I've had my ileostomy for about 15 years due to two perforations in my small colon. My surgeon was great but never explained anything to me. He left it up to my nurse, who only said I might get urges, and I didn't have any support until I found you. Three months ago, I had terrible urges for 4 days and could feel stool and gas wanting to come out of my rectum. On the 5th day, with bearing down, I passed a medium amount of stool. After that, no urges, gas, or discomfort. A month ago, I passed a very small amount with mucus. Yesterday was the same, and today, a liquid gas bubble mucus with a small amount of stool. There's no blood or pain. I feel better when it's done. Why doesn't anyone explain these issues, as at first I was really scared? Thank you for being here.
They leave a lot unsaid when you get your ostomy. And a lot also is hands-on experience. My first doc did tell me about mucus coming out of the bottom end. But as far as everything else and what to look for when there's a problem, they don't, and they should. They don't go over prolapse, retraction, what color the stoma would be if it's being strangled or doesn't have enough blood flow, they don't explain blockages either, and the list goes on. Why they don't, I have no idea. Should they? Yes, would a lot of people be too scared to have the surgery done after hearing all that? Probably. Is this the first time you have passed mucus in 15 years?
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No, I've had very small amounts occasionally over the years, but this was like a buildup. I'm 68 and it's reversible, but I'm actually comfortable with it.
Thank you so much for your response; it really helps ease my mind 🥰
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Mucus can come out looking like a bowel movement. It can give you an urge to go or push. It's just mucus that has been in there a while. It is ok it's not a problem if you are not having bleeding or bad discomfort. If you feel relief once it has been expelled then you are probably fine.Â
As the others have said, mucus is common, and it can look like stool, both in colour and consistency. I find, for me, it's very inconsistent. Sometimes I have very little mucus and its just clear in colour and other times it's kind of a carmel colour and quite thick. I don't think you have anything to worry about.
Terry
Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister
