This topic is about someone who is returning to work nine weeks after having a urostomy. They share their experiences and tips on managing work life, night drainage, and building confidence post-surgery.

- After the surgery, they spent 5-6 weeks healing and have now been back at work for three weeks as a maintenance technician. Their workplace has been supportive, allowing them to wear coveralls instead of regular pants and giving them a three-month period of light duty with no heavy lifting. The coveralls help by preventing the pouch from being pinched at the waist and make it easier to empty.

- At night, they use a bedside drainage bag, which they humorously call a "Pee-PAP," and find it manageable as they sleep almost motionless.

- Changing the bag is getting easier, thanks to adhesive-remover wipes, which allow them to shower without the bag before putting on a new one. While emptying the bag has become routine, seeing the stoma still causes some anxiety, so they keep a shirt on except when showering. They are still adjusting to the changes in their body.

- Work and daily life are starting to feel normal again, but there is still some concern about future intimacy.

- They are considering getting a red-and-blue coverall to match company colors, partly for fun and to tease management.

- They wish for a pouch that beeps when it's near full, as they currently empty it almost every hour and rarely let it get half full.

- They continue to avoid regular pants, preferring loose joggers, shorts, or coveralls to avoid drawing questions or pity.

- Emotionally, they struggled right after surgery but are now determined to live as normally as possible.

- Their work situation allows for great freedom, with the main challenge being to remember to empty the pouch before it overfills.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Returning to work, even on light duty, can speed up mental recovery and help restore a sense of normalcy.

2. Wearing coveralls, boiler suits, or bib overalls can relieve pressure on the appliance, hide the pouch, prevent snagging, and provide useful pockets.

3. Confidence will grow over time, and you'll start to see yourself as just you, not defined by the ostomy.

4. Consider building "frequent emptying" into your workplace accommodations, like taking breaks every 1-2 hours. Empty the pouch when it's 1/3 to 1/2 full to avoid leaks from weight and bending.

5. Night leaks are rare with an effective 2-piece system. Some recommend the Hollister 2-piece urostomy pouch, and Hollister Support offers free samples.

6. Leaks often happen when you're engrossed in tasks and forget to empty the pouch. Setting a phone timer or making it a habit to empty before starting a new task can help.

7. Only burp colostomy bags after emptying the urostomy pouch to prevent cross-contamination.

8. Emotional acceptance of the stoma may take time, but most find the stoma less fragile than they initially feared.