Passing gas without a colostomy bag?

I'm about a month and a half out from having a temporary colostomy due to really severe diverticulitis. I'm told I'll be this way for about 6 months to a year. Anyways, I am finding that occasionally I pass gas the "normal" way. If I am not hooked up to anything down there at the moment, how is this happening?

I had this happen to me a couple of times, maybe two weeks after surgery. I'm not sure how it happens, but I know that it can. It could have something to do with how much colon you have left, but I don't know that for sure.

Don't worry. That is something that can happen. Even at some point, you will feel like something is coming out, mostly mucus. It is a normal thing. Your stomach, even not connected to the rest of the colon, keeps producing a substance to keep the intestine in shape. If what you get is painful and with blood, then go to the emergency room right away! If it is just gas or mucus, don't worry.

Yeah, no pain whatsoever. Just plain old gas. This may sound strange but it felt reassuringly "normal".

Yeah, it's normal. It still happens because you move around and the nerves still work. So, once in a while, you can build up enough air to make a fart. I laugh when it happens to me since it's been 9 years for me since I was given my friend.

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Thanks for the reassurance. It really did concern me. I suppose I know less anatomy and why things work than I thought!

On a side note, going to be out in your neck of the woods in about a month. We're property shopping in Clark, WY just south of Belfry, MT.

That is awesome. I know the place. It's about 80 miles south of me. I am not a member, so if you are, send me a message and I can return an answer to you with how to contact me.