Returning to work after stoma surgery
When should I go back?
We’re all different and it does take time to settle into this new life with what may feel like a new body, and of course, we all have different job roles and responsibilities which may have an impact on when we can return.
As a guide, the NHS states that stoma patients will need 6-8 weeks to recover and get back to usual activities, whilst strenuous activities and heavy lifting can take 3 months as the stomach muscles need to heal.
Speaking to your employer
Hopefully you have had the opportunity to speak to your employer before your surgery so they are aware of your situation. There may be some occasions where this hasn’t been possible e.g. due to emergency surgery. If you haven’t spoken yet, have an open conversation with your employer or HR department.
Some areas to consider raising with them include:
Working from home
Speak to your employer about whether working from home is possible while you increase in confidence and understanding about your stoma. You may find that you’re still quite tired from surgery so this provides you with the opportunity to remove your usual commuting time and rest when needed.
Whilst working from home, try and use the day as if you were in your place of work, take time to assess how you feel and note any problems that may arise. That way, when you do go into your workplace, you can be aware of them or have already found a way to resolve them.
Phased return
Speak to your employer about a phased return to your working day/hours and/or lighter activities so you can slowly build up to your usual role.
Temporary position
It may be that there are temporary job roles you could consider with your employer whilst your body recovers. Speak to your employer to see what opportunities are available.
Private toilet facilities
Speak to your employer about the toilet facilities. A private cubicle with a wash basin and bin included within the space would be ideal.
Speaking to colleagues
Who you tell is up to you.
If you want to, speak to your colleagues about your surgery and stoma, as having a trusted colleague can really help if you’re concerned about anything. However, this is your choice and you can choose not to tell anyone if you’d prefer, just be prepared for questions as your colleagues will realise you’ve been away. If this is the case, you may prefer to say something like ‘I’ve had abdominal surgery’.
Planning for the day
Being prepared for the working day is a useful way to improve confidence when returning to your job.
- Have a bag packed which includes all items that you may need for all eventualities. You can keep this in your work bag, a desk drawer or even your car if it is close by. Although you might never need this, also include a spare pair of clothes in this bag.
- If you have a very strenuous job, you may need to consider a stoma bag that has a very strong adhesive or include a stoma belt alongside your stoma bag.
- Consider what work clothes are needed. These could include looser fitting clothes, particularly around the waist, and dark coloured clothing to help disguise any leaks. (If leaks are an issue for you, you may want to try an alternative bag, as like people, bags come in all shapes and sizes and you may find one better suited to your body shape.)
- Check out the toilet situation before going back to work so you know where all of them are if you need to get there quickly.
- Think about food and drink. Drink water throughout your working day and consider what food you can digest well. If the work canteen or local shops do not offer anything suitable, bring a packed lunch. Keep any new foods for when you’re at home in case it causes any digestion issues.
- Remember to take your breaks as this allows you to check and change your bag if needed.
Speak to your stoma care nurse
It is important to get as much information and support as you can from your stoma care nurse as this can make a real difference to how you feel about your health, wellbeing and recovery. Remember, when you have a stoma, you are allocated a stoma care nurse for the duration of your stoma, whether that’s temporary or permanent.
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