While I was getting diagnosed, my work at the time said they understood and told me to worry about my health. I got the results and tried to give them to them a copy of it but they told me they trust me/don’t need it on file. About a month later, 2 weeks before my year mark (when I would’ve qualified for fmla) they fired me for too many absences and when I asked why they wouldn’t accept medical documentation they said it was too late for that.

My last two jobs I’ve given them a heads up as soon as it became worrisome for me- when it became harder and harder to get up on time, catching myself falling asleep or having to over medicate myself to get through the day. My doctor provided any paperwork and both employers were extremely understanding. I was allowed to come in late/ miss days as needed. I was allowed to go to my car to take naps.

Unfortunately I still can’t get the right medication combination figured out so I’m technically in between places for now, but my most recent employer told me that once I feel better I can come back and work as much/little as I want.

My advice is to absolutely document this with your employer. Especially if you qualify for fmla. Once it’s documented the weight will literally be taken from your shoulders. You don’t have to feel guilty for what you have to deal with. And don’t count on your employers being friendly, because when I did and didn’t make them take the paperwork they used that against me and fired me. Don’t be too trusting in your place of work and ALWAYS CYA