Before I Had Diabetes, Dr E Helped Me Get Pregnant!
I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) when I was a teen. While going through the difficult process of trying to get pregnant years later, I found a great doctor at UCSD who was doing PCOS research. Research at the time showed that PCOS was an insulin processing disorder (insulin resistance), and the way to treat it best was with some of the same medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. So I found my way to Dr. Edelman, who had been my parents’ endocrinologist many years before.
Dr. E prescribed Rezulin (troglitazone) for me. This, in combination with a modified low-carb diet, helped me lose weight and react better to the fertility medication I was taking. Through a combination of Dr. E’s support, my PCOS doctor’s research, and the fertility treatments, I was able to conceive twins who were born in 2001. I have always wholeheartedly credited Dr. Edelman as being the main reason I was able to have children!
My Path to Mounjaro
Fast forward to 2020. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when my labs showed my A1c was 10, and my primary care doctor immediately started me on metformin. I wasn’t having a ton of success over time though, so eventually he added in Januvia. Sadly that didn’t do much for me overall either.
In 2022 I emailed Dr. Edelman with this information and asked for his help. He immediately sent me TCOYD® videos, information about all the new medications like GLP-1s and SGLT2s, and a recommendation to stop seeing my primary care doctor and get myself to an endocrinologist. I followed his advice, and in July of 2022, my new endocrinologist started me on Mounjaro.
Starting Slow
I started at a dose of 2.5 mg and slowly worked my way up. I spent several months at each dose before going up to the next dose. I was on 10 mg for a long time, and I’ve been on 12.5 mg now for 5-ish months. I doubt I’ll go up to 15 mg, but never say never!
Managing Side Effects
With each dosage I’ve had some of the typical side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting. In the beginning they were more frequent and there were times I took Zofran to help. Of late I’ve had some episodes of constipation, so I take magnesium O7 which helps tremendously. This is something I learned from my Mounjaro Facebook group – we’re always sharing tips on how to control side effects.
Appetite Changes
I definitely have had appetite suppression on Mounjaro. It was more pronounced in the beginning, but I still have a lot. The “food noise” as I call it is a lot less frequent than before I started the medication. Eating is no longer always on my mind.
I have not made a complete 180 in my eating habits and I probably need to get better at it, but I do try to eat fewer carbs. I do not believe in complete deprivation of any foods, as I don’t think that’s sustainable.
My Results on Mounjaro after 18 Months
Since I started on Mounjaro, my A1c has steadily declined, and my most recent labs showed an A1c of 5! I have never been so happy in my life! My weight also has decreased from an all-time high of 204 on my 5’1” frame (probably in the mid-upper 170s when I started Mounjaro), to weighing in last week at 120. My endocrinologist is extremely satisfied with how well this medication has worked for me, and also has said she has no intention of ever taking me off of it as long as I tolerate it well. She may lower the dosage to see how I do, but for now I’m continuing on the 12.5 mg dosage and doing great.
I think Mounjaro has been the primary reason for my weight loss and my A1c normalizing. I’m not sure what would happen if I stopped taking it, and I hope I don’t have to find out any time soon! My self-control is not where it should be, and I think the “food noise” would come back with a vengeance. The weight loss has been a happy side effect, but the primary goal for me was to lower my A1c. I do think they go hand in hand though. As one improves, so does the other. I am just so thankful for knowing the right people to contact and for having a current endocrinologist who listens to me and understands what I want and need.
-Anita G.
Additional Resources:
Say “Buongiorno” to Mounjaro, a New Blockbuster Diabetes Medication
New Blockbuster Type 2 Medication Mounjaro Gets FDA Approval
I would like to know who your endocrinologist is. I’m looking for one for my husband that’s if you’re in the San Diego area if you could please let me know. I would really appreciate it..
I’m very happy with this medicine I was on 12.5 mg but can’t seem to get it anywhere now every drug store says it’s on back order . It really helped me lose weight an my A1C went from 7 to 5 and kept my sugar levels great . I would like to know where I could order it again
You might try reaching out to the manufacturer directly. Their number is:1-833-807-MJRO (or 833-807-6576). You can also do a live chat online here: https://mounjaro.lilly.com/
“””Hey, need a little more information on this. Thanks for your assistance!”””
“””Could you clarify this point for me?”””
I just started mounjaro and i woke up today with severe pain in my ribs my shoulders my chest like i was hit byba car. Is this normal? Ive been resting all day. On tylenol
That’s absolutely not related to Mounjaro. If it continues you need to see your doctor or go to an ER if it’s that bad. There’s something else going on.
My Doctor would like me to take mounjaro for my diabetes (20+ year diagnosis). This would $12,000 a year…that’s insane…I guess I’ll wait until the price gets under control. I have neuropathy in both feet…that’s driving me crazy. My A1c is 7+-. So guess that’s not too bad. I’m 5’7″ and 185 lbs..78 years old…no energy tired all the time
But Medicare won’t pay for it…wish someone’s would help.
If it’s covered under the official indication for type 2 diabetes, or being overweight or obese for one of these medications, you should be able to continue the fight to help your caregiver do a prior authorization (or even an appeal if it’s turned down)…even for Medicare.
Echoing Anita Sue Blevins in that Mounjaro is not affordable if you are on Medicare. I have been taking Mounjaro for 2 years and my A1C was under control. List some weight as an added benefit. However once I retired Medicare doesn’t cover this as private insurance did. Plus you aren’t eligible for any coupon discounts. It’s hard to budget costs because it depends on the “phase” you are in. I’ve just switched to Metformin because of the cost of Mounjaro.
Until there are generic equivalents developed, it is sad that a medication that works for diabetes is not affordable.
I have been dealing with my weight now for over ten years and I am taking a shot this is my 2 week I can see and feel that a little lighter
That’s awesome, Rosie! Hope it works well for you!