not sure I can be of much help answering your questions...I have never taken a colon cleanse before, so I do not know how long it would take to get back to normal..but if you search this board and just type in cleanse, you get alot of discussions about it, here is one: web page
I can't believe a health care professional told you to take a cleanse!! Are you normally a C? Since you have been off your regular fibre for so long I would ease into it a little, otherwise you may get cramping...usually takes me a few days to get back into the swing of things after a trip or something that messes up my intestines...though I find benefibre really helps me go!!