Stool and mucus issues after ostomy

Hi all, 

newbie to this forum, and looking forward to chatting. 
I have a loop ileostomy since October last year. A few times I’ve had mucus and stool surprises, but they’ve not been easy. I can experience intense pelvic pain, spasms and cramping in advance; once instance landed me in A&E as I couldn’t manage the pain at home. 
I know (now) mucus and stool is a ‘normal’ part of after surgery life with a stoma, but am curious as to why these episodes cause me so much pain. 
does any one else experience this pain on passing of either? I’ve had other passings where I have brief pain, but today another big one, and a bit of blood too. 
The other question is, should I be using an enema one a month or more to ensure no build up? Today I passed a small stool, that felt like glass. 🙊🙉🙈

As we are all different it difficult to say if what you experienced would be considered normal…I too have a loop ileostomy as a result of a cyst on my colon (4 years ago now).  Once in a while I will pass mucus, fartlettes, and occasionally very tiny turdlettes but never any pain nor blood…only the feeling my colon wants it’s old job back which then passes….blood is always a bit concerning….not sure why you would do an enema…perhaps this is the reason for blood?  jb

Hello and welcome.  

I have a permanent colostomy, had it for 19 months.  Mucus.  At first I was confused.  With some research, discovered passing it is normal, even with a little blood.

Here's why:  Lining of the rectum still produces mucus which can build up and become difficult to pass, sometimes drying into a ball irritating rectal tissue.  This causes discomfort and pain when attempting to evacuate it; especially true if the mucus is not regularly expelled and accumulates.  

This exactly happens to me.  For several months, I'll pass "drops" of mucus.  They cause a little discomfort, but no real pain.  Then months will go by with nothing coming out.  Then one day I'll get discomfort, some pain.. and pass ALOT of mucus.  Sometimes it's dried up and not liquidly.  After that, I'll start passing little mucus drops for a month or two... then nothing for awhile.  So.. that's how it goes for me.

First time the mucus stopped, I visited my surgeon.  He checked my rectum, the same way you get a regular prostate check.  It did hurt and was very uncomfortable.  But needs to be done at least once a year.  He said everything looked good.  After that visit, the next day mucus began passing again for about 4 months non stop.  Then the start/stop cycle began again.

Consult with your colorectal doctor or specialist about using an enema.  They should be able to provide advice about mitigating your pain and cramping.  Good luck.