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| Coping with the Challenges of Returning to the Workplace and Enjoying Working Life Again |
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| Back to Work |
| For a lot of us, it's usually not very long after surgery that we think about going back to work either voluntarily or because we need to. But the time it takes to get back into work varies from person to person depending on the severity of the disease, the reason for and type of surgery, recovery time, age and the type of job. It's always a good idea to discuss this timing with your doctor or surgeon. |
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| There are, however, some important things to remember: Don't rush unnecessarily back to work. Going back too early is likely to cause more problems in the long run. Think of your return to work as a series of steps to be taken one at a time. |
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| Some people like to work these steps as a series of small goals. Again, everyone is different. So the steps can vary from one person to the next, happen at differing times, or end up being combined. |
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Step 1. |
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Being able to handle your pouch without assistance. |
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Step 2. |
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Being able to change your pouch easily, routinely and without too much difficulty. |
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Step 3. |
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Making sure you have enough energy to do a day's work. This really depends on the type of work you do. For example, manual labor will take more physical energy than a desk job. |
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Step 4. |
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Feeling comfortable about traveling to work. |
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Step 5. |
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Knowing what to do if the pouch leaks and needs to be replaced in an emergency. |
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| There are other precautions which may help with peace of mind. Carry a change of pouches and accessories in your car or handbag, and keep a pouch in your desk drawer or locker at work, just in case. Some people even have a change of underwear or clothing on hand, in case of an unexpected leak. |
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| Fatigue can be a real problem, even months after your operation. More often than not, people start back to work gradually, (perhaps a couple of mornings a week at first) before going back full-time. Unfortunately, it's not always possible to do this in all jobs. It's a good idea to check the employment and job rules at any place of work before requesting or receiving either time off work or reduced time. Some employers will offer a different position within the organization for a temporary period until people are fit enough to go back to their regular positions. This is often referred to as 'restricted duties'. |
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| Some people worry that the stoma will interfere with work. If a job involves sitting down at a desk all day, both stoma and pouch should present few or no problems. Some people, such as those who have had rectal surgery as well, will have rather sore or tender bottoms for a good while after their operation. The solution can be simple: make sure the chair is comfortable or there's a cushion to sit on. These problems with the 'perineal wound,' as it's known, usually disappear after a few months. If they don't, consult a doctor. If your job requires you being on your feet all day, the pouch and stoma will present you with few problems, although fatigue may be more of an issue at first. |
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| Stomas can be a bit of a nuisance in jobs which involve a lot of bending and lifting or working in confined spaces. Lifting very heavy weights is not really recommended for the first twelve months or so after going back to work to avoid undue strain on a healing body. At any rate, always follow safe lifting practices — i.e., lift with a straight back and bent legs — not bent spine. Avoid carrying heavy objects against the stoma as these can damage it. Don't be careless. |
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| As far as jobs which involve a lot of bending and stretching are concerned, two useful things can help. Wear a pouch that can be attached to a stoma belt while working. This can give added security. Wear loose fitting clothing if needed or avoid constricting belts and tight trousers. |
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| If the job is a fairly active one, a common problem is sweating at the area where the pouch is attached to the skin which can reduce the effectiveness of the adhesive holding the appliance to the skin. The pouch may have to be changed more frequently in these circumstances. Alternatively there are more durable skin barriers available that cope better with perspiration than others. The stoma care nurse or an ostomy manufacturer may assist with advice. |
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