I've just been told that I can't wash my hands before I check my BG unless I wait for a regular break. Also, I 'm not supposed to check at my desk which isn't visible to others. I have to go to the break room but I can only go to the break room during scheduled breaks. Huh? Yes, I'm angry.
Does your boss understand that you might DIE on his/her turf -- and be legally liable -- if s/he refuses your RIGHT to test your blood glucose?
People can be soooooooo dumb and short-sighted about simple healthcare.
When you're calmer, I'd suggest sitting down with them and explaining to them why you need to test your blood glucose and what will happen if you don't.
Maybe they're just clueless and some idiot made a complaint to them?
That's a great link, Shawnmarie! Bookmarked!
Thanks for the link ShawnMarie. I skimmed it and look forward to reading it more thoroughly this evening.
So this is kinda a question I have also so I was in the hospital twice with dka one was do to a infection and the other one was my fault. I was in ICU practically almost in a coma and had to call off work for the days I was in the hospital but that same day I got out of the hospital I went to work when I shouldn't have because I was still dizzy but they wrote me up for each time I was in the hospital for missing days which was like a total of maybe 3-4 total. I now have a fmla since I've been working there for a year now but can they do that?
Some good ideas and information here. I really don't have anything to add but to say don't give up. Not only do you have to wage a war against Diabetes but it sounds like you work in a very hostile environment. My mantra is to never give up.
I can't stand the though that ANYOEN gives you a guff whatsoever for doing what you need to do. Dumbasses.
That said, I have re-read your OP a couple of times now... I don't ever wash my hands before pricking. I just don't. I guess I would if I worked on a farm or something, but I don't. I work in ian office setting. I just pull out my gear and test. And, though it may horrify some here, I keep the same lancet in my pricker for months, even years. The only time I ever change it, which obviously is not often, is when I get quite a few pricks that hurt. Then I swap it out (if I can find that damend box of lancets). I'm wicked crazy about my 'diabetic waste footprint' so I cut down wherever I can (I also use the same syringes over and over and over again until the numbers are wearing off the outside -- dozens of injections with the same needle...).
I've been diabetic for 30+ years and have never, ever had a single site infection -- not from finger pricks or injections -- of any sort.
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Michael, I hope you won't be offended if I say that you are more important than your "diabetic waste footprint." With so many people wasting other crap by the mountain-load (disposable razors, single-use cups, those ridiculously over-engineered "clamshell" packages, a zillon bottles and cans for unhealthy sodas and fruit-sugar drinks, layers of wrappers for all kinds of packaged, processed Frankenfoods, etc.) medical waste should be the MOST acceptable form of waste.
I have seen articles (with horrible photos) about people getting bad infections from dirty hands/lancets. I myself got a small infected wound in my leg not too long ago from injecting insulin through my pants-leg. I don't see why it's worth the risk to not wash and to reuse Lancets until they're like a bloody nail. Truly I don't.
I always bring my own tea and water cups to work, I'm happy to recycle most everything at home and at the office, but I refuse to feel guilty about the medical supplies I need to live a long, healthy life.
I also refuse to let employers or anyone else push me around when I need to test or treat my diabetes. I'll look people right in the eye and say, "I have to treat my diabetes. Now. I'll be with y'all in a few minutes." If they want to fire me for being three minutes late for a last-minute meeting because I had to inject some insulin, fine. OK. But I'm not going to go blind or lose a foot because some self-important, insufferable, arrogant jerk thinks they should be able to command me to not take care of my health. Slavery was abolished a LONG time ago; I'm a human being and my health comes first.
Completely unreasonable. Sorry you have to deal with such utter nonsense.
Are you allowed to go to the bathroom whenever you like? I hope you don't have to wait for a break to use the bathroom!
Get a letter from your doctor & bring it to Human Resources. No HR, give it to your supervisor.
I don't use them because they dry skin terribly, but you could use alcohol swabs if you can't sneak to off to the bathroom to wash. I test discretely in my lap & no one sees.
LaGuitariste, I can't remember the last time I changed a lancet. Many discussions here about infrequently most do & no one's gotten an infection.
Hi Gerri, I know that people re-use them. I'm advocating that people re-think the practice, as well as the "I don't need to wash my hands to test" meme. Risking a virulent staph infection in the finger of a person who might already be immune compromised -- or perhaps even circulation compromised -- is NOT the best idea, in my opinion. It's no big deal, of course, until it's a really, really big deal -- and then it will be too late.
If someone wants to take that risk, that's their decision, but when I see them advocating the same risky behavior to others, it upsets me. Maybe infections from finger-pokes are unusual. However, unusual is not the same thing as impossible.
I've seen pictures, heard stories of severe finger-stick infections and I worked in hospitals, clinics and my dad's dental office. I know that people can and do become infected from finger-sticks. It happens all the time.
I always wash my hands & don't reuse syringes:) Don't believe that infections from lancets happen all that frequently or we'd hear about here & on other boards. Agree, of course, that it's possible. What scares me is getting an infection while hospitalized, where staph like MRSA is rampant. When I was hospitalized, I saw staff not changing gloves from patient to patient. Eeeek! Don't touch my IV, please. Nurses & aides had fake nails & long real nails with nail polish. How can know if your nails are clean wearing nail polish?
You are in a bit of a pickle. While it is easy for people like me and others who are not living with your situation to indignantly holler "fight them hammer and tong" we don't have to live with the consequences. You are faced with the challenge of intelligently managing your diabetes with maintaining a good working relationship at your place of work. The two should not be mutually exclusive. Daily diabetes management is necessary, but if doing that causes job loss that leads to losing your health insurance is a double whammy.
Years ago I had a supervisor who was ignorant and intoleralnt of my BG tests and insulin injections. As thin gs were coming to a head I sat down and tried to figure out a way to enlighten him. I decided that the next time one of our HR types was in the lunchroom I'd cajole my supervisor into eating with them and myself. Long story short: I educated my supervisor and the HR type unwittingly educated him about how his not providing a REASONABLE accommodation would result in his getting sued and losing - NOT a good career move. Happily handling his education in this non-confrontational and low key way worked.
Thanks for the discussion everybody. The saddest part is that I work in a facility that should be extremely interested in the health of their employees. Obviously my supervisor is ignorant about the needs of a diabetic and that's the main issue. Education is necessary and confrontation is not my strong suit.
Johanna,
Something sounds very wrong with the rules that they are giving you at work! I suggest that you contact the State Human Resource Office,or similarly named in your state. What you are being told sounds illegal. Do you have a union that you can turn to?
I am in a management position at work, and would never get by with such ridiculous rules. They would fire me, as the manager.
I wish you good luck.
Larry
I have encountered such problems too. The truth is, unfortunately some people really do not care about the well-being of others. It's good to know, however, that there is a supportive community behind you.