Appointments

Sticking Up For My Diabetes at Work

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During a diabetes at work themed OzDOC chat a few weeks ago, I was reminded of an instance where I was given a hard time for leaving work early for a diabetes appointment. During the discussion, I shared how confrontation and explanation had really paid off for me in the long run.

I am fortunate that I have the luxury of starting work early, and finishing early. This gives me a little more flexibility in tending to any diabetes related demands in the afternoon, or simply taking some time to breathe.

However, appointments to see specialists at my diabetes clinic often do fall during working hours. I attend a diabetes clinic in a public hospital, meaning appointments are in high demand and often carry a long waiting list. The clinic is only open 4 days per week, and specialists often gravitate between a few places of work. I am in no position to simply cancel an inconvenient appointment, or reschedule at a time that suits me.

I am always transparent about attending diabetes appointments during work hours. I will supply my employer with the hospital confirmation letter confirming where I am. Even if the appointment is at 11am, I will still come in for a few hours during the morning just to show that I am being honest.

I consider myself a pretty reliable worker. If I’m not at work by quarter to seven in the morning, you can probably assume that something is wrong. I call in sick very rarely. I always pitch in and help where needed. Diabetes rarely interferes with my work, and many are surprised to learn that I have it.

It really hurt me that I wasn’t automatically trusted in this instance. I thought I had a decent relationship with my boss, even though he’s not around too often. But the truth was, I don’t think he had ever heard from me that I had diabetes. Besides, I refused to let this slide out of principle.

I explained the situation. I explained that I had diabetes, and that I see specialists to look after my condition. I explained that it wasn’t always practical to be able to obtain appointments outside of work hours. I also made the point that I could have called in sick and presented a medical certificate. Instead, I gave notice and came in for a few hours to help the team out during the morning.

I think I took him by surprise. I dare say I made him feel guilty for it. I think it simply came down to a lack of understanding, which was easily rectified with education and information. 

Ever since, I haven’t had any problems with work and diabetes. I get asked how everything is going, which is kind of nice. I’m taking some time off work during an extremely busy period to get my insulin pump next month, and so far everyone’s been respectful of it. 

Talk. Explain. Educate. In most cases, they simply don’t know. Sticking up for myself in that situation was one of the best things I could ever have done for myself.

Join our weekly diabetes support chats Tonight from 8.30pm AEST by following #OzDOC on Twitter. Tonight we are playing a game of “have you ever…“

“How’s It All Going? Are You Managing It Alright?”

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“Could I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure.”

“Let’s go over to the desk.”

“I’m going to see my diabetes specialist on the 3rd of February in the afternoon. I wanted to work until 12 and then take the rest of the day as sick leave. I’ve got a letter underneath my form here to say where I’ll be.”

I stood there, waiting. Confident that she would sign my leave form. Sub consciously thinking that this is the second time that I’ve requested leave for my diabetes since November. Knowing that she was pretty understanding. But still half expecting a comment. (And no, this was not the person who told me I Should Be Making My Appointments Outside of Work Hours).

“How’s it all going?”

“What?” I replied, stunned, and a little bit lost for words.

“Are you managing it alright?”

“Um. Yeah, okay, I guess. I can only do the best I can, I suppose. I’ve got the type of diabetes that isn’t caused from being unhealthy.”

“I know. It’s just that your insulin’s not there. My friend has a hard time with it, too.”

“It’s hard. But I’ve only had it for a couple of years. I’m lucky that I got it when I was 17. Some kids get it from a very young age.”

“Yeah, she got it when she was an adult, too.”

“I can only do the best I can” I repeated, almost trying to convince myself of that fact, rather than her.

“Cool. I’ll sign it and payroll can put it through for you.”

Sometimes people can surprise you. That little conversation was enough to make an ordinary day brighter. It’s never a simple question to answer, but it was enough to help me to remember why I do what I do.

Happy Monday!