors and aggressive drug treatment my LDL just will not budge below 121. We are hoping Byetta may help. If you do a google on EECP you should get enough info to talk or you may already know about it. It is something else for you to think about. I don't know why the pain would be more acute unless maybe you are doing more with more energy? Please do not wait until Thursday if there is any question. (Comment this)

7 - Betty, Thanks for the heads up. My cardio & I discussed this originally, but passed due to ins co decline, I went to the gym instead, I don't have any angina w exercise. I do know a lot about this therapy as I was the first IABP tech in Memphis in 1976, and did PV studies for 2 years. Never imagined the future combination of these two treatments back then! Will discuss w Dr Russo thurs. Unfortunately, I travel for a living and cannot be in the same city 7 weeks in a row, not even 2. Will let you know what happens. Oh a side note, I have that distinctive mottling on my lower legs, and have for 25+ years, since being on Byetta, it has decreased dramatically, prob to less than a third of the previous level! (Comment this)

8 - I think the insurance companies are lightening up on EECP. I got it through two different ones (Cigna and Blue Cross)and even changed carriers mid treatment. You might find more liberal guidelines now. All i can tell you is I was having daily angina and on treatment 5 it stopped and has not come back. Most people according to the tech get 18 months to 3 years from a round of treatments and I was the youngest patient they had ever done. Their feeling was if I could get active and maintain the activity I might get longer but I would absolutely go back and do it again and they do have a lot of repeat patients. It is now Medicare approved so an Insurance Carrier is going to have a hard time denying. It would be a challenge working out a schedule with you traveling though but there are more and more centers. I worked through the whole thing which also amazed them since they were used to Medicare patients. (Comment this)

9 - Dr. Bill Could you make this a side link please.
This is the American Heart Society Web site devoted to Women's Heart Issues. Listen to yor Heart. One in Three American Women die of of Cardiovascular disease.
http://www.kelloggs.com/promotions/listentoyourheart/index.shtml
Diabetic Women are at much higher risk for Cardiovascular Disease. (Comment this)

10 - http://www.womenheart.org/

Another excellent site. How about we all make a goal to put those pedometers on and work up to 10,000 steps a day?
I've slacked off in the heat this summer. Time to get going again. (Comment this)

11 - Heart disease and Heart attacks what women need to know.
http://familydoctor.org/287.xml
and in case you think chris and i have been speaking a foreign language, here is a link to what EECP is
http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/guide/disease/cad/eecp.htm It basically pumps the blood from your lower body in synchronization with your heart to help develop collateral circullation for those of us that have smaller vessels in our hearts or diffuse disease.

We'll let the Man stay here with us I don't think he needs much educating but I'll find some info for the other sex tomorrow. (Comment this)

12 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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13 - Betty et al..
Saw my Cardio Th, he & I decided it would be prudent to take a look (cath). At initial onset of CAD, I passed both the treadmill and thallium. 3 Months prior to my collapsing w 2 98% Rt Main blockages, I Passed a treadmill. Given this, and that I travel 4/5 weeks, best to RO New complications, and possibly pass this on to the Byetta folks. Cath is nxt Fri. Will advise as to resluts FYI. And the mottling on my akles is almost gone!!! (Comment this)

14 - I would concur Chris that he needs to look and if you're on a TZD he probably should do left and right but I really do not see a correllation to Byetta. Unfortunately some of us such got dealt a bad heart genetetic soup. Thank you for the update and will be thinking of you. (Comment this)

15 - Hello again, checkup on meds went well!! But my Dr. concurs with you gals. I have to go to primary{harder to do than it should} Tell him my episodes from last weekend { extreme pain prressure and gas in cheast and shoulders} just info for those of you not familar with me. Then ask him to refer me to cardio doctor My indo is new to area and does not know any local Heart Doctors.So I am still in the wind not knowing if family histery caught up to me. She said you gals gave me the best advice if there is another EPISODE GO TO ER....thats again for caring. Betty and the the rest are THE BEST!!!!! Talk Soon, Danielle NJ. (Comment this)

16 - We have collected a great group of people here. And supporting each other is what we do. I just happen to have 35 years of Nursing experience to help out. (Comment this)

17 - Good,No GREAT NEWS...Not only was the cath a breeze, BOTH L & R CA's are 100% OPEN...NO signs of any blockage.. I really didn't expect any, but had to be sure. The only thing that has changed in my meds and life is the Byetta and the 30+# wt loss. Could the effect of the Byetta be making me more normal, and therefore more aware of the SVD pain?? Thats the only answer I can think of.. Will discuss with my endo, cardio, and Maybe the Amylin folks and let you know what they come up with. Thanks for your caring and support

Chris (Comment this)

18 - That is wonderful news. Are you perhaps feeling better and doing more? just a thought. I know I am. (Comment this)

19 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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20 - Just checking in to say Hello and let Betty know I did follow thru and went to M. D. got my referral and go to the Heart drs. on the 21 of Oct. Of course the Doc gave me the same advice you did ,Betty, go to ER. if another event happens before my heart check-up. Again a big THANK YOU to you and Dr. Bill for these blogs. Good Health to all. I,ll check back in with you after the 21 and let you know how it went. Thanks again for caring. Danielle N.J. (Comment this)

21 - Danielle, i am so glad that you have not had another event. It will be interesting to see what the cardiologist says. My opinion is you should at least have a Stress Test with nuclear medicine scan. (Comment this)

22 - I was diagnosed with T2 6 years ago. Since diagnosis, my bs has been very well controlled with Metformin. Now my bg suddenly isn't controlled anymore, and my doctor prescribed Byetta which I have been taking for a few days.
Also, 15 years ago I had heart surgery for an arrythmia. Part of my AV node was ablated for SVT. After the surgery, I had no more SVT and only occasional bouts of tachycardia and palpitations--no big deal. Since starting Byetta, I have had episodes of faster than usual pulse (resting 110-120) and many more palpitations than usual. I have Tenormin that I can take for these symptoms, and it helps. I am wondering if others have had problems with rapid heart rate after starting Byetta? (Comment this)

23 - I am unfamiliar with anyone else making this complaint but others may surface. I wonder if you may have developed new conduction pathways coincididentally. It should be evaluated by your Cardiologist and if He/She feels there is some relationship to Byetta it should be reported to the FDA. (Comment this)

24 - Hai all
I have started byetta 5mg and i take metformin1000mg and actos 30 mg.but my byetta didnt work. so my doctor switched to 10mg byetta and still it didnt work .my bloodsugar was always high .I just tried it for a month.Has anybody else have the same problemand just wanted to know if it started working after a while.
Thanks (Comment this)

25 - No, Are you sure you have taken it correctly that you have pens that were refrigerated, that you have needles that are the correct length. What were your sugars before? What kind of control did you have? Have you watched the training video? Have you read the instructions on the Lilly site? Are you working with a CDE? Throwing a lot of questions because you didn't give a lot of info. It is not always a simple answer. Byetta is good but it does not work miracles if you are not doing thngs correctly. Maybe a different combination of drugs would be helpful. (Comment this)

26 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

 (Comment this)

27 - Hello Again, just back from Cardio check-up. The did EKG and a echo cardiogram also set-up apt for 2 day stress test next week. No results yet on any of todays test. But thought I'd let Betty and Dr. Bill know I got the ball rolling. When I told the Heart Doc. about these blogs hE WAS VERY IMPRESSED. Took down both blogs so He go refer people to look them up. Said your advice was right on the money and sometimes people just need the right nudge in the right direction to do what they need to do. Just thought I would like you know how its going. And Betty the type of test he is sending me for is with nuclear medicine. So once again a big {{{{{{}}}}}} for you and Dr. Bill. Much Thanks. Good Health wished for all. Danielle, NJ (Comment this)

28 - Good job Danielle. Good thorough doctor and here's hoping all is well but if not it can be fixed early. {{{{{ }}}}} (Comment this)

29 - Big problem with blog.com. They say it should be fixed soon...

In the meantime, see today's post (http://diabetes.blog.com/372903/) for a listing of all the discussion forums.

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30 -
Just wanted to comment on chd. I have been a diabetic for over12 years. In 2004 I had a 5 bypass. I thought the pains I was having was heartburn. It would come into my chest and shoulders but would seem to settle down after I took an antacid. But could be really bad at times so I went to see a cardiologist, did the treadmill and cath. Well I had the surgery and thank God that is behind me. I know how close I came to having a heart attack and didn't even know that was the problem. Ladies keep close tabs on any pain, in the chest, arms neck, etc... I was 51 when I had my heart surgery. Genetics play a big part in it...so far I am the only one in my family of brothers and sisters that got diabetes at a younger age and the only one with the heart disease. I wouldn't wish that on anyone..so be careful and be aware. (Comment this)

31 - Link to the ADA discussion of The sudy regarding higher risk of Cardiovascular events and Strokes in Diabetics and the recomendation that all Diabetics be on statins regardless of Cholesterol essentially came from this study of 10,000 patients http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-research/summaries/sever-cardiovascular.jsp

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32 - Hello Betty, My favorite RN. Just wanted to ask for good thoughts for tomorrow. Its the first part of my 2 part strees test. Little nervous since I never had one. But I plan to be brave and forge ahead for the answers I need. I'll be back in touch when I get results. Thank again for getting me headed down the road to good health and for reminding me I do HAVE the COMMON SENSE I was born with...{{{{{{{{{{{{}}}}}}}}}} danielle NJ (Comment this)

33 - Hello everyone. Read your entries and I am glad I found you. I am a 54 yof diagnosed with DMII in 2001. Insulin shots were started by 2003 after trials with pills that failed.

Stared Byetta 5mcg on 8/8/2005. On 8/31 I stared 10mcg but I am also taking Lantus 50 iu and Humalog 15 with meals. However, my counts are dropping so Lantus is now 45 and Humalog is PRN. Lost 12 pounds (big smile).

On 8/31 the AIC remains high at 8.4, but the Fructosamine is 275. By October 6, the Fructosamine was 253 and A1C 8.3

I keep crashing though, about an hour after taking the Byetta. Feeling nausea and dizzy as I read everyone also reports.

I have high blood pressure and brain aneurysms and also feel pressure in the chest, but the BP is better than it has been. In fact, my meds are cut in half since starting the Byetta. The diabetes was prescipitated by the meds, so I wonder how it all will fall into place.

I do wonder if the hammer will fall but hope that this is going to work!

Knowing that you are all here makes me feel better, like I am not alone. But I dont read about anyone taking insulin and Byetta at the same time. Or did I miss something? (Comment this)

34 - Celeste,There are many on the other blogs on Insulin. Go to the October blog and review the other closed blogs. Also the long timer blogs. It is technically an off label use but it sounds like you still have pancreatic function if you are cutting your doages so that is excellent. You may be able to cut it out completely as you work through this with your doctor. Good testing and careful records. I would suggest faxing a weekly summary of BG to your doctor for adjustment. Careful monitoring of your B/P also because many of us have had to reduce those meds too.

Danielle, That little breeze you feel beside you is your guardian angel, Betty. We will get through whatever they find. {{{{{ }}}}}} (Comment this)

35 - Betty, I must have felt the breeze this morning pushing me on the treadmill. I was able to get to level 6 with a little encouaragement from the doc and of course good thoughts coming from you. He was pleased I gave it my best shot said it helps a lot to get full range. Tomorrow is just more dye and pictures, so hopefully by the end of week I will have answers. It really is a blessing knowing your hear to talk to I say thank you prayers every nite for finding you and these blogs. It really does help knowing my ANGEL is here for me. {{{{{{{{}}}}}}}Danielle Nj (Comment this)

36 - If you got to level 6 with no pain you may get a good report. Crossing fingers and toes. (Comment this)

37 - Hello Again, well Betty all your crossed fingers and toes worked. The report from the stess test was good, no blocked arteries. Yeah !!!!! He said He wants to see me next week about the heart muscle on the echo and discuss meds for slowing my heart a little. Seems the pulse is too fast. But nothing soundered too urgent. THANK YOU THANK YOUI only wish I could give you this in person {{{{{{}}}}} When I told the Doctor about you and this blog He said You are diffently saving lives. Just encourageing women to tend to thier hearts is a service you should be rewarded for, I agree!!!! Well I will check in again and let you know what kind of meds I need afer next apt next week. I hope all the good karma you send out into the world comes back to you and your loved ones tenfold. Your # 1 Fan Danielle NJ (Comment this)

38 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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39 - Good Morning JULIE, welcome to the Heart blog! You can ask anything you want aBOUT YOUR HEART AND PROBLEMS WITH IT. Betty is well educated in Heart problems and so is DR. Bill so ask away and I am sure they will help you.See you back on Byetta blog in a while. Danielle NJ (Comment this)

40 - Thanks Danielle!!!

Betty and Dr. Bill - a question for you. Does Byetta have any negative side effects that I should be aware of where my heart is concerned. Last February, I had a heart attack, 3 stents, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholestrol diagnosed all on Valentines Day. Beginning of October, I had 2 more stents added. My primary doctor knows nothing about byetta, I had to talk him into it. Will be seeing a endo next week. (Comment this)

41 - Julie, I just check to see if you got any answers yet. Most of the time Betty is quick to answer. She was in the hospital this week I guess she is still catching up . Hopefully You will get answer soon. You could try calling the Byetta hotline yourself if you are concerned about starting.The # is in the box with the pen. I Think. Take Care, Danielle NJ PS You can still post on the Nov blog about byetta its just heart related things that have to go on this one. Danielle (Comment this)

42 - Sorry, I have not checked the blogs since this morning. Julie, Byetta does have some cardiovascular effects which are still being studied. Reportedly it lowers B/P and possibly cholesterol. Whether this are secondary to the weight loss or more direct effects is hard to say but for the most part I believe the effects are positive. I have a stent and have had bypass surgery and there are several others on the Blogs with serious heart problems. If you are overweight every pound off is positive for your heart and the effects on your Diabetes are also positive. i would not be afraid of this drug because of your heart disease but you should be monitored closely and check your B/P regularly in addition to your glucoses in case meds need to be adjusted. I have discontinued one daily dose of one of my B/P med that was twice a day due to dizziness. (Comment this)

43 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

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44 - Thanks Betty and Danielle!! (Comment this)

45 - I started Byetta last Friday night. I take Ranitidine with my Metaglip so have had no nausea. I have had a few pin prick like pains near my heart. Am wondering if these are from indigestion or a problem with my heart? (Comment this)

46 - Sandy, any question of chest pain should be evaluated by your physician. (Comment this)

47 - I promised a long time ago to post some more general links about Heart disease so the Men wouldn't feel left out. I have been negligent in doing that so here goes.
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200000

http://heartdisease.about.com/

http://www.webmd.com/diseases_and_conditions/heart_and_vascular.htm

http://www.health-heart.org/ Love the graphics.

http://www.health-heart.org/diabetes.htm
And most especially the graphic here about Krispy Creme.

http://www.intmed.mcw.edu/clincalc/heartrisk.html

http://www.cdc.gov/doc.do/id/0900f3ec802720b8/



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48 - Great site! I posted to the other one before I found this one. I was about to start byetta when the same DR that handed me the rx and siad "Go" called to say "Stop" He was clueless and had to check some things out first.I had already held the rx a week trying to get info first and have been lurking. (I'm almost Julies story) I had a mild heart attack two years ago (3stents) and need to loose 70 lbs. I take humalog 25/75 twice a day and lantus in the evening plus metformin plus topotol xl twice a day(seems like alot) with no instruction he just said take this shot twice a day. He also said stay on all my regular meds. I have been reading alot about chest pains on here. I am always waiting for the other shoe to drop, so I'll end up in the ER if chest pains become an issue. (that could be a good thing I guess)I had an ekg Friday and he said I have more "skips" than he likes and my heart group is taking a look at it. I think my last stress test, which was OK was about a year ago. Anyway I got scared to start and found you guys. I'm so anxious to start this monster. He is supposed to be calling me back today. Any thoughts? Thanks.....Sharon in NJ (Comment this)

49 - Sharon I responded to your other post on Odds and Ends. (Comment this)

50 - Hi Sharon I check in here from time to time. I am glad Your heart is being checked out. I come from a long line of family menbers with heart problems. Betty got me to make cadio apt when my chest pain started. My heart showed no signs of damage but it was racing too fast. Which they said meant it was working TOO HARD to pump blood thru. The good news was I got to stay on byetta. He felt the benefits I was getting where worth it. Losing weight getting more energy to exercise{walking more] I'm afraid is the only step so far in that . So hopefully they will check you out and let you stay on byetta too. I take extra meds now but its worth it to stay on byetta. You are right quite a few have reported chest pains but most turned out to be OK. Nexium helps me a lot. No more crushing pains across my breast. Also put me on atenol and another I can'nt spell to slow down heart rate a little. I got my fingers crossed for you and will keep you in my prayers today that you get the go ahead for Gilly spit. Good Health Danielle NJ (Comment this)