Gray RETA and your Doctor / PCP

[QueenMuntha]

I have been quasi-honest with my providers. I DID tell them that I was taking Tirzepatide, which is true. I did NOT disclose that I am stacking that with Retatrutide. I figure that one GLP-1 disclosure covers what they would need to know.

Results: My cardiologist, electrophysiologist, rheumatologist and nephrologist all were Very Happy to learn that I was taking a GLP-1, because the data shows it is improving my Obstructive Sleep Apnea, AFib flares and joie de vivre. They ALL have no problem with sourcing compounded because of the cost of the brand. NO, I have not told them I source Gray. LOL.

But, more importantly, the data shows that I have moved my Chronic Kidney Disease markers from Stage 3 down to Stage 2; and I have no more pain from bone-on-bone bilateral knee osteoarthritis. I no longer need a cane to walk and can now use both knees to climb stairs again.

I have not seen my GP since starting, but I am sure she will be shocked because I am down 70 pounds from when I last saw her last June. I will tell hear that I am on a Compounded GLP-1.

 

[RoadRash]

After 30 years of adulting, one thing has been quite clear from the medical profession. Most patients Primary Care provider are a Pharmaceutical liaison. They are compensated by Big Pharma to write scripts for specific medicines. This is never disclosed to the patient. So when your Doctor disagrees with patients using off-label or compounded drugs, the resistance is based on profit margin, not personal care. Always follow the money....

I think you may be a tad cynical, lol. I think another less nefarious reason for them to be cautious about compounded drugs is that they follow FDA guidelines carefully, for licensing reasons as well as relying on data and documented human trials published in peer reviewed journals. Most of the peptides we use do not have enough human trials and established data to satisfy their licensing requirements.

 

[Mc_ppka_tp]

I hadn't thought of how to answer her questions about my weight loss and I do not want my Chinese Reta usage documented. I think I'll borrow the zepbound telehealth "white lie".

Quick follow up. I had my appointment and my PA looked over my file and report from the dietician and was so excited with my results she never asked how I did it. She was more concerned how my metabolism and organs were handling the weight loss. So she ordered a slew of blood tests and included a few I suggested. So I never really had to tell her my little rehearsed "white lie"

 

[lessthanhalf]

To cover their ass, legally Doctors really have to tell you they do not approve, and it might be dangerous, as it is not an approved drug , and if something goes wrong because of it, it would be better to have that they said this, written in their notes, but individual reactions are mostly going to depend on how interested in the research they are, and if they have even heard of it.

I had no issues telling my doctor about grey tirzepatide, he had prescribed ozempic and tirzepatide before this. He did seem a bit more concerned about the safety and sourcing of hgh , more so than any medical effects, when I told him about that recently when I wanted to get igf-1 levels checked. Not really sure why the reaction would be different. Did not get around to telling him about the reta as well. At least I am not in the US, and live somewhere with sensible government subsidised medical care, and do not have to worry about insurance companies that sound like something out of a dystopian nightmare, and doctor patient confidentiality is no longer a thing.

 

[FlowerFairy]

I discussed my use of grey reta with my doctor and why I was using it over Tirz.we discussed the pros and she was impressed with my thinking and reasoning. I also asked her to leave it out of my records, which she did. I love my doctor.

 

[attcbf]

doing quarterly blood work that is more comprehensive than they order

What panels do you get?

 

[Pinngo]

What panels do you get?

I do CBC, CMP, HbA1c, lipids, TSH, and fasting insulin done every time. I'll order other labs if I am curious: testosterone, IGF-1, etc.

 

[Foggy-Hollow]

Im in same boat wish i had waited to get initial blood work of course i could not wait got blood work 4 weeks into reta and nad and blood
Work show low iron. Borderline anemia. Not sure if peps would cause that. Did have aquablation of prostate surgery back on Dec 22 and had heavy blood clotting. Well see well keep doing labs and see if iron levels come up.

Test for ferritin too, it Is the iron reserves your body has. Hope you are improving.

 

[Goal170]

Thank you for all the differing insights in this thread. I have a great relationship with my PCP and I don't want to jeopardize that, probably my biggest holdout for not starting yet.

Not sure what direction I will go yet much to consider.

 

[pacer22]

I haven't bothered to tell mine. My yearly visit for the last decade has essentially been "your bloodwork is fine, you seem healthy as a horse, but you're over weight. Work on that. Have a nice day, thanks for the $$$."

I'm doing quarterly blood work that is more comprehensive than they order for 1/4 the price, I monitor heart rate, sleep, etc through my watch and check blood pressure regularly. I'm not too fussed with them not knowing and don't really think it would make a difference for my specific situation.

My experience has been lacking with my PCP. I find myself educating and answering his questions. If it isn't on his insurance checklist and not available at wallgreens, he has no clue. This is why they call it "The Practice of Medicine"

 

[Gr33dyOctopus]

I never got any blood work and didn't tell my doctor - I sort of wish I'd gotten initial bloodwork though just to see the difference.

I did and its CRAZY different after taking these drugs and losing 100 pounds. All my markers are shrinking or returning to normal a1c started at 5.7 is now 5.4.