I have had my ileostomy since the end of last year and started back to work in February on modified duties. My employer is going against what the doctor has recommended and is trying to get me to lift 25kg. I tried some stuff Thursday and Friday of last week and this whole weekend I have been having pain around the stoma as well as some throbbing pain on the stoma (feels like it anyway). Could this be the start of a hernia? I have been taking Percocet for the pain.
My employer is not accommodating me at all and has refused to send me to be evaluated or to send in an occupational therapist with me. I do home care and it involves lots of pushing, pulling, twisting, and lifting. I am trying to get a hold of the labor board and human rights, but they are all closed today. My doctor has filled out a new functional abilities form to extend my limitations for 2 more months (nothing over 10kg), but work is refusing that.
Some history for you... I had my large bowel removed in 2004 and a J-pouch created due to severe bowel dismotility... then that started to fail. October 2010, loop ileostomy (very flush with my skin). November surgery for an obstruction and created an end ileostomy. December emergency surgery for an abscess in the J-pouch that went necrotic... almost died and of course ended up with vitamin deficiency, 2 blood transfusions, potassium deficiency, as well as pneumonia. I also went down to 90 pounds... currently up to 104 lbs.
I am to the point where I may have to quit my job due to the stress and then putting me in a position where I will hurt myself and the patient that I am caring for... any advice would be greatly appreciated... thank you, Rebecca.