I can't guarantee that I will not be ill

[allupsidedown]

Posting here for traffic as I put this in employment but I don't think anyone has noticed it and I really want to get opinions before phoning my work back...
I have been off work, in hospital and back home again having a bad flare of a long term pre-existing condition. My work have known about it since I applied for the job. I have had several years with no issues just needed an occasional day for hospital appointments. However, it started getting pretty bad and I ended up in hospital for a 10 day stay and have been convalescing at home for the last few weeks. I’m now reducing my steroids and feeling much better. I was supposed to return to work last week but a set back with the steroids affecting my blood pressure and heart rate kept me off longer. This happened at 3am when I was supposed to go to work at 8:30am so I couldn’t give my boss much warning.
I have the hospital again on Monday for my MRI. Work have known about this. I said it was unlikely I would manage Monday due to the timing and travel back but should be fine for Tuesday. My medication has been sorted and I am feeling lots better.
My boss was just on the phone wanting a guarantee about next week and really annoyed when I said well I obviously can’t guarantee anything but at the moment the doctors and I think I’m ok to return on Tuesday. She said that isn’t good enough and really only wants me back when I have no symptoms and I’m off the medication. I tried to explain that I will be on medication and managing my condition for the rest of my life. She got rather huffy, like I am really inconveniencing her. 😢
I now don’t know what to do. I have no idea if the MRI will show that I need surgery or if they are changing my meds. At the moment steroids are holding the flare at bay but that isn’t a long term solution. I am feeling a whole lot better but that isn’t a guarantee.
Any suggestions? I think if she is forcing my hand then I’m not going back because I can’t be certain that I will be fine as the steroids reduce further. She just lacks empathy and made me feel like I’m useless.

Not any advice I'm afraid OP but I'm bumping for you. I'm sure someone will be along with some good advice soon.

Thank you. I decided to say I wouldn't be in at all on Monday as too many factors could mean that I don't make it back. I've said I am planning on being at work on Tuesday unless there is a catastrophe. I'm mindful that the scan could say I will need an op soonish.

I feel very sorry for you. I wonder if there is a support/advice service that could help you, other people with your condition must have faced this situation before and migg t have useful advice. Of course you can't guarantee how you will be! Your boss doesn't sound very understanding at all. Hope you're feeling a bit better soon.

It sounds as though your condition is serious and long lasting enough to be classed as a disability, in which case your employer is supposed to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate it. Your manager is certainly not sympathetic. There's nothing you can do apart from carry on as you are. Let's hope you're fit and ready for work on Tuesday.

Is it MS? If so then you have protection under the Equality Act 2010. If it is another debilitating health condition like IBD then you may have same if the condition meets the 2010 act criteria.

Your boss sounds horrid: unsupportivr and ignorant. You could call EASS and see if they have any advice.

Speak to acas

It can be classed as a disability. I ticked that box when I applied for the job with a note saying that although it is not continuously debilitating there are times when it may mean hospital stays etc.
Old boss was very understanding. New boss has less empathy than a dead fish.