This topic is about a nurse who has been living with a temporary colostomy for six months and is preparing for reversal surgery. She experienced intense anxiety and fear of her colleagues' reactions, which led her to leave work in tears. Although only a few coworkers officially know about her stoma, she believes the news has spread. She wants to return to work part-time before her next surgery to earn some money and is seeking advice on overcoming her anxiety and returning to the job she loves.

Here are some helpful suggestions and insights:

1. Confidence vs. Paranoia: Try to see the situation as a confidence issue rather than true paranoia. Remind yourself and others that the pouch has kept you healthy enough to work.

2. Reframe Comments: If someone expresses pity, respond positively. For example, if someone says, "you poor thing," you might reply, "I'm not poor; without this bag, I'd be much worse off." Turn pity into recognition of your strength.

3. Positive Self-Talk & Mental Strategies:
- Redirect and refocus your thoughts when fear or sadness arises.
- Concentrate on what you contribute as a professional, not on what coworkers might think.
- Accept that emotional adjustment can take time; give yourself permission to wait until you feel ready.

4. Professional Help: If self-management isn't enough, consider seeking counseling or other professional support for anxiety.

5. Perspective from Other Ostomates: Many find the pouch to be a "blessing rather than a burden," gaining empathy for others with disabilities and a renewed appreciation for life and work.

6. Workplace Reality: Healthcare colleagues are generally supportive and trained to avoid insensitive remarks. Most will simply be happy to see you back.

7. Practical Workplace Ideas:
- Request a temporary assignment to a different unit or area with fewer familiar faces until your confidence builds.
- Consider short-term agency or home-health shifts for more control over your environment and schedule.
- If privacy is a concern, keep personal medical records outside your primary workplace’s system.

8. Return-to-Work Benefits: Being on the job can distract you from dwelling on health issues and help you feel "like everyone else" to people who don’t know your history.

9. General Encouragement: Remember you are a survivor; view each day and each shift as a gift. Lean on supportive friends, family, and online communities whenever anxiety resurfaces.