Returning to Work After Takedown Surgery

Hi Av8erchic,

I too have a desk job and returned to work 2 weeks after takedown. I found that explaining my situation, with as little detail as possible, allowed my manager to know why I may need to step away or even go home early. I suggest packing a bathroom bag for the office, their TP may be too abrasive and you may need a soothing cream through out the day. I found the first week I had to ease my way in as I was still physically tired from the surgery. Now I am exactly one month post takedown and find working a full day easy, and my routine is nice. You'll figure out what will work best for you in the long run, but being up front with your work, or as up front as comfortably possible, will benefit you in the long run. Good luck!

Thank you so much for your input! It should have donned on me to take a bathroom bag, but it actually didn't....

I always carry baby wipes with me when I am at work or out and about. I find them way better than any tissue. Beyond that, maybe some immodium (or in my case lomotil). As JessGoguen suggests, you will discover your routine after a while. Good luck to you!

By the way, does your handle imply you are a pilot?

Thanks for the info, as well. I am a licensed pilot but haven't flown in 5 or 6 years...

Great advice, also pack a pair of underwear and some gas-x. You should be fine.

I have a handheld bidet I used at work. Gets area so much cleaner. I would just run the water to get it warm for the bidet then keep the water running for noise reduction (just in case), as everyone else says have wipes and other supplies with you at all times just in case. I have started using baby powder with pure cornstarch in it instead of the creams because it seems to keep the area dryer and sometimes the creams can stain your clothes (even if you have a liner on ). Hope these tips help.

I am 10 days Post op Take-down and heading back to work Jan.14 in an office environment. At this point everyone I work with knows the details of my ordeal with UC. At one point on Live TV the Council asked my Boss on my status while I was in the Hospital dying. And of course he gave them details and continues each month.

Everyone has been supportive when I have came back to work between surgeries.

So I am heading off to work with a supply bag and extra clothes. I guess my muscles down there have atrophy. So I have had several accidents already.
Now I am exercising those muscles like crazy and its already helping.

Tomorrow I have to go in for a meeting at work. Hopefully i can make it accident free.

Good Luck on going back to work!!
First symptom of UC June 19 2012 (stomach pains, blood in stool)
Diagnosed with UC July 3 2012
Hospitalized July 20 2012 due to blood loss and other complications.
Loss of 54lbs in weight between July 19 and August 4 2012
Total removal of large intestine July 30th after large intestines completely ruptured.
Initial J-Pouch construction November 13, 2012
Final Take-Down Procedure December 28,2012