Working Life with a Stoma

Navigating stoma surgery can be tricky enough without the added complexity of knowing when / what to tell your boss.

When I had my last surgery (my Barbie butt) was the summer after I finished my degree, so I held off on my job search till after I was recovered. I started my new job two months after my surgery, to give myself enough time to fully recover. I waited until my wounds had healed and till I felt able to sit down for long periods of time (one of the biggest hurdles during my recovery).

Starting my job

Fast forward to when I started, the first person I told at work was my office manager as during my induction I had to fill out a medical questionnaire. I just had an honest and open chat with her and explained that I’ve had a couple of surgeries and I’m all sorted now but I just wanted to make her aware now. I felt it was really important to let them know early on in case anything happened and I had to go for any hospital appointments or check ups. My advice for starting a new job would definitely be upfront and honest, you can have a confidential chat with HR or the office manager if you don’t feel comfortable going to your line manager. I think it helps in the long run if anything were to happen as they are aware and they can offer you help as and when you need it.

Telling your colleagues

When it comes to telling your colleagues within the workplace I would just suggest telling people you feel comfortable around. I told a few people in my team during a social event after work, as it felt like more of a relaxed environment. Everyone I told responded really positively, some with lots of questions which I’m always more than happy to answer. Having my Instagram definitely helps me be open about my stoma as it’s out there for everyone to see anyway so when I tell people it’s because I choose too. I’ve been with my work about 7 months now and there is still a lot of people in the office who don’t know but that’s not because I don’t want them too, it’s more that they don’t really need to know. When I’ve been speaking to other people in the office sometimes it just comes up in conversation which is also another way of naturally telling people.

Day-to-day at work

My day to day at work is largely unaffected by my stoma, which is definitely a win. I always make sure I carry around spare supplies if I’m going out for a meeting and I have supplies in my office drawer so I can change my bag if and when I need too.

I know there will be a few people who are hesitant about telling their employers which I also understand as it is a very personal and private thing to have to tell people. But I would say tell at least one person so if you need to work from home or have a day off for an appointment or if you have any complications it will be a lot easier if they already know. I have also personally found that the people I’ve told admire my strength and confidence for telling them and also for sharing my story.

If I ever were to leave and start a new job I would 100% do the same again and be honest from the get go.

Summer @summers_stoma