Shemed January support - Thread 2

[FatsiaJaponicaInTheGarden]

Fantastic we made it to thread 2!

This is a thread for all those who have started or are about to start the Shemed programme in January.

Those waiting for blood tests /first pens hope you hear soon!
Those on their first/second jab hope it's going well - do come and tell us how it's going.

This is designed as a supportive space to share with each other how it's going, worries, side effects as well celebrating wins and results :)

I had awful side effects in week 1 and got a call from SheMed Pharmacist after completing side effect form. When they rang they were very understanding and gave me the option not to continue. They weren’t trying to offer alternatives and there was no pressure.
Hopefully they will let you quit if that’s what you choose to do - I’d be really disappointed with them if they didn’t.
Let us know how you get on.

I've spent all afternoon slaving over a roast lamb dinner. To manage some lamb, a small amount of cauliflower and carrot and swede mash and a single roast potato and yorkie pud. I pushed myself to eat more and really shouldn't have.

The pooch is greatful of the left overs. Must remember to cook less in future

This is so incredibly helpful, I very much value that, thank you.

I tried absolutely everything to make this work, I so desperately wanted it to and I'm so upset that it hasn't but after ending up in a&e, it's not safe for me to take, or to look after my 5 year old after taking it.

@NervousPoster1 I hope that you're ok now, what were your side effects if you don't mind me asking.

I filled in my questionnaire and the next £99 has been taken. The app says they will update in two working days to let me know about medication, I'm hoping that I go up to 5mg. My 4th (and final dose of this pen) is due on Wednesday.

I still feel quite rough, but I can now keep down water. Of course, I had vomiting that was so severe that I was vomiting bile, my diarrhea was so severe it turned clear (which I didn't even know was possible) I had the most severe headache and dizziness, to the point where I fell over and nearly lost consciousness. I had pancreatic pain. When I went to the hospital my heart rate was at 147, it took them 5 attempts to get a cannula in me because I was so dehydrated, a bag of fluids, 2 IV anti sickness as I was still being sick after one, IV paracetamol, omeperazole and buscopan. I was allowed home as I started to tolerate water but I still haven't eaten, I'm terrified to.
I'm just so worried they won't let me out of the contract.

Oh my goodness that's awful. I am sure they will let you out of the contract with that level of side effects. I'm sorry that happened to you. Take care, it's such a shame it didn't work for you. I find it incredibly interesting how it impacts different people, I don't think they know why.

@NervousPoster1 I am sure they will advise you to stop and support your decision. They are medically liable if don't act in your best interests once you have told them all this which can affect their licence. Good luck xx

Gosh @gillirhys and @NervousPoster1 .

Nervous are you feeling okay now? Did the hospital say what happened? Are there other things you'll be allergic to that are in it? They told me on the phone before I started if there were serious side effects you could get out of it. I'm sure they won't want you to continue after this.

Gilli - are they sending you another pen?? I know we can take it upto 3 days late but that upsets the timing doesn't it.

Gosh. I guess nervous has had the experience we're all scared of

I'm wk3 day 3 and just morning nausea (manageable) and tiredness today. Definitely less hungry than end of wk 2. Wasn't even fussed for dinner but ate as it was real food and I'm concerned about getting some nutrition in!!

I need to do an adhd form now but want to sleep zzzzz

Wk1 day 4 a little update

@BruhWhy @MelodicStarfall where are you pen buddys, how are you finding the first few days?

Does anyone else who deals with chronic pain from their uterine health conditions feel better now they are taking GLP-1?

It may be crazy to say but I think it's acting as a pain reliever for me.
I'm about 6 days out from my period and usually feel the pains beginning around now but so far so good.

In the discover section on the app there's lots of interesting articles now about GLP-1. They are long but I've really enjoyed looking through them.

I've been drinking lots of water, Ive had a day out boozing but only eating lightly. Making better food choices too. Noting that some of you had said that pizza made you really ill, while at a buffet on Saturday I opted for a couple of thin slice of veg pizza instead of a margherita. Ive started to not finish all the food that's on my plate no matter what it is.

Been and done a food shop and got some healthier bits in. I
looked to take my measurements but I'm still 40 inch waist/ 45 hips that I've always been. I'm looking forward to putting the tape measure around me and seeing 39inch then Ill know for definite I'm on the way down. Will probably do some starting pictures side view that kind of thing.

I'm happy that I've took the plunge and so far so good. ☺️ Really looking forward to next Thursday. X

@NervousPoster1 sorry you've had such a crap time. It is your right to cancel the contract within the first 28 days anyway, which presumably this is if it's your first jab. I can't see any way they'll force you to stay.

I can't believe that! Wow I'm so glad that you got the help you needed and quickly! Such a scary thing to happen..

It's in the T&C's of the contract that if it is not suiting you then you won't be required to carry it on. I know I have read that as it's one of the things I wanted to double check in terms of exit clauses before I locked myself into it. It's definitely there as an opportunity to try a different product or leave the study and you wouldn't be required to continue to pay the amount of the subscription remaining.

I know this isn't relevant to you but in case is relevant to others then there is also that I remember reading that if you want to leave on any other grounds than agreed health grounds , then you would be required to pay the full amount for the year.

Best wishes. X

@NervousPoster1 I am so sorry to hear that. I'm quite sure they will allow you to end the contract. I had 2 days of diarrhoea that was clear in the end, horrible, but no nausea or vomiting so I could at least drink and get fluids in.

My second pen arrived today, just for info, it was still in the same size giant pink box! I ticked the box for no sharps bin, but they have sent another one anyway!!!

Yes I got another sharps bin too!! Bit of a waste really!!

I've started to wonder if we get a "bad pen" if it gets replaced and how quickly and hwo we ask.

Also nagging feeling baiut having a reaction as I go up to 5mg.

BUT honestly the control. Realising this is how other people live is incredible. Just eating meals and not being constantly hungry. All the advice about stop when you're full and hunger scales and things make so much more sense when there isn't also a monster talking at you about Eating The Food.

Another thing I've noticed is that the perimenopausal joint pain that I had, especially in my hips has vanished! Some days I struggled to walk up and downstairs and get off the sofa and there's no pain at all. I know I've lost a bit of weight, but not that much!!

A bit of research shows that mounjaro can reduce inflammation and ease joint pain - amazing!!!

That's good about the second sharps bin, I asked for another one as I stupidly shut it on one side and so struggle to get the needles in.
In what way can a pen fail?
Fingers crossed I get 5mg too. I'm also worried about an increase in side effects but I think it's the right thing to do and then assuming I lose weight every week then I can stay on 5 for a while.
I definitely do have suppression, I only ate half my dinner but then I still was able to eat some chocolate afterwards.
Hopefully 5 will be the sweet spot and last all week.
I took my jab at 10:30pm last week so probably counting day 1 as the day after so I'm on W3 D4 but I intend to go back to morning this week.
There is a lot of talk about using the leftover dose but given we get new pens every 4 weeks and being part of the clinical study we should probably just throw it away, it just feels like a bit of a waste! (Hahaha I don't like waste - food, medicine etc)

Day 3 for me. I can't say I've noticed a big difference but no side effects either and maybe eaten a little less throughout the day
Still eating a "normal size" dinner and still want chocolate in the evening 🤣🙈 will jab again on Friday and then hopefully I'm going to try to follow the fast 800.

Silly question but do we use the same pen for 4 weeks? Xx

Can I join you? I’ve just done my first jab! I checked in this morning, but as I was going to be away from home for most of the day I decided not to risk any unfortunate side effects. I’m hoping to wake up feeling all right in the morning.

I have a lot of weight to lose. I feel like I have spent my entire adult life either planning to be on a diet, on a diet, or trying not to regain the weight I’ve lost. This is the heaviest I’ve ever been. I’m hoping this will get me past the sticking point I’ve reached in the past and keep the losses going. I’m here for the long run!

@RachCmomma technically 3 weeks, but yes in total 4 jabs from the same pen.

I haven't had new pen ordered yet. They have escalated it and someone will... Wait for it.. Get back to me within 7 days!!

So not happy. Prepped the pen, did the test squirt, nothing came out. Tried to use it anyway, nothing. Replaced needle and tried again.
Ended up like a human pin cushion with 7 attempts when they finally said "your pen has failed, we need to replace it". They ended the call and I got email to say it has been escalated.

Now I wait.
And I'm frustrated

First jab was yesterday and unfortunately I've not had the best time. From about 3 and a half hours on I had diarrhea and nausea. Did not manage to sleep at all due to the nausea, I've had ginger sweets and tea but it is not helping, anyone got any other tips for getting rid of bad nausea? I think I may also be one of the unlucky ones that this does not suit.

Just a quick question if that’s ok, has Shemed given reassurance you won’t be charged if you choose to stop due to side effects or it just not agreeing with you? Or are you tied in for a year

Yes if they are "significant" (I was told they expect a certain level of side effects) Someone on our thread was quite unwell and they offered to stop.

I've struggled with the nausea but it's got better each jab I've had and this time it was just 24 hours and when I wake up.

Do talk to them though. They do call you back if you report side effects that you are struggling with. Have you tried the bits I t he bag? Obviously we're not medical so I'd suggest talking to them if it's not okay.

7 days?????? I think it's within 3 days we're supposed to take a missed dose. Any point going direct to the pharmacy? Gosh. Given the pens come out within 24hours you'd hope a replacement one would

Really sorry to hear this 😬. I've read elsewhere of them occasionally not working and now it's worried me too!

Welcome! Hope today goes well!