Embarrassing Situations
I was at work. A low crept up on me without my knowing what was going on. All of a sudden I couldn't type, couldn't think or hear, I was seeing stars and I knew that I would pass out but for some reason, I just kept trying to work.
I have heard about people having hypoglycemic episodes and not being able to treat themselves, but it never happened to me before this. It seemed like all I could concentrate on was that I wanted to finish what I was doing. I finally got it out of my mouth that I was diabetic and didn't feel well.
The lady I was working with didn't know what I was talking about. Somehow I made it into my co-worker's office. She helped me and finished working with the client. My co-worker was very understanding and kind but she did say that it looked like I was drunk when I came in her office. I can't imagine what the other lady thought or felt.
Now I am feeling bad about it. I don't quite know what to think.I had tested earlier, I was sitting right next to my bag of diabetic supplies and food and had glucose tabs in my desk.
I feel awful bad about this. I never had hypoglycemia in public before and not been able to deal with it effectively. I maybe feel embarrassed and vulnerable?
I know this must have happened to others as well. What was your experience and how did you deal with it? How did you feel afteward?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by lotsofshots on -
Poke Lots a Lot???
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Permalink Reply by lotsofshots on
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Hey there,
Things were awesome today! I made up a emergency card if I ever need help and it is within arm's reach. I stuck a Post-It on my computer that said TEST and I tested a lot today. The best news is all my readings were really good.
I heard a knock at the door this afternoon and the lady had come back. I guess my email describing what had happened during the hypo did the trick because she was all smiles and very nice. As soon as I find out who is going to be in the next office next to me I will make sure to tell them that I have D and make sure they know what to do "just in case." I kept my supplies and my lunch bad close to me and stopped to pick up more glucose tabs and I kept some in my pocket.
I feel really good and safe now and I don't feel bad at all. I consider it a great learning experience. I am so thankful for all the help that everyone gave me. I really appreciate everyone's sharing and help.
The hardest part of the day was trying to figure out which color Post-It I wanted to use!
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Permalink Reply by lotsofshots on
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You are so funny, I had to use yellow.
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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on -
I wouldn't be able to use yellow as there is always a forest of them on my desk, the car, etc. There was one on the fridge this AM to remind me to eat the leftovers w/ my eggs.
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Permalink Reply by ROCKET on -
I am the queen of inconvenient lows, so I feel your pain! It is scary when your body betrays you and you are too dazed and low to help yourself.I try to have tabs &gel (with all the plastic and "sealed for your protection " crap taken off)stashed in areas I frequent. As for being in public and having a "diabetic moment" I highly recommend telling a coworker you trust and a few friends. Tell them how you start acting when you are low and what they should do. When I start moving slow and get really really blonde Megan or Brenna run and grab me a sprite. If people know about it upfront it things go smoother when you need help because you dont have to explain what you need and why you need it while you are freaking out cause your brain is starving...as for the other people...they can think what they want. You cannot change the fact that you are diabetic and you did not ask to be diabetic. Life happens and people who do not understand that do not have the right to judge and what they think anyway isnt all that valid in my opinion.
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Permalink Reply by NurseNz on -
don't feel bad! Im a nurse and Ive had to leave in the middle of a consult with a patient knowing that Im crashing. Not good but you gotta put yourself first!
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Permalink Reply by LaGuitariste on -
Oh, honey. I know just how you feel. I had a hypo once at the grocery store. I was looking at the same credit card reader that I'd used at my grocery check-out stand every week for two years and I couldn't follow the instructions. I kept reading the instructions and they were like Swahili translated into Ukrainian. Huh?!? I felt reeeeaaaalllllyyyyy stupid. I finally told the clerk, "I'm diabetic and I don't feel well. I need to drink this juice NOW. Do you have a chair?" The manager guided me to a chair and I drank my juice and ten minutes later I was fine. I apologized when I finally was able to pay for my groceries. They were very kind. Stuff happens.
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Permalink Reply by Brian (bsc) on -
While I think everyone around us is sympathetic to hypos. I also think we hold ourselves to a standard. It is a matter of pride and self worth. I want to go through life feeling like I can take care of myself. I am actually hard on myself, harder than those around me. A hypo that required assistance (which cross my fingers I have never had) would be mildly embarrasing to me. It wouldn't shock those around me, I am quite frank about my diabetes. But it would be a crushing blow to my pride and most of all make me feel like I can't take care of myself and give me a sense of loss to my independence.
I do stuff that is embarrasing all the time. I don't worry about how I look to other people (just look at my face). But I do care about feeling like I can take care of myself.
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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on
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It was very embarrassing to wake up naked in a pool of cranberry juice, that's for sure!
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