Rectal Mucus Post-Ileostomy - Frequency and Triggers?

I was rereading the comments about rectal mucus. My husband is 2 years post-ileostomy and only had mucus twice in the past. This week it's happened twice in one week. From what I was reading, it didn't look like there was any correlation between what's eaten and mucus creation. And no way to stop it except further surgery. Right now it's not a big issue, and we're hoping it doesn't become one. Just curious, do people notice it happens anytime during the day or more when sitting on the john?

Hello! I had my ileostomy back in 2005 and still have my rectal stump. While I also am not aware of any food correlation, I can tell you that overstimulation with caffeine can cause mine to drain a bit. But it takes a lot of caffeine for me to be affected. I suspect that has to do with how sensitive someone is to stimulation. I also find that if I'm sick, which isn't very often, I will occasionally have a little secretion near the end of the illness. For the most part, it really isn't an issue for me all these years later. I probably have mucus drain about every few months tops, if that.

I'm hoping that my husband goes back to less frequently too. I might test the caffeine, although I don't think he's doing anything differently.

I'm almost at the 1-year mark with my ileostomy (full large intestine removal, highly advised against reversal), but spring allergies kick-started my head sinuses. The doctor told me if the body produces sinus mucus, then it's likely the rectal stump will increase its production level as well, be it illness or sinus-related. It might be related, but you can always ask the doctor. Plus, if it's pink or grey, it's not a major concern from my understanding, but red like blood can be a problem that needs to be looked into further.

That is very interesting, because my husband's allergies were in full gear the past 2 weeks and that's also when he noticed rectal mucus starting more frequently. I'd like to hear if anyone else experienced that.

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Don't worry about the mucus. I get it all the time, sometimes more frequently than others.

Colostomy here (large intestine) versus ileostomy (small intestine). I haven't found any ‘triggers' on my side. But (no pun intended), I do have mucus plug excretions occasionally. I find that I feel more pressure and like I have to poop when it seems time to pass it. Not so much a ‘plug' as an excretion.

I will say that while I'm unsure about any “triggers,” I do think that just like all of one's other mucus membranes, the ability to create and/or pass one is likely tied into personal hydration! And it's so important for us as tomatoes to be and stay hydrated. Even more so for those with an ileostomy since their output is commonly more liquefied than colostomy patients. So, I would say to keep an eye on the hydration side and see if that makes a difference. As it says, it is “mucus,” so stay away from things that “thicken” the body's mucus: (like drinking milk, mayo, processed meats, spinach, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, greasy foods, and sugar).
You can look up things that thicken/thin mucus or phlegm, like with a cold, and I'm sure they work the same with general internal body mucus too.

Regardless, good luck to you both. You'll find your groove; it just takes time. How much is individual, but you'll eventually feel like you've gotten there winks (& then something new will happen & you feel like a newbie all over again *smiles*)