As of when I’m writing this, I’ve been on Victoza for about a week and a half.
When I first mentioned the possibility of a GLP-1 to my doctor, she was excited about the idea. I had a couple in mind, specifically because of both PCOS and CKD. None of the ones I was thinking of were Victoza, though.
My options are a bit limited, because I don’t have health insurance. But what I do have is an amazing doctor and a health clinic in my city that is determined to help underserved, underinsured people with health issues. They’ve got a program established with the manufacturer, which means I can get my medication at a massive discount.
That took care of the first fear I had when I brought up a GLP-1 with my doctor, honestly. I broached the topic even knowing I probably couldn’t afford the medication, and I’m really glad that I did.
I’ve been doing well on Farxiga, and it’s helped my CKD symptoms quite a bit. But I knew it was time to manage the PCOS symptoms if I could, and that includes the chronic systemic inflammation, the insulin resistance, and the wonky blood sugar, among other things.
The Basics
Before I get into too much, Victoza is a daily shot and it comes in a pre-measured pen, much like other medications, including insulin. Every day I prep a shot area and use a new disposable needle on the end of the pen to dispense the lowest dose, .6mg.
My doctor recommended I stick with the lowest dose for a couple of weeks, then try the middle dose, 1.2mg. Then we’ll evaluate how I’m doing.
There’s been a tiny learning curve with the injections, but for the most part I’ve got the hang of it. Giving myself a shot every day isn’t the most enjoyable thing I’ve done, but it’s also not that big a deal.
The needle is tiny, the shot is subcutaneous, and once it’s done, the day is off and running.
What’s My Goal?
I exist in a larger body. I’m fat. So the obvious first response must be that I’m trying to lose weight, right? Not really.
See, I’ve tried to lose weight for over 50 years and my battered body hasn’t done well with that. I’ve regained more than I’ve ever lost, and anyone who has survived diet culture will tell you the same thing.
The main problem, and the one that most of the medical professionals I’ve seen over the years keep forgetting, is that my weight is a symptom. Not the main problem.
My true issue is a combination of untreated chronic kidney disease and untreated PCOS, which have kept each other worsening in a vicious cycle until now, when my body has threatened to give out on me completely.
So my goal is to continue taking Farxiga and Victoza together, giving my body the support it needs to properly use the nutrients I take in and to let go of decades of systemic inflammation.
And so far? That’s working really well. I’ve lost about 13 total pounds of water weight. But was that my goal? Not really.
I can breathe better. My blood sugar is slowly evening out. My insulin resistance symptoms are getting better. The hair growth on my chin is slowing down. How’s that for bonkers?
What About the Side Effects?
Oddly enough, I haven’t had any side effects. Or at least, not any that worry me or bother me.
Food noise is gone, which makes eating…interesting at times. As long as I hit the target goals my doctor gave me for both protein and water intake, though, I’m not nauseated, I don’t feel lightheaded or weird, and my brain fog is slightly easing.
I don’t have a lot of energy yet, so I’m not doing anything like exercising consistently. I get on my rebounder and do some health bouncing and I love my vibration plate. But if I push myself to exercise, I wind up with some serious post-exertion exhaustion.
So, I’m listening to my body a lot right now. I’m letting it tell me what it needs and wants. I spent an awful long time pushing my body and browbeating it. It can’t cope with that anymore, so I need a new approach.
I Feel Supported
This is the most amazing part, really.
I feel supported in so many ways. My doctor is willing to listen to what I need. My body feels supported and because it does, it isn’t giving me those crazy, whacked-out symptoms and signals anymore. It’s calming down.
It’s letting me calm down.
I’m relearning how to trust myself, and to trust that I’m doing what I can, when I can. That’s a pretty interesting spot to be in.
What Next?
Next week, I start upping my dose while continuing to take Farxiga and focusing on maintaining the habits I’ve started with protein and hydration. To be fair, I started the hydration goal way back in October when I learned what was going on with my kidneys, and I’m glad I did.
Are you interested in hearing more about my experiences with Victoza? Or about what I’m doing to make sure I’m hitting protein goals? Let me know in the comments. Or are you taking a GLP-1, too, and want to share what’s working for you? Same deal, leave a comment and we can chat about it.
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