[kidvid]

I've got the opportunity to apply for a job within my company that would entail remote travel for extended periods of time. I'd be back home almost every night. Remote means dirt roads running through the mountains of western Colorado. The job should be exciting, interesting, and a good fit for me. I'm a shoe in for the job based on a number of factors I won't go into - it's mine if I go after it.

My current job is comfortable, safe, and mildly interesting. I only drive 50 minutes to and from work. There is a little room for growth, but I feel like a trained monkey most days.

Should I go for the new job? Maybe get the cool job for 3 or 4 years and then drive off a cliff when I can't feel a low some day? I guess what I'm getting at is - can I always count on driving if I'm in tight control? Right now it's great - but I'm a newbie. I read something on the ADA website yesterday that said one could count on some hypoglycemia unawareness after about 5 yrs of the disease - is this right? I'll test 25 times a day if I have to...or maybe foot the bill for continuous monitoring...What do you guys think?

47 yrs, male, pumper, 6.1 A1c, probably honeymooning some...

Joe

[corwin]

I think you have to go for it. Just make sure you are responsible, test before and during the long drives and do what makes you happy. I would never let diabetes stand in the way of things I want to accomplish. Thankfully there is nothing we can't do, only few things we have to do (test, inject, etc.). Good luck and congrats, sounds like a great opportunity.

[Mich]

Hey Joe, Congratulations!! Sounds like a great job.

Test before you head out on a winding road, carry a big jar of glucose tabs, put your insulin into a Frio when it's hot and enjoy that beautiful scenery!

Mich

[duck]

TEST before you drive! TEST TEST TEST! unless there is some reason why you can't, as long as you can test before you drive you should take the job.

I used to have to commute 62 miles each way here in Metro DC...some days that was 2 hours there and back, four hours a day on the road. My car was loaded with Pop-tarts, Sweet-Tarts, a spare meter and strips (in a cooler in my trunk--If I needed them that bad, I could pull over and get them out) and glucose tabs, sugary things that don't go bad in heat or cold. I rarely needed them since I would test before leaving home or the office.

So it can be done. But you have to be willing to test. (did I say that yet?)

[Lex4153]

Diabetes shouldn't stop you from doing ANYTHING you want to. Take the job! Enjoy it!

Congratulations.

[sweetjane]

I agree that you should take the job. I've gone through a phase of hypoglycemic unawareness, but by raising my target goals by just a little, I was able to reverse that. I've been diabetic for 25 years and have noticed the warning signs for low bs have changed over the years, so you have to be very intuned. For instance, my symptoms of low bs have become more mental than physical. Just keep a handle on your feelings and the candy jar.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.

[kgm0612]

Take the job, and as Duck mentioned..........TEST!
Good luck!

Karen

[lgvincent]

I see nothing wrong with you taking the job but you will need to test more often. I learned many years ago to test EVERY time before I drive and about once an hour on extended drives.

[valc3]

Take the job. Just make sure you test, keep glucose tabs, candy, coke in your car. I drive the back roads of Vermont every day. You just need to be responsible.

[JediSkipdogg]

I agree with everyone so far, take the job and just remember to test. Test before you start driving and about every 2-3 hours of driving. If you need to correct, do so. But I wouldn't let diabetes get in the way of an awesome job.

[am1977]

Joe, couple of questions....

Does your new job possibility know of your Diabetes?

WOuld there be other people around you while you are on the job? (in case of emergency?)

How willing are you to be open about your Diabetes- ie testing in front of others, taking insulin, etc... and how willing are you to put in the effort to manage your Diabetes more closely... B/c with this type of job, you would most likely have to pay closer attention...

I think some of your concerns seem like things that can be addressed pretty easily. As others suggested, if you are willing to test more frequently and always be prepared while on the job, those things don't have to get in the way of you doing this job.

In my opinion, if this is what you want to do and it's what you enjoy, you should go after it ...Frankly, we all spend so much time at our jobs, that if it's not what we like and enjoy, it can really feel like we are wasting our time and, ultimately, lives. I know that's how I feel... and, unfortuntately, I'm still struggling trying to find a job that is a good fit for me. That's why I feel like if you have this opportunity to do something that will make you happy, I would be very hesitant in passing it up.

But, bottom line is, the only opinion that matters here is your own... you have to do whatebver you feel is right for you. I wish you luck in your decision and please keep us posted

[MagsRM23]

I say go for it! Not only does it sound like a great job that you would love, but all the extra testing and management because you're driving might actually improve your control (which is already great, based on your A1C!), and therefore improve your quality of life all around by making you a happier, healthier person. Congrats, and kick some butt!

-Maggie

[Dewey]

Hi Joe! If I may be so bold (lol), I say it sounds like you're really into this job prospect. Like the others said, testing often is the key to good control, as it helps in keeping on top of any changes (whether elevations or decreases) in your levels - which will aid you in correcting quicker if needed. A couple of things you'll definitely want to do is carry a big bottle of sugar tabs, some hard candies, perhaps even a tube of icing and extra supplies (including a syringe & extra insulin). If you're out on the road & don't have snacks to correct for a low or supplies to correct a high, you could run into trouble. Another way to help yourself if low would be to Stop delivery on your pump, but it may not be enough, so it's best to have goodies on hand.

Also (just thought of this again), I know this may sound goofy as he**, but there are GPS gadgets that can help find you within feet/meters if you're not "functional." Different places like Wherify wireless (on the net) & others have it, and it's Not only for children or elders - it's for any & everyone. It may be a good idea to get one....Just a thought.

Hope this is all helpful to you, and as Am said, please keep us informed of your decision. No matter which route you choose, we're behind ya!