Well I started at my new job last Monday and things have been a whirlwind ever since. The last two weeks have flown by quickly and I'm mostly still training. I work for a dental benefits company. I'm not yet used to working in a position with a rigid schedule, meaning I can't be late and I have actual scheduled times to be at work, lunches, etc. It's mostly because we have a small team and need to make sure we have people there to cover all of the work we do. I don't mind having a set schedule. I think I'll be choosing to work 6:30-3:00. I prefer to get off work earlier, but worry about with winter driving (in Minnesota) coming here shortly whether I'll have to deal with unplowed roads that early or risk being late. I drive a Subaru Outback which is all wheel drive, so I should be ok. I only live about 15 minutes from work.
The last couple weeks have been an adjustment, considering the months prior to it I was laid up in bed recovering from spinal cord surgery. Returning to work has left me feeling a little more exhausted than normal, frantic and trying to fit everything in in a night (pick out outfit, iron outfit, shower/blow dry hair, pre-make my egg breakfast and pack a lunch). That's just prep for work for the next day. That's not including all the other crud you have to do when you get home from work, like take care of the doggy, make supper, laundry, chores, pay bills, yard care, BLOGGING (ahem), grocery shopping, etc. You get the idea. So I've spent a fair amount of time trying to find balance in my days/week.
Returning to work brought back other worries/fears. Starting at a new job in a new position has left me feeling scared of telling anyone at work that I have diabetes or celiac disease. My boss just told us she is bringing in pizza for us next Monday so don't bring lunch that day. I haven't had the nerve to tell her I can't eat the pizza. So when I show up on Monday with my bagged lunch, she's probably going to wonder why or just think I'm a picky whiny eater-type person. Because she's also announced that for a week she is going to bring us in treats everyday- cupcakes, brownies, candy, etc, all stuff I cannot eat because of my celiac disease.
I've successfully hidden from my new colleagues that I have diabetes or celiac, which has not been easy. Yesterday at work my Omnipod PDM errored- loudly- in my cube. It wasn't just a pod error where I could just take it off and put on a new one. The actual PDM (the handheld portion) errored out and required a call to Insulet. I whispered on the phone the whole time, sweating each minute I was sitting on the phone on a personal call at my new job. But luckily noone noticed.
I know my diseases are nothing I should be ashamed of. But I learned the hard way from my previous job that sometimes employers DO treat you differently when they know. Some employers DO discriminate against you, and it's very hurtful because you know you are a loyal, dedicated employee who works hard and knows her stuff. And out of fear of that happening again, I've decided- at least for the time being- to keep my mouth shut. For now I'd rather be thought of as a crazy-picky eater who doesn't like anything than as a diabetic with celiac disease.
Just wondered if you guys had any opinions on how to handle the work situation?
On a happy note, I just saw the article that the next generation Dexcom was just released today, the Dexcom G4. Here is the link to the article, in case you haven't seen it: http://asweetlife.org/catherine/blogs/products/dexcom-g4-platinum-cgm-conference-call-for-the-doc/30753/
I am SUPER excited to order mine. I'm ordering the pink one, OF COURSE! My new insurance is effective on 11/1 and I will have my order in right away. For those of you who just recently got the previous model of the Dexcom, you may be eligible for a free upgrade/swap if it was within the last few months, or if it's been more like 6 months I think they give you a steep discount. Give them a call to find out what your options are. My Dexcom is 2 yrs old and was purchased under my previous insurance plan, so I'll be able to upgrade no problem.
Took some picks of my grocery haul and am excited to write about it tomorrow. Sorry again for my long absence. Since moving into my new house I have been internet-less while I looked for the best deal (apparently it's Comcast), then had to week almost 2 wks for an available appointment to have it hooked up! But I'm up and running now, and look forward to my regular blogging again.
I'm still dealing with the work situation myself. For now, I've told a few select people that I have diabetes, so at least I feel safe if I have a bad low or something. It's hard, but I would suggest telling one person that you trust, just in case.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely good advice. Maybe as I meet more people at work I will find someone I can trust to tell about the 'betes and the celiac.
DeleteI'm still dealing with the work stuff too. I've told a couple co-workers that I work daily with, but none of my managers or supervisors know. I fear some sort of discrimination as well. It's kind of at the point now where I wouldn't mind if they knew though. I've worked at my current job for over 6 years, with only 7 months of that being with diabetes. I'm kind of hoping that if/when they find out or I tell them, that they'll think "hey, she's had this for a while now and her work performance hasn't changed a bit!". That's my hope anyway! :)
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