I saw my surgeon 2 weeks after takedown and he said "I promise you this is the worst you are going be and in one month it will start to get better". I was feeling so low, I really could not see how that was going to happen. Amazingly enough, 3 days before the end of the month my output suddenly went from liquid to mousse consistency and I started really feeling a bit better every day. It is a real comedown after having the great control and freedom of the temp ileostomy to suddenly having to run to the loo and having accidents again. To be back at work in 3 weeks seems very quick, don't push yourself too much. Make sure you are really better and have enough energy to go back to work. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Things definately get better. Interesting way of putting it, trying to pass gas but it feels like a balloon is in the way. That's exactly what I felt, those gas pains went away slowly, got better with time. I'm only about 8 weeks out. I feel great. Go to the bathroom about 6 to 8 times a day, 1 to 3 times a night. Its pretty easy to hold it in until I get to the bathroom. Going back to work in your field only after 18 days sounds too soon. I think you could do it if you have no other option, but I would see if you could get another couple weeks off. I was back to the gym 2 weeks after surgery (against doctors orders) but I don't know about climbing poles and stuff. If you do, I suggest you get a belt to wrap around your abdomen for hernia protection, they sell them at Walgreens. Hope you can get some more time off, good luck!

Gleam,
I second what Blake says about the hernia belt...climbing poles that soon is really taking risks...not like you have a desk job where you can take rests and run to the nearest bathroom...you are litterally stuck up a pole if you need to run...courageous aren't you?
Whatever you do or decide to do, please take every precaution to protect your pouch, abdomen and clothing (now might be a good time to check out some of the protective undergarments availible...for those 'just in case' moments until you are in 'total control')...
Sharon

I don't think your doctor will clear you back for work so soon. When people have other abdominal surgeries, like hysterectomies, they usually have 6 weeks off. I think for a physical job you probably need at least 3 months. According to my LTD company it was 3 months.

I highly recommend the abdominal wrap. I ended up with a surgery 6 months after take down for an incisional hernia.

I hope you are feeling better soon.