After 2 years of being out out of the work place I think I am ready to do something part time. Any suggestions on how to approach this? I am very nervous about how to deal with my jpouch in a work situation.
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Chances are you probably had to poop before you got your J Pouch, so you shouldn't be too worried about it now. I've only had my J Pouch for 7 or 8 weeks, I'm back at work, 9 hour days. I'd say I usually go about 3 times while I'm at work. As long as you get a job where you're allowed to go to the bathroom go for it. Good luck!
As long as you're continent, you should do just fine. I'd leave details of your health out of any interview; once the cat's out of the bag it's hard to get it back in. Congratulations on going out there and getting back into the workforce.
what about things like urgency, frequency, back-and-forth bathroom visits? wouldn't that be considered disruptive, especially if you are in a lot of meetings or have to give presentation? it's a good question because i wonder how i will be able to function at work with a jpouch. sometimes lomotil and things like that help, other times it doesn't. but it's been 2 years for you, so maybe your jpouch is more 'stable'. i worked a very high stress job with an ostomy, but that seems easier looking back in some ways...
I just reached my 4 year mark post takedown and debating a job change. I find myself fearing some positions that my pouch could interfere with and choose not to apply. I need to get past that. Anyway, my current jobs (I have two) work well with my j-pouch schedule, but I need a change for different reasons. In any case, I chose to notify my employer and/or coworkers of my situation when it becomes necessary. If I am having a rough patch and they notice my frequent BM trips, then I clue them in so they don't think I'm up to something or slacking at work. I might explain myself sooner if they notice my frequent pill intake (Lomotil and fiber pills). Everyone has always been supportive and understanding when the cat is out of the bag. Some even take it further and want to hear my whole cancer story. Although embarrassing, letting it out helps my comfort level in the workplace.
Just take it slow and see how your pouch adapts. You'll find what works through trial and error. Like me, you might find yourself taking note of how often coworkers use the restroom in comparison to youself. I seem to fit in the middle and go unnoticed most days..unless it's a rough day.
I also avoid eating trigger items at work and limit quantity on my lunch break.
Hope this helped.. good luck to you!
Christian
Just take it slow and see how your pouch adapts. You'll find what works through trial and error. Like me, you might find yourself taking note of how often coworkers use the restroom in comparison to youself. I seem to fit in the middle and go unnoticed most days..unless it's a rough day.
I also avoid eating trigger items at work and limit quantity on my lunch break.
Hope this helped.. good luck to you!
Christian
Hey, I work as a teacher. You can't leave the room often in the middle of class. I usually have to run to the bathroom between classes, a prep hour, or a work-time once in the morning, but sometimes I make it to lunch. And once in the afternoon, though sometimes I make it to 2:55.
So long as you have waking continence (im still working on the sleeping part) you can do any job. Even a job with meeting is doable if your frequency is down, just stop off in the bathroom before the meeting. I know I can basically go whenever and wherever, it just is uncomfortable after the pouch fills to a certain point. So empty it out at times that work for you.
So long as you have waking continence (im still working on the sleeping part) you can do any job. Even a job with meeting is doable if your frequency is down, just stop off in the bathroom before the meeting. I know I can basically go whenever and wherever, it just is uncomfortable after the pouch fills to a certain point. So empty it out at times that work for you.
NJK- If you're worried about being continent at work, you may want to consider wearing incontinence pads until you're comfortable with how your pouch handles your work environment.