It's really all about when you're comfortable about being out of the house and away from a toliet. Even commuting to work was scary for me (I drive an hour to work) however, it has worked out fine and I can hold it when needed. I had my takedown feb 13th and went back to work march 3rd. Pretty fast turn around. I'm an electrician so I have physical work.

I felt good enough to go back just a few days after surgery, but my "new" bathroom schedule would not alow it. I was having 20 BM's a day for a week then it started to taper by 1 per day (I kept a log). I also was up about 5 times a night and now I'm up 3 times every night like clock work. 1am, 3am, 5am then my alarm clock goes off at 5:20 for work, it's a fun routine. .

I go 4-5 times at work and I'm getting a little better at knowing if I can hold it or if I should start walking to a bathroom. One thing that really helps me feel comfortable is I use a cotton ball right an my anus. I was having trouble with leaking a little bit no matter how hard I tried to hold it, so the cotton helps contain that. That has gotten better. I'm having a glass of medimucil everyday and that really helps form the BM.

It's an ongoing battle, just take it one day at a time.

I believe for me it was four or five weeks. The day I went back, I got an obstruction, had to go to the ER and remained in the hospital another full week. Take your time and do it right! Don't rush back.

It varies widely. I went back after 2.5 weeks -- I had settled into my normal bathroom schedule by then, and I was able to get through the workday with only one or two bathroom trips. My pouch function has matured and changed since then but the vast majority of the adaptation happened almost immediately. Other people really do need a full year to get to their new normal. There's really no way to predict in advance... Prepare for the worst, hope for the best!

Chances are you'll be feeling pretty good and have more of a "bathroom routine" by the end of April or even by the one month mark.

Is it worth it for you to go back so close to the end of the school year?

I think it's too soon. It's not like you are recovering from having a gallbladder or hysterectomy surgery where they give you 6 weeks off. I think you need to discuss this with your doctor. My LTD insurance company thought the recovery should be 12 weeks when I had the surgery. If that is any help. It is not necessarily the bathroom trips it is the sleeping problems you might be experiencing. You are probably still getting up several times a night and having uninterrupted sleep. Please discuss this with your doctor.

Hi, I went back after about a month, but only because I didn't have the sick time to take a longer period. My bowel movements were very, very frequent though, like 15 or more a day and several at night. I suggest really paying attention to the timing of when you need to use the washroom while you are off, especially in relation to when you eat. I always find right after I eat I have to go two or three times. Also think about the timing of your breaks at work, and if you could hold it if you had to upon your return to work. Planning ahead like this will help you decide on your return date. Ultimately I would say take as much time as you can if it doesn't present a financial hardship. Good luck!

I was comfortable going back to work after the planned six weeks. I didn't have to stand in front of a classroom, but my frequency was quite manageable by then. Everyone's recovery is unique.

I was 19 the year I had my surgeries. I took off the spring and summer semesters, and returned for my fall semester good to go, had the takedown May 15, 1991. Could have definitely been ready to work by the 6 week mark.