New job/surgery dilemma

pinkfizz77

I am due to start a new job on Saturday (well that is when my induction day at the regional office is)...I am thrilled to have found a job but have a dilemma.
Have not signed any contract yet (don't even know working hours yet except for how many per week...assume the details will be dealt with at or after the induction).
The dilemma....I have been suffering with gallstones for the last year, met the surgeon last month with a view to gallbladder removal. Agreed I needed the surgery and he said I would be put on the waiting list and not to expect a date for surgery until next year....got the call today to book me in for next Tuesday with pre op assessment this Friday :eek:

The timing is horrible....what are the odds of both happening in the same week

I need the surgery but I also need the job and really don't want to do anything that could jeopardise it! I've been told by friends who have had the surgery that I would need around two weeks off after keyhole surgery...or up to six weeks if they need to perform open surgery. I'm not sure how understanding a new employer would be at a new employee needing time off before they've even really started iyswim

I haven't told my new employer yet (phone call from hospital came at 6pm by which time the work office was closed) and aren't really sure what to do...the way I see it I have three options...

a) tell the employer over the phone or via email tomorrow and hope they are understanding.
b) tell them face to face at the induction on Saturday and, again, hope they understand (which will be after my pre op so should have better information regarding recovery times)
c) cancel the surgery and go back on the waiting list which would mean I could start the job when they want me to and undergo the training without waiting but would still be in pain and needing surgery and would obviously need to take time off at a later date for the surgery

I do want the surgery as it is very painful having the gallstones (and, as I'll be working in a bakery I wonder if I'd need to not go into work after a gallstone attack as mine involve vomiting) but I need the job.

I don't want them to think I am taking the proverbial as I am genuinely grateful for the job. Neither do I want to be in pain any longer than I need to be. I'm scared that, if I take the surgery, they might decide to hire someone else but, on the other hand, if I don't have the surgery things could get worse for me physically which could impact on my ability to do the job properly.

Any words of wisdom or advice on the best course of action?

hcb42

do not do B. Do A if you can, ,C is not recommended either, as this is obviously not good for your health.

pinkfizz77

can I ask why you think option B is a bad one?

*Scarlett

With option B you may not be speaking to the correct person to resolve the query.

You need to speak to HR or the manager responsible for recruiting you. They might have other options - other induction days, etc.

You will obviously need the surgery at some stage anyway and they may be able to accommodate this.

There is also the possiblity that they will say that they no longer require you.

DCFC79

I would also do A but over the phone and not email. They would want as much notice as possible to maybe get cover for tuesday and other days your not able to work.