Resuming work with stoma

[Gra]

Last week I told my boss that I will be back at work starting Tuesday next week, initially for two days a week. Main driver for this is that I have used up all my paid sick leave. But starting to wonder how I am going to do this.

One of my big worries is managing the stoma at work, and especially how I might be able to cope if I had a leak from the bag while at work. How do others cope with stuff like this? Your experience or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Graham

 

[annawato]

I can definitely understand your concerns Gra. I don't work outside the home anymore so can't help you with any suggestions. Are you able to go to the toilet whenever you need? If so it should be fine. Carry everything you need to change the bag and keep a spare set of clothes handy. The first few days will be scary but you have to start sometime and better to when its only two days a week. Loads of people here work or study fulltime with no trouble. Its just getting over that first hurdle that is hard. Good luck.

 

[Samboi]

I had spares in a bag in the boot of my car.
Spare stoma supplies and spare clothes.
I had a few disasters that I can laugh about now.
Overall - it was totally manageable.
I can fully understand your trepidation though. It's a really big step going back to work.
I was petrified - and I work in an extremely supportive work environment.
Good luck Gra - I hope it all goes well.

 

[robbo87]

I went back to work part time about 10 months ago and had similar worrys but everything upto now has been fine. I keep some spare clothes in my boot just incase, and also take a bag into work with me which has spare supplies. I also make sure I go to the toilet every 90 minutes so the bag doesn't have chance to get too full.

 

[Kris]

I've worked full time and part time. I've only had one leak in the beginning. I'm a probation officer and I work in the office and out in the field doing home searches. If I know I'm going to be be out in the field, I eat a very small meal, because I know there is a chance I might not be able to get to a bathroom. It's worked very well for me. It was scary at first, but I manage it really well.

 

[highlandsrock]

Hi Gra

Looking at the date of your original post you have probably returned to work by now. How are you getting on? Are you dealing OK with the stoma? Have you got it house trained yet?

 

[littlefreebird]

I was at work full time 7 weeks after my full panproctocolectomy that was 2 years ago. I empty bag about 4 times throughout the whole day. Not a single person in my work know about my bag. I have no problems it is exactly the same as when I didn't have a bag. Carrying spare bags etc. is a good idea just for your own piece of mind. Don't worry it'll be fine! Take care. X