Time off for operation

[seventeenlittleducks]

I'm preparing myself for the fact i'm going to need an operation on my nose been referred to ENT deviated septum constant problems can't breath properly etc. Due to this and chronic sinus infections which sometimes move to my chest and effect my asthma I've had 3 absences from work in the past year (I drag myself in unless I physically can't as it's an on going problem)
I'm up for a disciplinary meeting now and I feel if I have time off for surgery I could possibly lose my job. I'm going to ask for the time off as holiday when I know more but if it's full or anything, what can I do?
I feel like because I can't afford to lose my job I have to forgo and operation that will change my life until the sickness rolls over next October.
I am so stressed. What do I do?

[CotswoldStrife]

Former HR worker here - I don't see the operation as a negative, especially if all your absences are related to the same issue. I think your employers will be sympathetic to the fact that you are doing something about it really.

I've also had the same surgery! I wouldn't describe it as life-changing in my experience, but it has helped.

I'm also wondering if you have any anxiety because you seem to tend to catastrophic thinking - you haven't had the meeting yet, tell them about the referral and see what they say.

[Polarbearflavour]

Most employers will have policies an procedures on absence. They will follow these. It actually is quite a long road to get dismissed. In my current workplace, I am aware someone is being dismissed after a very long time off sick - 18 months.

You will be in a stage one process I imagine. Most processes seem to have four stages. Take your medical evidence if you can and a union rep if you are in the union.

[seventeenlittleducks]

Thanks cots I do have anxiety. I tend to jump to negatives.
It's been so long now with pain and not being able to breath and infection after infection to get that sorted out would feel life changing to me, any improvement would be amazing right now. I work an evening job so my meeting is tonight. They don't seem to be very sympathetic when it comes to sickness it's just stressful. I hope we can come up with a solution take holiday or something but I just can't help but feel pessimistic about it all.

[FinallyDecidedOnUserName]

3 absences = disciplinary??!! Bloody hell - do you work for Amazon?

[seventeenlittleducks]

No I work in retail haha
I had a chat with my manager though and I was told I absolutely have to have the operation and they will sort it so it doesn't effect my record because it's necessary and it links into why I've been off. Went so much better than I could of expected! Relived

[CotswoldStrife]

Well, what did I say?! Hope you don't have to wait too long for the procedure OP, and that it goes well.