So after being out of work since January I have finally made my return on Tuesday and have worked a couple days so far. I made arrangements with my work and had my surgeon confirm that starting off working 5 4 hour days was the way to go for the next 8 weeks. I was extremely nervous prior to returning because things change so quickly with my company that 10 months out could mean returning to a whole new world. My company, MetLife, and my surgeon have been absolutely wonderful and supportive and have not pushed me into anything I was uncomfortable doing. They have pretty much been playing by my rules and its nice to know after working for a company for a decade that they are willing to be supportive and go the extra mile to fulfill my needs upon my return. I feel blessed and grateful for all the people involved. The one point I wanted to mention is that I didn't realize how much iyt would help returning to work and getting back to my normal routine to keep my mind off of my pouch. Its amazing that most of my time at work it is not even on my mind and forget all about it until I get that little nudge that tells me its time to evacuate but the last couple days I've only gone to the bathroom two times each. I feel so.much more comfortable and confident in being able to slip back into my job and become the hard worker I used to be. Just some positive thoughts for anyone nervous about getting back to work with your J-Pouch. I noticed not even just with work but anything that I am out doing that distracts me is a great thing for the way my J-Pouch responds. I'm actually excited to get back in the groove again and feel like I'm progressing in life again.
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Good for you! 
Thank You!!
I returned to full time work at the start of last week, 4 weeks after my takedown. Having a constant distraction certainly helps the day pass. Whilst I still use the bathroom a little too much at work, I used to with UC anyway.
Nice to be getting paid again too haha.
Nice to be getting paid again too haha.
This is one of my concerns for people who go on disability. Inactivity/lack of required distractions can make the issues worse! I haven't figured out a way to say it sensitively, though, since there's plenty of suffering that leads to the decision.
I agree Scott. The times I had to sit there and think about my pouch and reflect on what happened were the worst times. I definitely needed the time off but not without distraction most of time being I have a 12,8, and 2 year old and since my wife picked up a job while I was out I was the one doing most of the stuff with the kids especially my 2 year old I had all day when the others were in school. I always pushed myself to do things and stay active after my 3 month
bout of anemia. I would take walks and take the kids to the park. The last couple months I've had the energy to do all the things I used to: laundry, dishes, cleaning the house, making dinner, grocery shopping, and some yard work when it was nicer out. I never thought just cause I was out on disability that I was able to just sit around and feel sorry for myself. You gotta push yourself when you have that time to get back into the normal groove.
bout of anemia. I would take walks and take the kids to the park. The last couple months I've had the energy to do all the things I used to: laundry, dishes, cleaning the house, making dinner, grocery shopping, and some yard work when it was nicer out. I never thought just cause I was out on disability that I was able to just sit around and feel sorry for myself. You gotta push yourself when you have that time to get back into the normal groove.
Yes, so true and thanks for letting others know. I found that returning to work was far more easy than sitting at home and thinking about my butt 24/7. Work gave me the distraction I needed to begin my recovery.
Sue
Sue
As I recall, my husband went back to work after a month.