Dr's appointments and employment concerns

[LookingforAnswers15]

Hi all,

once again I need your advice. I did not reveal to my employer that I have celiac disease. It is mainly because of where I live and how it is culturally perceived when you have a chronic disease. Although I am good at my job, it would be perceived as a weakness and possible 'trouble' for my employer. Thus far, I have showed that I am a hard worker always coming early or on time to work and diligently doing my duties. My trial work period is 6 months and I am trying to fly under the radar with my health issues. However, that raises a question how to go to already scheduled or when I have to schedule dr's appointments. I truly do not want to lie and I would be completely ok with taking an unpaid day (since I do not have any vacation days for first few months) but taking any time off to go to a doctor will raise other questions and possibly negatively affect my employment. I am supposed to finally get my thyroid checked next week but I am not sure how to explain coming to work late. I  would definitely make sure that I stay longer at work and make up for the missed time at work but I am not sure how to explain being late 2 hours. How can I tell them that I had to go to a doctor? If I do say I needed to see a doctor, should I downplay it (and if so, how) so that they do not ask other questions or require me to provide a detailed dr.'s note since the note would state what and why they were doing these tests? I hate that I cannot just be honest and tell them but majority or all of places here would not hire me if they knew about celiac and other symptoms. It is very discriminatory but anything is possible here. Please let me know how you would handle this. Thank you.

[cyclinglady]

Our labs are open early in the morning.  Can you go before work?  I also usually contact my doctor via email and can avoid an appointment if it is just for lab work.  Or can you say that  you are going for an annual check-up that was scheduled prior to your employment?  

Can you live without the thyroid testing?   I know that sounds awful.  I can not recall all your symptoms so I do not know your concerns (e.g. Cancer).  

[cap6]

Why can't you just say you have a routine doctor appt.  Everyone has yearly check-ups, mammograms, funny bumps or moles etc.  It's no one's   business why you have an appt.  You could be going to the dentist for a cleaning for all they need to know.