Anastomosis----Return to work.

Hi all. I am a 30 year old guy who had a subtotal colectomy in '08 followed by ileoanal anastomosis six weeks ago. So far it appears to have been a complete success. Only problem is that I work as an operator at a pharma plant, which is a "8hrs on your feet" physical kind of job- lifting, pushing etc. I wasn't too much of a problem when I had the ileostomy but can I get some blunt advice here (ahead of my follow up with the surgeon) and ask if this kind of work will be possible now, in light of my new hand-stitched inside?! To be honest I feel so well that I don't really care but I need to be prepared in case  I have to hit the jobs market...

Thanks in advance!

After my son's 6 week check up with the surgeon he was told that he could do anything as long as it didn't hurt. He has joined a gym and does weight lifting with no problems and has a job where he is on his feet all day...no ill effects. I imagine you will be just fine.

PS....isn't it WONDERFUL to feel so good!

Searcher144 - I'm almost 7 weeks post-takedown (surgery #3 for me). Today I spent a short time (30-60 min) lifting tube monitors and computers and pushing them around on full carts. I've got 2 "meetings" scheduled with my co-worker for this thurs and fri to completely reorganize 1 large storage room and empty the other. So far I feel twinges at my ostomy sight every once in awhile when I turn in funny ways but nothing that is painful or concerns me - just the feeling of tight skin stretching. I am up and down all day long. I think right now my biggest issue is my lack of strength and stamina. I'm not sure how active you have been for the last 6 weeks (I was a big of a slug - not recommended) but be prepared to be exhausted at the end of the day for your first couple of weeks back at work. If HR allows, you might want to go back gradually (ie - Tu/Th, M/W/F) for the first two weeks so that you know how things go and have a day to recuperate from being back at work and working all day. You could even do 1/2 days at first to see how you do depending on where you're at now physically and where you need to be to do the job full time. Definitely make sure you are using your legs to lift and push when you do go back. Good luck!!