The Nurses’s RX no. 9: Real talk: Am I staying on these meds forever?

The Nurse's RX newsletter header - Everything your doctor didn't have time to explain

So here’s the thing…

I get asked all the time if I’m planning on staying on a GLP-1 forever. For me personally? The answer is a hard yes. But before you panic, that doesn’t mean you’ll have to.

I actually had a little “accidental experiment” last week. I totally forgot to take my shot, and by the time I realized it, the week was halfway over, so I figured I’d just wait. Well, here I am due for my next dose and OH EM GEE. The joint swelling is so real. I can literally feel the inflammation in my body, and it is no joke y’all!

That alone is one reason why I plan to stay on at least a microdose for the long haul.

I’ll also keep it 100 with you: the food noise definitely creeped back in hardcore over the last two days. The good news? I’m still maintaining my 94lb weight loss within an acceptable fluctuation range, but the mental load of that food noise is something I’m happy to leave behind.

Why I’m choosing the “forever” route:

  • Hormonal Harmony: For the first time in my life (outside of being pregnant), I actually feel balanced.
  • Heart Health: Given my personal and family history, the cardioprotective features of these medications are a huge priority for me.
  • Managing PCOS: Even when my labs look “normal,” I know I’ll always have some level of insulin resistance and metabolic disorder. I’d much rather manage that with a GLP-1 than let it get out of hand.

Staying on this medication isn’t a sign that “it didn’t work” because I still need it. To me, it’s about accepting that I have chronic conditions that I am finally able to manage with one single medication instead of several. It’s honestly such a relief.

What this means for YOU

None of this means you’re “stuck” on them. If you and your doctor decide that coming off is the right move for your body, that is amazing! Just know that if you do stop and notice the weight creeping back up or that old food noise getting loud again, you can always use the meds for short periods to reset and restore.

It’s about having the tools in your kit, not about being “perfect.”

Are you worried about the “forever” aspect of weight loss meds, or are you just taking it one shot at a time? Reply and let’s chat!

XOXO,
NIKI, RN

PCOS. Perimenopause. Metabolic health. The real stuff. Not just “eat less, move more.”

Not sure where to start? Take my free quiz and I’ll send you a custom plan.
WHAT’S RIGHT FOR MY BODY?
P.S. Missed the previous editions of The Nurse’s RX?
↓ Catch up here ↓
READ PAST EDITIONS

↓ LET’S CONNECT ↓


Let’s be clear about who I am (and who I’m not)

I’m a registered nurse and health coach who shares real, BS-free information about metabolic health, PCOS, perimenopause, and weight loss, because y’all deserve better than vague wellness fluff. But here’s what I need you to know: I am not YOUR nurse. Everything I share here is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, it’s not a diagnosis, and it doesn’t create a provider-patient relationship between us. Nothing here replaces the care of a licensed provider who actually knows your full health history. The opinions and content here are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer or the hospital where I work.

Scope of practice

As a nurse health coach, I can recommend over-the-counter products and supplements that may support your wellness goals. I don’t prescribe specific prescription medications. When it comes to GLP-1s and peptides, what I can do is talk about the science, what’s available, and what may be beneficial, so you can have an informed conversation with your licensed medical provider. The decision about what’s right for your body always belongs to you and your provider. Always consult your licensed provider before starting any prescription treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Transparency

I only recommend things I actually trust. Most are products I personally use, some are from partners whose clinical standards I believe in. I will always let you know when it’s something I haven’t tried personally. Some links in this email are affiliate links or part of brand partnerships, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Results + Testimonials

Any testimonials or results shared here reflect individual experiences only. Results are not guaranteed and will vary based on individual circumstances.

Read the full fine print at nicoleinscrubs.com/disclosure

The Nurses’s RX no. 8: I used to dread summer…

The Nurse's RX newsletter header - Everything your doctor didn't have time to explain

Okay sooooo……

Summer is fast approaching.

And a couple years ago? I dreaded it.

There were summers I didn’t even own a bathing suit that fit.
I refused to buy shorts.
I lived in long dresses and leggings because they felt safer.

Pool invites stressed me out.
Beach trips felt exposing.
Photos? Absolutely not.

I kept telling myself I just needed more discipline.
More willpower.
Another fad diet.

So I counted calories.
Tracked every bite.
Tried whatever new fad diet was trending that month.

And every time it didn’t “stick,” I blamed myself.

What actually changed everything?

started GLP-1 therapy under medical supervision.

And I stopped dieting.

I stopped counting calories.
I stopped chasing fad diets.
I started eating intelligently.

Protein first.
Fiber daily.
Balanced meals.
No extremes.

The food noise quieted.
My body finally had metabolic support.
And everything else began to fall into place.

This past summer?

I had a whole drawer of bathing suits.
An actual drawer.
And yes… a whole drawer of shorts too.

That didn’t come from trying harder.
It came from upgrading the strategy.

If you’re exhausted from white-knuckling another summer, maybe it’s time to stop fighting your biology.

Summer is coming either way. ☀️
You get to decide how you walk into it.

You can BOOK A FREE 15 MIN CALL WITH ME to ask questions and talk through your thoughts and concerns. Or, if you already know you’re ready, you can GET STARTED THROUGH MY SITE now.

XOXO,
NIKI, RN

PCOS. Perimenopause. Metabolic health. The real stuff. Not just “eat less, move more.”

Not sure where to start? Take my free quiz and I’ll send you a custom plan.
WHAT’S RIGHT FOR MY BODY?
P.S. Missed the previous editions of The Nurse’s RX?
↓ Catch up here ↓
READ PAST EDITIONS

↓ LET’S CONNECT ↓


Let’s be clear about who I am (and who I’m not)

I’m a registered nurse and health coach who shares real, BS-free information about metabolic health, PCOS, perimenopause, and weight loss, because y’all deserve better than vague wellness fluff. But here’s what I need you to know: I am not YOUR nurse. Everything I share here is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, it’s not a diagnosis, and it doesn’t create a provider-patient relationship between us. Nothing here replaces the care of a licensed provider who actually knows your full health history. The opinions and content here are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer or the hospital where I work.

Scope of practice

As a nurse health coach, I can recommend over-the-counter products and supplements that may support your wellness goals. I don’t prescribe specific prescription medications. When it comes to GLP-1s and peptides, what I can do is talk about the science, what’s available, and what may be beneficial, so you can have an informed conversation with your licensed medical provider. The decision about what’s right for your body always belongs to you and your provider. Always consult your licensed provider before starting any prescription treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Transparency

I only recommend things I actually trust. Most are products I personally use, some are from partners whose clinical standards I believe in. I will always let you know when it’s something I haven’t tried personally. Some links in this email are affiliate links or part of brand partnerships, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Results + Testimonials

Any testimonials or results shared here reflect individual experiences only. Results are not guaranteed and will vary based on individual circumstances.

Read the full fine print at nicoleinscrubs.com/disclosure

The Nurses’s RX no. 7: Snowed in & feeling snacky?

The Nurse's RX newsletter header - Everything your doctor didn't have time to explain

Okay soooo…..

If you’re like me and snowed in for a few days, you might be feeling a little extra snacky! I know I am. That’s my M.O. though. I always snack more at home than when at work or out running errands.

EVEN ON A GLP-1

The difference now… I don’t eat as large of quantities of anything as I used to, and I also typically reach for healthier options – That’s It fruit bars, protein bars that taste like candy, protein chips, granola bars, etc…

Do I still cave in and have a fun size snickers?
You bet I do!

But I don’t eat a whole bag of them. And I don’t feel guilty over wanting and having a Snickers once in a blue moon now.

That’s what happens when you’ve used these medications as a TOOL and not a quick fix.

This is also a part of where I am on my wellness journey. I’m well in maintenance, but also slowly decreasing my dosing to allow for slightly higher intake than when I was actively losing…. and the snow fell right at the perfect time for me to get snacky. I take my injection tonight, and I’ve now been snowed in since yesterday morning lol. I’m in that balancing act between increasing my intake and decreasing my dose, and not doing either one too quickly or too slowly. I do not want to lose any more, but I also don’t want to gain more than a few pounds in the process, to maintian my other health goals such as lower blood pressure.

Maintenance is not as easy as it looks… but I have amazing tools and resources at my fingertips with EllieMD to keep it up!

If you’ve been thinking about starting a GLP-1 but you’re worried that you’ll gain all the weight back when you stop, keep reading…

If you start, or continue your GLP-1 journey with me, I will help you learn how to make better choices that keep you full longer, so that you can continue these healthy habits when you’re ready to come off the meds.

It’s ok to do a slow taper off if that makes you feel more comfortable. Ease into doing it all on your own. Just plan the taper doses with your doctor, and plan to adjust your diet accordingly to maintain your current weight. Then, if the weight does start creeping back, we can talk about how a microdose for a short term might be beneficial.

Depending on your personal health history, like mine with PCOS, it’s also ok if you need to be on these medications long-term. It’s up to you and your doctor if this is the right choice.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? TEXT ME!

XOXO,
NIKI, RN

PCOS. Perimenopause. Metabolic health. The real stuff. Not just “eat less, move more.”

Not sure where to start? Take my free quiz and I’ll send you a custom plan.
WHAT’S RIGHT FOR MY BODY?
P.S. Missed the previous editions of The Nurse’s RX?
↓ Catch up here ↓
READ PAST EDITIONS

↓ LET’S CONNECT ↓


Let’s be clear about who I am (and who I’m not)

I’m a registered nurse and health coach who shares real, BS-free information about metabolic health, PCOS, perimenopause, and weight loss, because y’all deserve better than vague wellness fluff. But here’s what I need you to know: I am not YOUR nurse. Everything I share here is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, it’s not a diagnosis, and it doesn’t create a provider-patient relationship between us. Nothing here replaces the care of a licensed provider who actually knows your full health history. The opinions and content here are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer or the hospital where I work.

Scope of practice

As a nurse health coach, I can recommend over-the-counter products and supplements that may support your wellness goals. I don’t prescribe specific prescription medications. When it comes to GLP-1s and peptides, what I can do is talk about the science, what’s available, and what may be beneficial, so you can have an informed conversation with your licensed medical provider. The decision about what’s right for your body always belongs to you and your provider. Always consult your licensed provider before starting any prescription treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Transparency

I only recommend things I actually trust. Most are products I personally use, some are from partners whose clinical standards I believe in. I will always let you know when it’s something I haven’t tried personally. Some links in this email are affiliate links or part of brand partnerships, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Results + Testimonials

Any testimonials or results shared here reflect individual experiences only. Results are not guaranteed and will vary based on individual circumstances.

Read the full fine print at nicoleinscrubs.com/disclosure