This topic is about a person who has had a colostomy since August 2023 and is facing challenges with jury duty due to their medical condition. They are concerned about managing their stoma output during long court sessions and have sought a medical excuse from their gastroenterologist, who refused. However, a psychiatrist provided an excusal letter quickly. The person is questioning whether the gastroenterologist's refusal was appropriate. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

- The court can impose fines for frequent or extended bathroom breaks, which adds to the anxiety of the situation.
- A planned reversal surgery was canceled due to a possible abscess, and the person is currently on antibiotics.
- It's important to communicate clearly with doctors about the frequency and unpredictability of stoma output, as some refusals may be due to underestimating the issue.
- If one doctor refuses to provide documentation, consider asking another healthcare provider, such as a primary-care doctor, surgeon, ostomy nurse, urgent-care provider, or psychiatrist.
- Contact the jury-services office directly, as many places allow you to report medical limitations on the summons form. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires courts to provide reasonable accommodations or exemptions.
- During the jury selection process, you can privately explain your condition to the judge, who may excuse you to avoid disruptions.
- Some people have successfully written their own detailed letter explaining their need for immediate bathroom access and have been excused.
- If you wish to serve on a jury in the future, consider consulting an ostomy nurse about managing your condition, such as using antidiarrheal medication or learning colostomy irrigation, once it's medically safe.
- Remember that eight months post-surgery is still early, and it can take a year or more to feel confident being away from home for extended periods. Gradually building experience and celebrating small successes can be helpful.
- It's important to consider both physical and psychological readiness when seeking an excuse, as both perspectives are valid.