My TD was in April 2013 and I was able to find a part-time job June 2013. I work 5 hrs a day / 4 days a week (20 hrs a week). This position is a perfect fit for me.

However, I did start searching for a job beginning in May, but I did not feel ready to RTW at that time.

My initial output was 10-15 times a day. Currently output is 4-6 times a day with the use of lomotil and Bentyl. Now trying to add immodium at bedtime to try to reduce overnight leakage.


I hope to continue working part-time until after my hernia operation Dec/Jan. I am lucky to have enough in savings and partial LTD payments to afford me to work part-time.

I was back to work 2 weeps post take down and it was ROUGH. My surgeon recommends a minimum of 3 weeks but I didn't have that option. I basically wouldn't eat all morning until lunch time to avoid frequent bathroom trips and then after that just kind of toughed it out.

I started full time nursing school 3 months post takedown, commuting to and from, and felt fine by that point, though I know some people don't have that luxury. But I was still a kid, essentially, without those sorts of responsibilities.

Thanks everyone, that is really encouraging to know this. 2 weeks - wow!!..If the take down goes ahead for me, I will keep a food diary and see how the output goes.

Is it better to eat - say 6 small meals, or keep to 3 meals - does it make any difference to start with - e.g.. constant out put?

I had a rough go with being very sick before surgery, then needed 4 surgeries total with a long month in there dealing with internal infection. That said, I was very weak by takedown. I went back to work teaching full time in 6 weeks. It was too soon. I could have done 1/2 time, but full time was an overload. It was a rough year because I healed a lot slower due to total physical and intellectual exhaustion.

My takedown was March 23rd and hoping to get back Sept 23rd. I had a rough go at surgery plagued with infection and months of extreme anemia. Felt like anything that could happen did. I'm not 100% yet and hoping with my workplace arrangement rep to be able to start of 4 days at 4 hours. Luckily my company has short term and long term disability benefits and are very willing to work with me to try and to get me back to work in my same position. I'm blessed to have a job that has great benefits and willing to work with me. Good Luck. Like everyone else said it depends on the person though.