Returning to Work

Hi folks, for those of you who have returned to work… how long did it take to feel normal again?

I went back to work 3 months after my colostomy (had a few small bowel resections 6 weeks before that). I have been back 2 months and still can only manage 24 hours a week, tried 40 but couldn't do it. I'm a nurse practitioner in a busy family practice. I come home exhausted every day I work.

Took about 5 minutes. Going to the bathroom is going to the bathroom, ostomy or not. You'll get a routine down and it'll become second nature.

Went back to work full time 3 weeks post-op. I work 6 days a week, 10-12 hours a day, plus a 70-mile round trip commute in heavy LA traffic. It took me 6 months before I felt normal and got used to my colostomy.

Went back to work 5 weeks post-urostomy, back to work in the office 2 months post-surgery...

Only difference is... I cannot hold pee at all, so when the bag is ready to be emptied... I MUST go, even if it's in the middle of a meeting...

But this is understood, so no issues.

I was more stressed about fear of leaks or similar than actually tired because of commute and work... now getting calmer :-) 4 months post-op

Retired many years ago, but kudos to all of you who must endure this handicap and continue working. Especially early on after surgery, it must be very difficult for most. Jb

I tried to go back after 6 weeks post-ileostomy with light duty, but they couldn't accommodate my request. After 8 weeks, I returned to full-time work as a teacher in a classroom with students with severe disabilities. It's been three months now, and I'm not as tired, but I do need to sit more often than before surgery. Although I am having a reversal soon and know I have a second recovery coming, I know what to expect, or know more than I did.

I went back 6 months after surgery as a GI/Colorectal Nurse. Vast change from my normal inpatient. I get exhausted, foggy-brained, among other things. I probably should've gone back part-time, but this is easier on the brain and body than med-surg or home care.

I tried going back 6 weeks post-op, but it didn't work out. It took so long to heal (I attribute it to age). After 3 months, I took an early retirement and have never looked back :-). I think it took me about 6 months to feel normal again, if I was ever normal lol.