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I'm back at work! EEEK!

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Posted 10/16/2007 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
I went back to work yesterday. It's been interesting emptying in a public restroom all the time. And trying to hide "le bag" under work clothes. Oh, and then today we began packing because our office is being remodled and we need to move. Fun stuff loading and unloading files all day after abdominal surgery. I work in HR, and we loooove files. Anyway, it's not so bad so far. Just wanted to share, cause it's a milestone for me - at least, it feels like it! yeah
Posted 10/16/2007 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
Well sf, you are getting along really well - sounds like to me anyway. Are you working full days, or just part days to start with? I bet you are pretty tired by the end of the day, huh? Don't do too much lifting --- you'll be sore!

Keep us updated on your progress! Congrats on your return. Remember to drop a few tissues in the potty before you empty --- no splash, and much quieter!
Posted 10/17/2007 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
Sf, Welcome back to the working world. I know how scary this can be. I constantly have my hand on my stoma just making sure my bag is nice and snug. I am nervous that I am going to have an "experience" at work - which would not be pleasant since I teach at fitness classes :o)
Posted 10/17/2007 3:43 AM (GMT 0)
Good for YOU! I really admire your determination. I visited my doctor last Thursday, and he said I could go back to work after Christmas. He actually said it would be good for me. It has been three months since my surgery, and I have had a hard time adjusting to this new way of life. Going to the restroom is a real ordeal for me. I sit there and push on the bag over and over again. Then pour in water and swish it around. Pour in ordor drops. Then, of course, I have to clean up the toilet because I have made a mess! After all of that, I have to spray the bathroom until it's foggy. I don't see how I will get any work done.
NeNe 205
Posted 10/17/2007 9:55 AM (GMT 0)
Returning to work can be daunting, but soon got back to life of normality and sanity :-) .

Started off just working 6 hours a week and gradually increased my hours as I got stronger.

Had a few leaks but managed to sort myself out just in time.
I used to take spare clothes as well as ostomy supplies, now I dont bother, bag was getting too heavy lol.

I work with children and sometimes can be hectic, but now I have more energy than when I first started 4 years ago lol ( although not at the moment as im off with the flu sad .)

Diane x
Posted 10/17/2007 10:54 AM (GMT 0)
Diane - hope you are feeling better - flu bugs are awful, and esp. so for us baggies. Be careful NOT to get dehydrated!

Extra supplies only go with me when I am traveling more than an hour away from home base, and sometimes, I just forget to take them. I have a change of clothes in my car, but it's not because of the bag - it's because I never know from one day to the next if I will have to go to the building site of our house straight from work!
Posted 10/17/2007 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
sfgiantsjo,

My operation was August 6 and I returned to work a couple of weeks ago.  I do wear a safety strap to make sure the bag stays on,and since I am male, I wear overalls to make the cover-up a cinch.  Hey, I dont see why women cant wear neat colored overalls, :) Plus, they are very comfortable.  And I have had to empty in the men's room a few times at work.  Of course sitting backwards makes it a breeze.  I also keep an empty drink bottle handle for rinse when done.  That helps for my comfort, to know that I have flushed the bag out after I finish.  I also keep my emergency kit with me, which includes new precut wafer, bag, two pair of gloves, and deoderant.

Posted 10/17/2007 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, I never tried sitting backwards. I'll have to try it. And, I love hte idea of overalls. Heh, I can imagine showing up to work in bright pink overalls....
Posted 10/20/2007 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
sfgiantsjo,
How did your first week go? Make sure to get plenty of rest this weekend! :-)
Posted 10/20/2007 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
It went well, although I am SOOOOO tired! I hope to get tons of rest this weekend. My husband is going to a meeting for work tomorrow, so I'm sleepin' in! WOO! Thanks for checking in.
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