[JediSurfer]

Had a strange conversation with my GP last week. He said he wasn't happy about me returning to my job as a croupier. He didn't really make it clear why this was. Maybe he doesn't like my working hours or something. I am confused by this really.
For me to reach the level I have in my current employment will take along time and lots of hard work. I told the doc this and that I am determined to carry on with my work. Especially after all the diabetic ignorance I have encountered over the last 7 years and have managed to overcome in some ways.
I am actually thinking about returning part-time but still need to discuss this with my employer.

[nutrijen]

I've worked numerous desk jobs over the years and I can say that at times it was difficult for my coworkers and supervisors to understand my limitations (e.g., lows and highs). I have 8 years of experience in the health insurance industry and usually I didn't have many problems with gaining the understanding of my teammates. However, in my last job, I was an IT recruiter. This required working from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on most days. I was unable to find much time to exercise and we were required to constantly take potential consultants out to eat for lunch. This was very hard on me with my diabetes. I gained 10 pounds, which I have been unable to lose. My blood sugars bounced around like crazy. My employer didn't understand when I just needed to walk away to change out an infusion set, to take a physical shot of insulin, or to drink some juice or eat glucose tabs. Our desk space also was shared. This was problematic because I could not keep an extra supply of insulin pump supplies, test strips, etc. on hand in a space that wouldn't be touched/bothered by others. It was terrible. Thankfully, I was only there for 6 months.

I am now a Corporate Trainer and have a very supportive team of co-workers. I have my own office and can keep as much juice, food, test strips, and insulin supplies as I need. I carry 100% Capri Sun juice pouches with me so that if I am facilitating for a class and feel low, I can treat it immediately. I test quite frequently to begin with, which also helps me to keep on track. I'm not afraid to tell anyone that I am a diabetic or to explain what I will need in what situation. I usually tell most of the employees in my classes so that they, too, are aware. I find that most people are very understanding. I do make sure that my blood sugar is okay before I begin teaching, especially in front of a group of 80 pilots. They can be a little tougher of a group to explain this to.

Otherwise, I don't let my diabetes stand in my way, but I respect my limitations when I need to.

[kk5483]

I was dx at age 17 and became a Deputy Sheriff at age 22 i did not let it affect me besides not going in the military. I enjoy my job now but I can't help but wonder if it is keeping me from becoming a K9 Deputy because i have put in for the spot over 5 time and keep getting beat out by less qualified Deputies. But as long as i am working in this profession i will be happy w/ myself!

[dar917]

Now I got to thinking, I wonder if it would be a better idea for me to take my Lantus in the morning rather than at night, since I often have rehearsals and shows in the evenings, sometimes until late. Hmmm....

[TenderVittleS]

High stress job + tight control diabetes = an early grave.
Low stress job + mediocre control diabetes = longer better life!

[jeggeman31]

Originally Posted by TenderVittleS

High stress job + tight control diabetes = an early grave.

Then I should be dead very soon

[kk5483]

Originally Posted by TenderVittleS

High stress job + tight control diabetes = an early grave.
Low stress job + mediocre control diabetes = longer better life!

I'll must have 1 foot in the grave! But I love my job! I don't know what I would do I i was told i couldn't do my job???

[JediSurfer]

STRESS, STRESS, STRESS

may it not lead to your death.

Stressful situations I walk the **** away from. No amount of money can be put on my well being. Maybe thats why I am still a grunt. But I am the cheif, A mutha lovin No1, the duke, the jedi. They call me Skywalker because I can make profit from thin air. I could more than likely empty Chuck Norriss's bank account without even blinking.

The bills are paid and I'm happy, healthy and will live many many years.

My main job is keeping the **** alive. numbers, profit and percentage are just numbers and worth nothing.

Life is for living.....

...............and surfing...

...... and climbing..

[Nixo]

I am a portage worker.I go into the homes and work with children with additional needs under 5.It is a very rewarding job,can be tiring.I have to drive for my job,and to lose my licence would be my worst nightmare.My manager is leaving at Xmas,and her job is available.I have thought very hard about applying,at first thinking I wouldn't because of my health issues,then I decided I shouldn't let diabetes get in the way of me pursueing my carreer.Now I have another dilemma,I have found a lump in my breast,and have an appointment at the hospital on the 23rd October,so everything is on hold until then,as I can't think past that date.

[JediSurfer]

Hope all goes well for you Nixo. Lisa had a similar scare a few years ago and after already having a lump removed many years before it was an anxious time. Luckily all turned out OK.
I hope the same for you. Be strong, stay ahead and keep on fighting.

All the best

Rich

[JediSurfer]

Hope all goes well for you Nixo. Lisa had a similar scare a few years ago and after already having a lump removed many years before it was an anxious time. Luckily all turned out OK.
I hope the same for you. Be strong, stay ahead and keep on fighting. And go for that job nomatter what if its what you want.

All the best

Rich

[TgrsKrstn]

I never let diabetes control me. Life is no fun that way.. I am the boss, there for I call the shots. I think it is really important to maintain an "half-full" view at all times. Life is way to short. Enjoy what you can get out of it.

[jess]

I would love to say 100% that being diabetic has not stopped me from doing anything. Luckily I never had dreams of being in the emergency/armed services so didn't miss out on profession of my dreams. I went away to university, I lived entirely on my own for over a year and have travelled wherever I have wanted to go. However I would like to scuba dive and that is not an option, similarly I hate not going home after a night out as I want to avoid in inevitable alcohol induced low the following morning at a friends however understanding they are; for me it is more the fear that I'll go low somewhere dangerous ( I once nearly got hit by a car, attempting to cross a road whilst v.low trying to get to a friends house for some help - pretty scary). I believe I would be less determined and certianly less orgnaised if I had never been diagnosed, having an ongoing illness does actually give u sum v.useful skills! lol!

[lisa821]

I write and illustrate children's picturebooks. My goal is to one day create a picturebook for diabetic kids that isn't sappy, preachy, or judgmental. It scares me to see how many more Type 2s are diagnosed in children these days. I was diagnosed as a Type 1 at age 13, but I think there are many similar issues between Type 1 and 2 diabetics--like denial or stressing out over one bad blood sugar reading (or someone else making them feel bad about a high blood sugar reading)--that I want to share with kids who have this disease and feel lost over what's happening to them.

I've been lucky to find a part-time job as a graphic designer that offers health insurance, so I can continue creating books with the rest of my time. Insurance has always been a factor in the jobs I've had, but as far as how I chose my profession, having diabetes was not a factor. Or maybe it was--without realizing it, diabetes may have made me stronger as a person, more determined to live my life the way I see fit.

[modbom]

I was 30 when I was dx with type 1 so it definitely freaked me out. I've had a crazy and intense work schedule the whole time and it's been fine. I just test a lot and keep sweettarts on me at all times. Right now I work 16hrs a day and sleep on a tour bus. I'm a video engineer on the road with The Blue Man Group. Sometimes I go low a few times a day but I travel with cases of sweettarts so I'm always ready. Scuba diving has often required me keeping my diabetes a secret until we're out on the water. Then I casually mention it in a conversation about the many other times I've been diving. Having said all that I do, however, wish I had a more normal 9 to 5 schedule. It would make my life easier, but less interesting.