New Ileostomy and Feeling the Urge to Move Bowels

Hello All,

I had the right side of my colon removed just 5 weeks ago, with a permanent ileostomy placed. Since the surgery, I've been feeling an uncomfortable urge or sensation to move my bowels, although nothing comes out when I sit on the toilet. I've been feeling this at least once or twice a week. I read that this is not unusual after an ileostomy since the remaining colon is stimulated to evacuate mucus and/or residual stool. My doctor told me the same thing. Has anyone experienced this? If so, what do you do to relieve the discomfort? How long does this sensation last after surgery? I take Tylenol when I feel the discomfort, but I would rather not take it all the time.

I would appreciate any info anyone can share. Thanks in advance!

EA54

Hi EA54,

You're definitely in the right place to find plenty of support from our large community. Many of us have been through similar experiences and are here to help each other out.

Regarding your question, it's quite common to feel the urge to move your bowels after an ileostomy. This sensation can be due to the remaining colon still being active. Some people find relief by sitting on the toilet as if they were going to have a bowel movement, which can sometimes help the body adjust. Others have found that gentle abdominal massages or warm baths can ease the discomfort. The sensation often decreases over time as your body continues to heal and adjust, but it varies for everyone. It's great that you're looking for alternatives to Tylenol, and hopefully, some of these suggestions might help.

Remember, this site has thousands of members. You can use the search feature to find others nearby or those who are around your age. Connecting with someone in a similar situation can be really comforting.

Yes, this is normal. Your rectum still produces fluid that helps the evacuation process. For me, there was a lot of fluid the first few weeks that I couldn't really control, mostly because I was in the hospital and could not control it. It's been almost 19 months since my surgery, and I still get mucus almost every day. I am able to evacuate it by "pushing" it out, though. The urgency to do so did subside after 3-4 months. Recently, it got worse with occasional blood. Turns out it was proctitis, probably caused by my use of ibuprofen to relieve arthritis pain. After stopping ibuprofen and using mesalamine suppositories for a month, things are back to normal.

In your case, the lack of fluid is a bit curious. Here is some info: https://www.colostomyuk.org/information/stoma-problems/rectaldischarge/

Daniel

EA 54 - - - Ileostomy here - almost 4 years... and a capital Y E S in reply... also, many weeks can go by with no urge such as this... and once in a great while a tiny little "fartlette" will escape... this will cause me to giggle - since I am a candidate for reversal but have opted out... these are just signals/urges from my non-functional colon who I believe wants its old job back.

To "get shed of" this urge I simply plop myself on the toilet and the feeling will pass rather quickly.

Welcome to the wonderful ileosto-world. I would guess former Crohn's, IBS, etc. sufferers would say - we love our belly bags - beats the shiz outta the alternative.

I see this is your 1st post... welcome, you have come to the right place for sure! jb

Yes, it's normal, and the mucus or lubricant can take many forms. Sometimes quite loose and sometimes more formed. I get those 'feelings', sort of like you need to have a BM, but I don't find them uncomfortable and certainly not to the degree that I would consider taking pain meds. That is the only thing that seems a little strange to me. Maybe ask your doctor about that?

Terry