Rectum Removal Experiences and Managing Pressure with a Colostomy

I am new to this forum, but I was wondering if most of the people that talk about rectum removal had it done because they felt the need for a bowel movement and pressure in the lower area. It affects my walking, and I find I have to sleep half-sitting because of the pressure.
I have a colostomy but still have my anus.
I have had a colostomy for 16 months and still get bad bowel movements.

Hi Grommit, I think most people who have their rectum removed do so because they are likely to get cancer in that area. I had mine removed at the same time I got my ileo. I'm sure your doctor can give you more info when you do your follow-up visits.
Ron in Mich.

My rectum was left in for nearly 6 years even though I knew I would never be reconnected (won't go into the story why), and it became such a nuisance
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. The bowel naturally produces mucus to cleanse itself, but when you are having bowel movements, you just don't see it. So if your anus and rectal stump are left behind and unused, along with the phantom urges to go to the bathroom the old way, you will eventually begin passing mucus. The fact that that area is not being used makes it prone to infection, which will cause discomfort and an increased output of mucus :p. I know because I had it once or twice a year, requiring antibiotics to clear up. Then, as the previous commenter stated, leaving the rectum in means it is still possible to have UC or Crohn's in that area, so it's best to have it removed for those two reasons.

Hi I had a perm colostomy 4 years ago.  7 months ago started getting continual infections in remaining rectal stump.  The discharge is horrid although unlike some I can control it so don't have leakage.    If it is clear then it's normal apparently but mine is like a very bad sinus infection and bloody.  It stinks too! I have been told that my ulcerative colitis has returned in that area and that I should have the rectum removed.  It is terrifying me as I understand it is a horrendous op.

I had my ileostomy in August 2011 but a stump and my anus were left behind. I was told it would heal up and except for the occasional mucus discharge it would be fine. Instead my UC flared up in the stump and rectum really bad. So much that I finally had it removed just under four weeks ago. Given I was otherwise much healthier than when I had my ileostomy surgery (I had lost 60lbs prior to that), the surgery really wasn't that bad and my recovery has gone well. A few hiccups but I was up and walking within a few days after the surgery. It hasn't been horrendous at all, it's actually a relief as I was discharging blood and mucus three or four times a day prior to the surgery.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I had my ileostomy on the 4th of August 2006. The stump, anus was left as my operation was an emergency, but my UC was very bad in the stump. I would wake up soaked from leakage, so I asked my gastro doctor to remove it. Nearly 2 years later, on the 18th of July 2008, I'm UC free and had my second baby in 2010. Life couldn't be better.

Mine has been gone for 3yrs and I still have the urge to scratch my itchy anus.  LOL  in the shower I turn around to spread my cheeks and wash there, and am suprised that there Is No There LOL  Look at good side, noooo Skid Marks!!!

and I love being able to say when someone breaks wind:  "well you KNOW i didnt do it!" LOL  

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Yeah, and if they keep farting in front of you, we can ALWAYS return the favor by burping our bag.  Farts to the 100X power