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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Hibby65" data-source="post: 1584284" data-attributes="member: 14527">52 m Type 2-  5ft8" 17 1/2 stone - poor control in past but now last 6 months been good - last 2 months - spot on re BS levelsHad a recent bout of sciatica - really bad - was signed over for approx 5 weeks from work, during this time in the last week had to go to A&E with double vision headaches and pain in eye.  Eventually diagnosed with 6th nerve palsy - which should clear up in 2 monthsMy job is dependent on driving so to my relief after some tests and some prisms being fitted to my glasses consultant said OK to drive.  Smallish team - 20 at work -but in the dept I work in only 4 of us do the specialised job - and its not the type of job where when short they can call up an agency for a replacement.  Someones off - everyone just has to share the work load.  Returned to work - expected a frosty reception but didn't expect the hard hitting and very distressing "return to work" interview I got.  Normally its just my manager - go through the normal how are you - are you better - are you 100% back to work or  light duties.  what remedies / medicines did you / are you taking. This time our Managing director was there and after about 1 minute of the normal charades of pleasantness I was told in no uncertain terms that my level of sick days over the last 5 year and now this was unacceptable 50 days in 5 years.  I said that two years of ago I was in hospital with Gallstones / which led to Sepsis then kidney failure - so that was approx 30-35 days of the 50.  Also I have been with the company for just over 19 years so what was my record like overall.  Was told this was not important that progressively my illnesses (all with doctors lines) had built up to a level where if I was sick again in the future for a lengthy period then my ability to do my job would be seriously reviewed and they company cant keep covering for me like this,  Also if my eye problem did deteriorate then I would lose my job as driving was essential to my role.  In their opinion these illnesses have arisen from my previous poor control and will not be tolerated,  I said that I was aware of the driving issue but had even wondered that god forbid I lost the ability to drive I could move house / walk to work / do a desk job - was told not to bother as that wouldn't even be an option he would consider.  What assurances / efforts will I take / make not to be long term ill again,  So stunned I cant recall what I said then meeting endedDon't forget - 52 yrs old been with company over 19 years and constantly been told how valuable member of staff  I am in appraisals - senior guy with tons of knowledge and usually the person they go to to train people in new things - but no extra pay.Live about 40 miles from work as they closed my local office down and relocated me to main office.  Lastly the job I do requires quiet specialist knowledge of transport / logistics but sadly there are only 3 other companies all based in the same area that do the job I do - so if I cant drive cant see them wanting me. No union and other guys in me team unsympathetic saying my poor control of diabetes in the past is all to blame so self inflicted.If I didn't have a wife and kids to support and a mortgage I would have resigned there and then.  Main reason I stay - pension and the life insurance that comes with it free of charge.  Without that safety net couldn't afford or get life assurance cover I could afford, and mortgage provider said this would be a problem.Must admit worried sick - had a we bubble to myself and sleepless night. My wife is supporting me but I know she is worried out of her mind.  Spoke to my manager today and said I was stunned and saddened about the meeting yesterday and asked are you actively planning to sack me soon / next time Im Ill.  She said no as far as she was aware I had just placed them in a awkward position at being ill as they see it far more than the other guys doing my job,  I broke down in tears - pulled myself together and said we need to talk again but I was too fragile at present.  She asked if I wanted the MD there I said preferably not but how can I stop himI feel all alone  - apart from my wife and immediate family - no one else to talk to about this - so thought you guys might have some advise.   Sorry about the length of post just wanted to give you as much info and get things off my chest.</blockquote>

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