Working full time

Eric - first glad you are feeling good! I have worked full time (more than full time really) since about 5 months after my sepsis ordeal. AJ and my bag are just another part of me. The only time it slows me down is when I get a partial blockage (like when a chowed on a bowl of popcorn two nights ago-ouch!). I did get norovirus two years ago after a flight back from LA and than landed me in the ER about 15 hours after I got home. Otherwise its business as usual for me and AJ.

Hi Eric, my ostomies are only temporary, but I've worked full time throughout the process this year. I had six weeks off from work after each of my surgeries but returned to working full time after that. The first few weeks were rough (had trouble doing much besides work due to fatigue) but I was able to get back into the swing of things. I'm not really sure why an ostomate wouldn't be able to work full time, unless they had other health issues.

I will say my loop ileo is much more active than my end ileo was, so I'm hassled with having to visit the bathroom a lot more (with the end I had to empty once at work after lunch, with the loop I empty 3-4 times during the work day)... but again, that just makes my bathroom trips slightly longer, doesn't prevent me from putting in the hours. And a good thing too because j-pouches and wet wipes don't come cheap

When I had my ileostomy, I did not work because I had 2 more surgeries within the next 8 months to create the J-pouch. I had no job to return to (medically separated) and it was more of a social issue rather than a weakness.

I am now working part-time, 5 hours a day with the J-pouch

Hi Eric,

I went back to work one month after surgery. I can't imagine not working full time. I feel better than I have in 20 years!

I went back full time 4 weeks after perm ileo surgery. AND I worked full time while pregnant with my ileo.

13 years later, I have two kids, am co-chair of the school PTA, serve on the school site council, just started a full-time, at home travel business, manage karate, swimming, gymnastics and soccer practices and games for my kids - I'm more than full-time work busy with no problem.

I think it is all how you feel. If you feel up to working full time, do it.