My job makes me physically Ill

[kel4han]

Ever feel this way? I deal with medical claims all day. Sitting at a desk. I am a very active person and I never sit down aside from work. I feel sooo tired sitting here all day, bored, sugars stay high so I want to puke. my eyes hurt, muscles are dying to move. Dizzy. Weird stuff. Only when I sit here all day. At home running around I feel great, no weird stuff. I feel like this job is killing me. I know the answer. Find a job away from that dreaded desk! But you cant leave your employer when no one else out there would deal with all my "D" days between my daughter and I. Sucks. -VENT VENT:motz:

[Just_Plain_John]

"Desk Life" can be difficult, but I will make a few suggestions.

Are you adjusting your carb intake and medication (insulin ?) to allow for an inactive morning ? I have to adjust some based on how active I will be.

There are some simple stretches and body-resistance exercises you can do while at a desk. I think trying a few of these may help with the muscular sensations you are describing.

Another hugely overlooked subject is ergonomics at the computer. Just having a decent chair is only a small part. Your wrists need to decline gently downward to the keyboard. Have a little elbow support (not weight bearing, just a padded arm rest is sufficient). Having an angled footrest helps rotate the hips back into a position comfortable to the spine.

I've ranted elsewhere, I may as well also do so here - the PC mouse is an ergonomic disaster. If you can talk your boss into a cheap trackball, I strongly suggest it - the Logitech Marble Mouse is a good one.

Lastly are the PC monitor's refresh rate and fluorescent lights flickering and causing you to stress ? Most monitors can now refresh at 70-75Hz, so you don't see a flicker. Fluroescent lights - well, harder to control but maybe there's something they'll do (daylight bulbs, etc).

Good luck, be well.

[princesslinda]

I work as a medical transcriptionist and sit ALL DAY LONG. If I don't make myself get up and move around, my levels are higher. I usually walk 6 flights of steps (up and down) after eating lunch each day and it keeps my 2 hr in line. Also, I try to drink lots of water at work and eat higher protein.

The stress is something a littler harder to control, but I do think moving around helps.

[Cyborg]

Perhaps more basal insulin is needed? Or more correction boluses...

[gettingby]

I have to agree with the others here. Just a small change in ratios and basal can make a difference. I work in retail where I'm on my feet for at least 7-8 hours a day. If I know it's gonna be a busy day, I will change my ratios and basals. Same for a slow day. Just gonna take a little trial and error.

[johgn]

I know that whenever I go on an all day road trip my blood sugars will stink mainly because I hardly move at all. I also work in an office but I tend to move around quite a bit, maybe because I don't have a real attention span. I also go for a "working" (with somebody else where we talk about work) walk every afternoon. It does sound like you have some stress about your job too. Sounds like you at least need a little more insulin.

[poodlebone]

I also have a desk job but I'm lucky because I can get up & move around a couple of times an hour. My office in the basment so I'll just walk to the front, up the stairs, and come back down and walk around a bit. If I have to tell a co-worker something I'll get up and go find them rather than ringing their desk or paging them. As soon as anyone puts anything in the outgoing mail I go to the post office (right down the block) and drop it in the slot.

I go for a walk every day after lunch. If I don't, or if I'm so busy I end up sitting at my desk, barely moving all day, I run high.

[KickStart101]

Been there, done that....as a Secretary eons ago. Left the
Government and got myself a physical job which I enjoyed
alot more. I also felt alot better. I know what you mean.

The first job was Great for some time and the second 'til I
couldn't stand it any more. I was just telling Marie one
evening that I always preferred physical work and gave her
examples.

But for now you have to adjust your doses so you'll feel
better, for you and your Daughter. Then you can think more
clearly on how to go about getting a different job with coverage
and decent sick leave. I don't think Diabetes would be a problem.
Doing the movements suggested, if you don't already, and walking
around helps does some. Good Luck. :)

[Aftiel]

This has and does happen to me also at work - when I allow it to.

I find that :

1. Staring at a computer screen for too long without a break brings on the eye/dizzy thing.

2. Not moving from my chair for hours makes me feel "sick."

I force myself to stand up - stretch - look off into the distance, etc.

By the way, that feeling is something not just diabetics feel by any means - they are common feelings felt by many office workers.

- Aftiel

[am1977]

I also have a desk job and spend a lot of time sitting there, staring at the computer :pcguru:. I often find that I do become stiff and achy from just sitting the same way all day.

I would suggest to you to get up occasionally and stretch... Take a short walk or do something to relax ourself a bit. Also, try to take short breaks... it not only relieves some of the pressure of sitting all day, but it also relieves the mind a bit. I think you will feel better if you do :wink:.

If it becomes worse, you may want to consider finding another job where you can be a little more active. I know that seems like a drastic move, but if something is affecting your health negatively, it isn't worth staying there.

Good luck.

[KritterMom]

I totally understand how you feel because I am in the very same boat. I work in a government office and sit, sit, sit all day long. I have chronic pain also, and it makes it so much worse. So, I get up and move quite often and although it doesn't always make me feel great, I think it helps me feel somewhat better! I didn't realize that so many other people were in the same position. It makes me physically ill also!
We'll all hang in ther together!:five: