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Nov 24, 2023

Worried About Returning to Work After Ileostomy Reversal

Topic Explanation
The forum discussion centers around a nurse who recently had an ileostomy reversal after 14 months due to sarcoma in the sigmoid colon. The nurse is experiencing clustering and is concerned about returning to work, given the demanding nature of the job and the inability to leave frequently. The nurse is also worried about the inability to pass solid bowel movements due to scar tissue from radiation and is seeking advice or success stories from others who have had similar experiences.

Advice and Insights

1. Consult Medical Professionals:
- Seek consultations with a good surgeon and gastroenterologist to explore available options if the reversal causes more problems than the ileostomy.

2. Evaluate Your Situation:
- Assess your body's ability to manage bathroom needs and consider the demands of your job. Take the necessary time to understand your body's new baseline function.

3. Give It Time:
- Understand that it is very early in the recovery process. It can take weeks or even months for bowel movements to normalize. Patience is crucial.

4. Scheduled Leave:
- Utilize any scheduled leave (e.g., 6-8 weeks) to focus on healing and adapting. Reassess your readiness to return to work as the leave period ends.

5. Success Stories and Encouragement:
- Many people experience significant improvements over time. For example, one participant reported needing to go to the bathroom 20+ times a day initially but saw improvements over a year.
- Another participant shared that after a slow start, they now have a good sense of control and fewer bathroom trips, which is reassuring.

6. Focus on Healing:
- Concentrate on the present and your healing process. Avoid worrying excessively about the future as it can be counterproductive.

7. Resilience and Confidence:
- Build resilience and confidence. Focus on the aspects of your life you can control and take incremental steps towards adapting to your new normal.

8. Support and Connection:
- Connect with others who have had similar experiences for support and shared insights. This can provide emotional support and practical advice.

9. Monitor and Adapt:
- Keep track of your progress and be prepared to adapt as your body heals and changes. Solutions to issues will be tried as they arise, aiming for manageability.

10. Personal Experiences:
- Some participants chose not to have a reversal due to concerns about radiation damage and healing
See full discusison
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