Billy,
Why would you think that the 2 don't mix? An ostomy, once regulated and stable will allow you all the freedom that you need to travel, drive and go the long haul...you just need to deal with the adaptation period which can take a few weeks to a few months or more...Depending your body and your digestive rythme.
I would not plan on changing jobs unless that is what you really wish to do...but you may require a few months leave of abscence...Will they also need to do chemo or not?
That may be a factor in your decison making process.
Maybe, if you choose to no longer drive, you could teach? Or work in logistics at a transportation hub if you wish to remain in the same branch...if not, once you are well, the sky is the limit...
Sharon

Agree with Sharon. I could go a long time with my loop ileostomy.

Also COLOstomy vs. ILEOstomy is different... A colostomy will put out formed stool (ostomy in the colon). If you keep some large bowel, it'll be likely formed stool that doesn't need emptied much.

An ileostomy will be looser, but the looseness depends on where it's made. Time would tell how impacting that would be, but I bet it'd be fine, too. Even with my loop ileostomy, I could go a long time before I emptied, and bathroom trips took 3 minutes, because, poof! empty, move on...

Which do they plan for you?

I was a diesel truck mechanic when I had my colon removed. I had to go back to driving dump trucks for about a year while every thing healed up. I couldn't roll around under trucks or do heavy lifting for a while is the reason.
The only issues I had was if the wafer the bag attaches to came off,it was time for me to head to the house. Only happened twice. You will need to keep the ostomy supply kit handy for that reason,but it shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Thank you all for the good and positive thoughts. I was diagnosed with stage 2 rectal cancer and I am getting Chemo/radiation and my first bout with it is going very well according to the doctors. I am stressing over the fact that I would not be able to continue my current job. After seeing what was written it does give me more hope. I was also going to ask if there was any kind of job restrictions/concerns about the type of job that someone with an ostomy bag has but it sounds like it could be any type. I just have to figure out what my rhythm is. Thanks again.

The bag was sooooooo convenient, for me! Once I got the hang of what products worked best for me I had a very hard time giving it up for connecting my J-pouch. If I had to go back to it, I wouldn't hesitate in the least! Best wishes!

thank You CeeeeCeeee for the encouraging words and I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life.

I also loved the bag. Just empty and go. I got up once at 5 am to drive my husband to work, then off to the beach with my kids. I was probably driving for three hours before I had to use the restroom, and never had to worry, am I going to have to go right after I start driving. It can be quite convenient and once you get the hang of it changing is pretty easy. Showering and swimming become a different and some clothes choices but that didn't seem too bad to me. Of course those of us with UC might have been a little different than your normal bathroom habits. I bet you will be fine!

I have a perm ileo after failed j-pouch - I got my end ileo at the age of 30 in 2001. On Wednesday I chaperoned my son's 3rd grade class trip to the aquarium. I was busy from 8am to 2pm and did not need the bathroom once.

There is NOTHING that my ostomy prevents me from doing - including having two babies who are now almost 9 and 6.

Plus, with an ostomy, you could empty your bag into a zip lock bag if you were someplace without a bathroom - camping is a breeze with the ileo compared to what "normal" people have to do.

i have a loop ileostomy.

i have no limitations.

i do boxing (full contact sparring), running, soccer, weights.

as long as there is a toilet available to use every couple of hours it should be fine

Everyone is different. Unless you have having significant functional problems with your pouch or ostomy, it shouldn't limit the career you choose. I just happen to have a desk job, but otherwise I'm extremely active with horseback riding, yoga, jogging and weight training. (I did these things with an ostomy as well!). Pretty much the sky is the limit, within your own personal comfort zone, of course. Best of luck to you!

Thank you all for the great responses to a very vague question. They are all received with gratitude and apprehension. I have not received mine yet but I was told on Halloween that I would be getting my pouch for Christmas. I have this issue because all I have ever been is a long/short haul trucker and was thinking this would hinder me on my options for employment. but thanks to all the positive responses and encouragement I am going to go back to school for a different career. But not for this reason anymore. I feel that it would be more beneficial to me to change a few things in my life choices. Thanks to everyone that commented on this post. I didn't think I would be able to change but this is the encouragement that I needed. JiLLM, I never would have thought to take a Ziplock for this reason but that is some very good advise that I will be taking. Shainy, I haven't boxed since my teens, for any reason B), but I will take that one to heart in case I have to later on....Hahahahaha. Spooky, It was the weight training that caught my eye because I am trying to lose weight and that is one of the exercises, besides trying to run/walk. Getting out of a semi and going to semi-retirement is going to be a change but thanks for the enlightening information, I am not as afraid as I was.