Going Back to Work

You should be able to resume your previous work within 8 to 12 weeks after surgery. No one at work needs to know about your stoma if you don't want them to. If you wish to tell some of your colleagues about your surgery, plan whom you wish to tell and how much you want them to know.

Before returning to work, you may want to discuss with your employer about the possibility of starting work on a part-time basis for the first 2 to 4 weeks. Most employers are happy to help if they can. Having a stoma should not restrict you in the type of work you do.