Seeking Advice on Post-Colostomy Complications and Diverticulitis

My husband had an end sigmoid colostomy with hartmann's pouch in 2009. Since then he has suffered with intermittent discharge of stool from his rectum ( think it is stool) and he has had a very severe bladder infection and he has been diagnosed with diverticulitis in the lower part of his bowel. No one can explain to me why he is having stool come from his rectum and why he has diverticulitis. They have done CT scans, a barium enema, and colonoscopies and have not found a fistula. Can anyone help explain to me why my husband is having stool come from his rectum and why he has diverticulitis.



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Reply to:

Reply to Lawrence S. Kullman

Hi JazzyJ2011,

I'm sure you'll find plenty of support and insights from the large community here. Many members have gone through similar experiences and are always willing to share their knowledge.

Regarding your husband's situation, it's not uncommon for some stool to pass through the rectum even after a colostomy, especially if the rectal stump is still intact. This can happen due to mucus buildup or residual stool. As for the diverticulitis, it might be unrelated to the colostomy and could be due to other factors like diet or genetics. It's great that you've had thorough investigations done, but sometimes these issues can be complex and require ongoing management with your healthcare team.

Remember, this site has thousands of members. You can use the search feature to find others who might be nearby or share similar experiences. Connecting with someone around your age or in a similar situation might provide additional comfort and support.

Hi Jazzy, I live here in Cloverdale. I would suggest your husband go to the Ostomy Clinic in New Westminster and see the nurses there; they are a great group and super experienced. I have diverticulitis and have been told that down the road I will have another attack. Why it happened, I don't know either, but I have to live this way. Tell your hubby to make an appointment as soon as possible, as to me, this isn't normal.

Legion is right. Go and get a second or third opinion to find out what is wrong. There is no need to remain in doubt or anxiety when something goes bad. Find the best doctors to get the right answers. PB

Thank you happy holidays

Jazzy, there is concern among us; this shouldn't be happening. Please get your hubby in quickly. I'm here even when I can't be seen. I too have diverticulitis and will face another attack when it comes. I know our situation can be very scary, and for us, we must act on symptoms and always have support as we do here. Let us know how things turn out. Till then, have a nice holiday. We all stand together as we are and who we are, a very special group of people, holding up the tree of life and hope. Legionbarb

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Well, he had a B.E. enema. He states that it was mucus coming from his rectum that caused the colitis, which turned into diverticulitis. I don't know what to say, but it's a lot.

Somebody isn't giving you the right info. It may be time to seek advice from an Ostomy Clinic. That is all they deal with and should be able to head you in the right direction. Anything from the rectum at this stage of the game is definitely a concern.