Returning to work after ostomy surgery can be quite an adjustment. After taking eight weeks off to recover, one person shared their experience of returning to their office job. They managed to complete two half-days, but found themselves utterly exhausted, going to bed as early as 6:30 PM. This fatigue left them wondering if it was a sign of illness or just a normal part of recovery. Additionally, they faced challenges with clothing, as a small un-healed area under the wafer was irritated by waistbands, making trousers uncomfortable. Despite these hurdles, they felt a sense of positivity for the first time in a while and believed that their recovery would continue to improve.

Here are some helpful tips and insights for anyone in a similar situation:

1. Energy & Activity
- It's normal to feel fatigued during the first weeks back at work. Your stamina will gradually return.
- Pace yourself, avoid heavy lifting, and remember to take good care of yourself.

2. Clothing Solutions
- Consider wearing dungarees or overalls, which eliminate waist pressure on the stoma and are comfortable for casual settings. Look for similar strap-supported garments when possible.
- For more formal attire, opt for soft or stretchy waistbands and long tops to cover partially fastened trousers until you are fully healed.

3. Skin & Wafer Irritation
- To help heal sore spots and persistently un-healed skin, apply a corticosteroid gel like Topicort around the entire flange area.

4. Mind-set
- Keeping a positive attitude and recognizing the benefits of the surgery, such as the absence of pain and secondary problems, can greatly aid in the recovery process.