I hope everyone has a Happy Easter.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Diabetes in the Workplace
Sometimes having an invisible disease like diabetes is hard, for a lack of a better word. I know, I know, you are thinking "well duh Captain Obvious." We spend our days dealing with the day to day management which some days can be a full time job and then on top of that we deal with our invisible disease in the workplace.
At the present moment I'm unemployed. I had a good job but the organization lost the federal grant funding that paid for my position so I lost my job. I have a few concerns as my job search progresses: making sure I can get insurance (although this won't be a problem after 2014) and how to handle my diabetes.
Diabetes is all over my resume so without fail I get asked about it during the interview. I don't mind talking about diabetes, especially because I am proud of what I have done. But when I interview for a company that has nothing to do with diabetes or health care it makes me a little nervous. I can't explain my resume without explaining the fact I have diabetes.
When I was working all my employers were very understanding of my diabetes. Never complained if I was late to work because a low blood sugar kept me from driving to work. The worst was when I'm dealing with a stubborn low that won't go away and my boss would ask me to do something time sensitive.
People are a bit more understanding of the diabetes but when I bring up the fact that I also have Fibromyalgia things change. It is somewhat easier for people to grasp the basic idea of diabetes but being in pain 24/7, well that is just a whole other beast! I try my best to spend the necessary time to make sure I am healthy but without taking too much time that it interferes with your work.
A good boss makes all the difference. Also having an understanding of what your rights are is important. Education is also key. If you are comfortable tell your coworkers or at least your boss about the signs of a low blood sugar and what to do in case of an emergency.
How do you handle your diabetes in the workplace? Any advice for a job seeker like me and when the appropriate time is to tell the boss/interviewer?
At the present moment I'm unemployed. I had a good job but the organization lost the federal grant funding that paid for my position so I lost my job. I have a few concerns as my job search progresses: making sure I can get insurance (although this won't be a problem after 2014) and how to handle my diabetes.
Diabetes is all over my resume so without fail I get asked about it during the interview. I don't mind talking about diabetes, especially because I am proud of what I have done. But when I interview for a company that has nothing to do with diabetes or health care it makes me a little nervous. I can't explain my resume without explaining the fact I have diabetes.
When I was working all my employers were very understanding of my diabetes. Never complained if I was late to work because a low blood sugar kept me from driving to work. The worst was when I'm dealing with a stubborn low that won't go away and my boss would ask me to do something time sensitive.
People are a bit more understanding of the diabetes but when I bring up the fact that I also have Fibromyalgia things change. It is somewhat easier for people to grasp the basic idea of diabetes but being in pain 24/7, well that is just a whole other beast! I try my best to spend the necessary time to make sure I am healthy but without taking too much time that it interferes with your work.
A good boss makes all the difference. Also having an understanding of what your rights are is important. Education is also key. If you are comfortable tell your coworkers or at least your boss about the signs of a low blood sugar and what to do in case of an emergency.
How do you handle your diabetes in the workplace? Any advice for a job seeker like me and when the appropriate time is to tell the boss/interviewer?
Friday, April 2, 2010
Stick Me Desgins
A few months ago I found Sick Me Designs and kept debating whether or not I wanted a new bag for my meter and diabetes supplies. Back in February I saw a design, pink rox, that I just loved and had to have. So I placed my order and waited. There was a delivery delay due to a problem with a contractor, but I received emails letting me know what was going on.
A little over a week ago my bag arrived and I've been in love ever since! I wish had this bag in Vegas.
For me I like being able to embrace the fact that I have all this medical equipment around me by making it fun. My family and friends laughed when I showed them my new pink Animas Ping pump. Every time I see it it makes me smile. Same thing with the Stick Me Designs pink rox case. It makes me smile.
I love the fact that it has compartments for everything I need, including my Symlin. I can stick my ID, credit card and iPhone in the front pocket. If I'm running a quick errand I can just grab and go and not worry about a purse.
The fabric is my favorite part....the design is just so me. Much better than boring black. Spices things up a bit.
I also got two bio-flips. In all honesty, my boyfriend loves this the most. No more used test strips everywhere!
Note: I purchased this with my own money and have no affiliation to the company.
A little over a week ago my bag arrived and I've been in love ever since! I wish had this bag in Vegas.
For me I like being able to embrace the fact that I have all this medical equipment around me by making it fun. My family and friends laughed when I showed them my new pink Animas Ping pump. Every time I see it it makes me smile. Same thing with the Stick Me Designs pink rox case. It makes me smile.
The fabric is my favorite part....the design is just so me. Much better than boring black. Spices things up a bit.
I also got two bio-flips. In all honesty, my boyfriend loves this the most. No more used test strips everywhere!
Note: I purchased this with my own money and have no affiliation to the company.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Diabetes Police
The Diabetes Police seem to be everywhere. They usually are well intentioned but misinformed. DP (Diabetes Police) can be a real thorn in your side but as PWD it is important we learn how to deal with them.
Source
I used to feel so weird and guilty when I would go out to eat with some new acquaintances who don't know much about me but do know that I have diabetes. Time would come to order dessert and the shocked look around the table when I would order and oh my god actually eat it. But it's not sugar free?! She's going to die!
If I'm seen eating a piece of candy people start to judge me and tell me I can't eat that or they'll think I'm not taking care of myself. People I am taking care of myself. In fact I am working my ass off trying to be and stay healthy. Maybe that candy was for a low or maybe it was a craving I'm finally giving into. Or maybe it is because sugar free candy causes horrible gastrointestinal issues that I can't even look at it before I'm running to the bathroom clutching my stomach in pain.
The amount of grace and patience it takes to deal with unwanted and/or misguided Diabetes advice can take a toll on any person.
Problem is, I don't think I know how to deal with them. I mean after over 20 years with diabetes I should know; I should be a pro. But I'm not. A lot of the time I just brush it aside and just smile and nod. Other times I may seem like I'm just brushing it aside when in reality I'm telling them off in my head. The worst is when they give me sugar free candy. That stuff makes me so sick to my stomach. I would rather bolus for the carbs in regular candy and not get sick to my stomach.
How do you handle the Diabetes Police? What is the worst you've encountered?
I used to feel so weird and guilty when I would go out to eat with some new acquaintances who don't know much about me but do know that I have diabetes. Time would come to order dessert and the shocked look around the table when I would order and oh my god actually eat it. But it's not sugar free?! She's going to die!
If I'm seen eating a piece of candy people start to judge me and tell me I can't eat that or they'll think I'm not taking care of myself. People I am taking care of myself. In fact I am working my ass off trying to be and stay healthy. Maybe that candy was for a low or maybe it was a craving I'm finally giving into. Or maybe it is because sugar free candy causes horrible gastrointestinal issues that I can't even look at it before I'm running to the bathroom clutching my stomach in pain.
The amount of grace and patience it takes to deal with unwanted and/or misguided Diabetes advice can take a toll on any person.
DP: You there, put down that cookie.
PWD: What? Who? Me?
DP: Yes you. You have diabetes and can't eat that.
Problem is, I don't think I know how to deal with them. I mean after over 20 years with diabetes I should know; I should be a pro. But I'm not. A lot of the time I just brush it aside and just smile and nod. Other times I may seem like I'm just brushing it aside when in reality I'm telling them off in my head. The worst is when they give me sugar free candy. That stuff makes me so sick to my stomach. I would rather bolus for the carbs in regular candy and not get sick to my stomach.
How do you handle the Diabetes Police? What is the worst you've encountered?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Taking Diabetes on the Road
Update on Dexcom: Despite sitting in a bag of rice for 26 hours the receiver has not dried out. I'm going to call Dexcom and order a replacement receiver. I miss it too much! I woke up feeling fine and tested to learn I was 63. Dex would have alarmed and woken me up!
Last week Steve had Friday off so we decided to go on a last minute road trip. We planned to be gone just one night so I didn't have to pack as many diabetes supplies as I did for Vegas.
We packed up the car and headed down I-95 South on our way to Charlottesville, VA.
The drive was fun, but long since we decided to explore and take back roads. Once we got to Charlottesville we needed to walk around. We walked around the downtown mall and then drove around the town trying to find a hotel. Once we found one we had an amazing dinner and came back to the hotel to watch movies.
On Saturday we woke up early (for us) got some fresh fruit from Whole Foods for breakfast and drove over to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home. We walked around the gardens for a bit before our tour started.
Halfway through the tour of Jefferson's house I started to sweat like crazy. Then I started to get a little dizzy. I pulled out my dexcom and saw I was in the 70s with the arrow pointed straight down. UGH. I disconnected my pump and hoped the tour would be over soon. There was no food or drink allowed during the tour. Luckily the tour was almost finished and as I stepped outside I fumbled around and downed I don't know how many glucose tabs. Several minutes later Steve and I were able to get away from the group I tested and I was in the 60s. I must have been super low if I was only in the 60s after bunch of glucose tabs!
Once I was ok Steve and I got on the shuttle bus down to our car and we drove over to Michie's Tavern for lunch and a tour of the tavern. Next we headed over to Ash Lawn, James Monroe's house for a tour.
After the tour we went to Kluge's Winery to taste some wine and cheese. We split a flight of wine which was a good thing since we had a 2 1/2 hour drive home.
It was a fantastic weekend and even better since we had Sunday at home to run errands and relax. The only time the big D was an issue was my low at Monticello. I love road trips!
Last week Steve had Friday off so we decided to go on a last minute road trip. We planned to be gone just one night so I didn't have to pack as many diabetes supplies as I did for Vegas.
We packed up the car and headed down I-95 South on our way to Charlottesville, VA.
The drive was fun, but long since we decided to explore and take back roads. Once we got to Charlottesville we needed to walk around. We walked around the downtown mall and then drove around the town trying to find a hotel. Once we found one we had an amazing dinner and came back to the hotel to watch movies.
On Saturday we woke up early (for us) got some fresh fruit from Whole Foods for breakfast and drove over to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home. We walked around the gardens for a bit before our tour started.
Halfway through the tour of Jefferson's house I started to sweat like crazy. Then I started to get a little dizzy. I pulled out my dexcom and saw I was in the 70s with the arrow pointed straight down. UGH. I disconnected my pump and hoped the tour would be over soon. There was no food or drink allowed during the tour. Luckily the tour was almost finished and as I stepped outside I fumbled around and downed I don't know how many glucose tabs. Several minutes later Steve and I were able to get away from the group I tested and I was in the 60s. I must have been super low if I was only in the 60s after bunch of glucose tabs!
Once I was ok Steve and I got on the shuttle bus down to our car and we drove over to Michie's Tavern for lunch and a tour of the tavern. Next we headed over to Ash Lawn, James Monroe's house for a tour.
It was a fantastic weekend and even better since we had Sunday at home to run errands and relax. The only time the big D was an issue was my low at Monticello. I love road trips!
Monday, March 29, 2010
The One Where the Dexcom Goes For a Swim
I'm pretty upset. You see last night I was tossing and turning. At 2:45am I tested and was 256. Bolused and then tried to go back to sleep. Finally at 5am I give up on sleeping and come out to the living room, curl up on the couch with my laptop and attack my Google Reader. I tested at this time and was 226. Bolused again. A little before 7am I am exhausted so I sneak back into the bedroom not wanting to wake Steve. The room is dark and I'm out of it. Recipe for disaster.
Without really looking I drop my Dexcom receiver on what I thought was the bedside table. In fact it fell into a half full glass of water. "Thunk". Oh crap. I reach in and yank the receiver out of the water hastily remove the pink cover and start shacking it to get the water out. Edge of bed is now all wet. After shaking it for a minute or two I check to see if it is still working. The reciever says my blood sugar is 212. Crap. Well at least it is working.
I crawl into bed and close my eyes. Oh sweet sweet sleep. Yet I can't sleep. Better check on the receiver and see if it is still working. ARGH. It is totally dead. I start shaking it and more and more water is coming out. I keep shaking it until all the water is out. At this point Steve looks over at me and asks what is going on. "Dex just wanted to go for a swim" I tell him.
At this point panic sets in. How am I going to manage my diabetes with out it? I'm going to have to test every 15 minutes so I can figure out what direction my numbers are going. Oh. My. God. AHHH!
Reality (and sanity) comes back and I realize that I can do this. Yes, I may be testing a lot more but that is totally ok. I can do this.
Dex has become such an integral part of my diabetes management. It helps me figure out what part of the day I run higher/lower, gives me piece of mind knowing that during the middle of the night if I go low Dex will sound his alarm and wake me up, it is a piece of the tool pie I use and rely on to manage my diabetes.
Can I do it without Dex? Absolutely, it is just harder.
I spoke to Dexcom and they said that they've never tried it but have had customers who say it'll start working after drying out. Thanks to twitter advice I have it sitting in a bag of rice drying out. I'm going to give it 24 hours and if it still doesn't work then I am going to have to order a replacement receiver for $299.
I'm bummed about loosing all the data that is on there. It is very helpful to my endo to see my dexcom data.
My poor fingers are in for a rough few days. Crossing my fingers that my numbers cooperate.
Without really looking I drop my Dexcom receiver on what I thought was the bedside table. In fact it fell into a half full glass of water. "Thunk". Oh crap. I reach in and yank the receiver out of the water hastily remove the pink cover and start shacking it to get the water out. Edge of bed is now all wet. After shaking it for a minute or two I check to see if it is still working. The reciever says my blood sugar is 212. Crap. Well at least it is working.
I crawl into bed and close my eyes. Oh sweet sweet sleep. Yet I can't sleep. Better check on the receiver and see if it is still working. ARGH. It is totally dead. I start shaking it and more and more water is coming out. I keep shaking it until all the water is out. At this point Steve looks over at me and asks what is going on. "Dex just wanted to go for a swim" I tell him.
At this point panic sets in. How am I going to manage my diabetes with out it? I'm going to have to test every 15 minutes so I can figure out what direction my numbers are going. Oh. My. God. AHHH!
Reality (and sanity) comes back and I realize that I can do this. Yes, I may be testing a lot more but that is totally ok. I can do this.
Dex has become such an integral part of my diabetes management. It helps me figure out what part of the day I run higher/lower, gives me piece of mind knowing that during the middle of the night if I go low Dex will sound his alarm and wake me up, it is a piece of the tool pie I use and rely on to manage my diabetes.
Can I do it without Dex? Absolutely, it is just harder.
I spoke to Dexcom and they said that they've never tried it but have had customers who say it'll start working after drying out. Thanks to twitter advice I have it sitting in a bag of rice drying out. I'm going to give it 24 hours and if it still doesn't work then I am going to have to order a replacement receiver for $299.
I'm bummed about loosing all the data that is on there. It is very helpful to my endo to see my dexcom data.
My poor fingers are in for a rough few days. Crossing my fingers that my numbers cooperate.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Living with Diabetes Day
Jess over at Sauceyredhead and I have been talking on twitter about an idea I had: Living with Diabetes Day.
Back in the summer of 2007 4 members of Congress participated in the American Diabetes Association's Day with Diabetes. I was working on the Hill at the time and thought it was a great idea to have some of our legislators experience first hand what it is like to live with diabetes, especially when they are deciding on funding for diabetes research.
Over the past few weeks I've been thinking how important it would be for Steve to have a better understanding of what it is like to test before eating anything, to see how the foods affect you. Of course he sees me constantly testing, bolusing, counting carbs, treating highs and lows. He helps me count the carbs I'm eating. He is pretty involved in my diabetes care. Despite all that he doesn't know what its like to have a pump attached to him 24/7 or testing all the time. So why not have it try it out for 24 hours?
Many parents of children with diabetes have practiced giving themselves shots or worn an insulin pump with saline. I think it provides a lot of insight for the parents.
So here is the idea... get a group of bloggers together and have their significant others, themselves if they are parents, or friend to try living with diabetes for a day. Afterwards the blogger would write about their thoughts and the significant other, parent, friend would write about their experience and thoughts.
If you are interested in participating tweet me @adde9903 , leave a comment here, or send me an email at livinglife.diabetes@gmail.com
Back in the summer of 2007 4 members of Congress participated in the American Diabetes Association's Day with Diabetes. I was working on the Hill at the time and thought it was a great idea to have some of our legislators experience first hand what it is like to live with diabetes, especially when they are deciding on funding for diabetes research.
Over the past few weeks I've been thinking how important it would be for Steve to have a better understanding of what it is like to test before eating anything, to see how the foods affect you. Of course he sees me constantly testing, bolusing, counting carbs, treating highs and lows. He helps me count the carbs I'm eating. He is pretty involved in my diabetes care. Despite all that he doesn't know what its like to have a pump attached to him 24/7 or testing all the time. So why not have it try it out for 24 hours?
Many parents of children with diabetes have practiced giving themselves shots or worn an insulin pump with saline. I think it provides a lot of insight for the parents.
So here is the idea... get a group of bloggers together and have their significant others, themselves if they are parents, or friend to try living with diabetes for a day. Afterwards the blogger would write about their thoughts and the significant other, parent, friend would write about their experience and thoughts.
If you are interested in participating tweet me @adde9903 , leave a comment here, or send me an email at livinglife.diabetes@gmail.com
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