In Trouble at Work

[lostoneself]

I recently got in some trouble at work for attendence.  we are only allowed to miss 5 days in a year and i find that absolutly rediculous but there are alot of people who rarely miss work.  I missed more than my 5 days and all were lagit reasons i never have called in so that i can go out or whatever only when i am sick but we are a "no fault" organization and it doesnt matter what the reason is.  I have talked with my manager and finally told her about my condition and she mentioned getting FMLA so that it will secure my job if i have to miss more that allowed.
I dont qualify for a few months now and if i miss another day i could lose my job.  it is usually every 3-6 months apart that i call in but when it hits then i call in quite a bit.  I have been doing really well and keeping to a schedule and routine which i know is very helpful for me, but what can i do if i have a full swing episode?  I am so afraid of losing my job.  they say i do great work "when your here"!  what can i do?

[cowgirlnerd]

Really good points - also, we are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Here's some points that might help you:
* A qualified employee or applicant with a disability is an individual who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the job in question.  
  
   Reasonable accommodation may include, but is not limited to:

1) Making existing facilities used by employees readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.
2)  ****LOOK AT THIS*****Job restructuring, modifying work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position;
3)  Acquiring or modifying equipment or devices, adjusting or modifying examinations, training materials, or policies, and providing qualified readers or interpreters.

http://www.eeoc.gov/types/ada.html

I know it's hard - but at least you have taken the first step in explaining your situation.  

Hang in there.  

[Lizz67]

Are you under the care of a psychiatrist?  If so you should have that doctor write a letter to your employer.  
If you're not, you should see someone because it sounds like your symptoms are not well-controlled.  Serious episodes every 3-6 months are frequent in my opinion.
It is scarey to have this disorder and being afraid of another episode is something we all live with very common.
If you are really having such a difficult time maintaining your work/job right now, it may be a time to consider applying for disability.  I have been on disabilty in the states, and now have been able to work for a long time.
That is if you're in the States. I don't know about other countries, although lots of people on this forum do.
Good move talking to your employer.  Being honest turned out to be a good step for you.  That shows you are a brave person.
Good luck and let us know what's happeing.