when to return to work after takedown?

I think I took a month off, but it was a few years ago. I think it all depends and your doctors might have more input on when might be best for you. Your energy level, in combination with bathroom trips will be something to take in consideration. If you’re sitting down all day and that’s something that’s a challenge for you- it’s all stuff to best discuss with your doc. 

But think mine was one month. I kept in the back of my mind that if it was too tough, I could go part time. 

Being a former teacher, in special education, it would be a little easier to get those bathroom breaks.  I had small groups of students so I could run down to the bathroom down the hall more as needed.  This was way before I was diagnosed with UC or had my surgeries.  However, being a third grade teacher where breaks might not be as convenient may make it a little more difficult, especially in the first couple of months.  I know control is better as you get further in your recovery, it’s a little hard to gauge when you will get to that point.  Would there be someone, maybe a building substitute who could come in to relieve you periodically?  I know that mornings are better, at least for me, and Lomotil helps to get me through the morning.  Afternoons are more difficult. I briefly considered substitute teaching but figured it would be difficult to get through a full day schedule so I never pursued it.  Instead, I worked in Birth to Three, and could work my schedule to get bathroom breaks in between traveling from one family to another.  I guess you could apply for FMLA for a couple of months to begin with and see how it goes.  With Covid, just wondering how your school district will be handling in person instruction.  I know it varies all over the place.  Good luck with your takedown and speedy recovery.

I had about 2 months off but this was when I was a spring chicken (early 20s,im now 30 😂) and looking back I should have taken more time off, 5/6months really.

My surgeon made me take 12 weeks but mostly because I am  a nurse, on my feet all day and moving very heavy patients.  I had no issues.

I believe I was out for 2 months, after takedown.

Everyone’s experience after surgery is different, and folks frequenting a support forum like this one will tend to include more difficult stories than average. If I recall correctly I was back to work six weeks after my one-stage procedure, but my job permitted me to go to the bathroom whenever I needed/wanted to. Most J-pouchers don’t have urgency, which is really the key to being able to delay using the toilet, but we vary a lot in how quickly we gain confidence to manage our new plumbing. I wonder if a creative solution could enable you to plan to go back into the classroom sooner? For example, could a student teacher or a teacher’s aid be partnered with you for the semester?