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After having a colostomy, patients do worry about their professional life. They do not know what an appropriate time is to go back to their offices. Well, this is an obvious thought arise in one’s mind. Patients have various questions regarding their working life and colostomy. Can they work with a colostomy pouch? How soon they come back to their offices? Should they change their colostomy bag at work? How often should they change it? How far they can travel after having a colostomy? And many more related questions. This is a perfect and worth reading article. You will get your answers here related to working life and colostomy pouch.

Colostomy

A colostomy is a surgery in which doctors remove a section of the large intestine, colon. Colostomy surgery is a treatment for patients who have colon cancer. In this cancer, the patient’s large intestine cannot work; thus, doctors make an artificial opening in the lower abdomen called a stoma. The natural process of excretion in a person gets changed, after the operation. Now, the patient excretes the solid waste matter (stool) of the body through the stoma.

Colostomy Pouch

A colostomy pouch/bag is a container that is attached to the stoma. The purpose of the container is to hold the solid waste of the body. A person has to attach the stoma bag with the stoma. It comes with a complete pouching system. In the set, there is a stoma pouch, wafer, skin barrier, and adhesive. When the patients feel, the stoma container is full of the stool, or he feels its leakage, he/she has to change the pouch.

Working with a Colostomy Pouch

Patients are always worried about their work after having a colostomy. However, they should not worry because they can work with the colostomy pouch. Having a stoma bag does not mean you have to change your lifestyle or you have to be in isolation from now on.
Well, in the initial days of the operation, you have to take rest and do proper care of the stoma. You can come back to your previous routine and work after the recommendation of your doctor and nurse. Before going back to your work, you should discuss in detail and take guidance on managing your work and stoma with your surgeon.

In every patient, the circumstances of healing are different. Some people get back to their previous lifestyle and work after the two weeks of the surgery. However, some patients take the time to get heal and join their offices. Therefore, you need a thorough suggestion and guidance from your nurse. Moreover, joining your work again depends on the nature of your job. If your work is related to weightlifting, swimming, running, or any other tough job, then you will need a longer time to recover and get back to the work.

Inform your Boss and Co-Workers

Before coming back to your work, you should inform your colleagues and boss about your medical condition. Therefore, they can cooperate with you. In the initial days of your surgery, you cannot handle the burden. You will have to do small work. And, you should decrease your working time. You cannot sit for a longer time in your office when your stoma is new. Moreover, you can have an emergency at any time; thus, you need to inform your co-workers and boss about the dealing of the stoma. You should give your doctor and nurse contact information for any emergency.

Your Clothing at Working Place and How often should you Change your Pouch at Office

After having a stoma, you should wear loose shirts. You should pick cotton and soft fabrics. Do not go for silky and tight fabrics. 

Moreover, you should change your colostomy pouch when it is half full. Do not wait for too long to change it. Or, you