Hello everyone. My colostomy is in the right upper quadrant of my abdomen. Part of my descending colon had to be removed due to the first stoma becoming necrotic. I am able to have my colostomy reversed if I choose, but I choose not to for reasons that I won't get into right now. I've had my colostomy for nine years. I have trouble getting the mucus out of my rectum. I get the urge to bear down, but nothing ever comes out. I've tried glycerin suppositories, but I can't hold them in very long, and I feel that I'm probably going to have to go back to the surgeon and have them digitally remove the mucus that's in my lower bowel. I really don't want to do that, but I'm wondering if anybody else has any suggestions that can help me rid the mucus from my bowel more easily.
It is possible that you have PRS. Please take a few minutes to read this:
https://www.shieldhealthcare.com/community/ostomylife/2020/08/12/phantom-rectum-syndrome/
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I have the same problem, and it's real mucus. My sphincter muscle stays tightly shut, and the bits of mucus dry out and form hard lumps, which can vary from uncomfortable to very painful. Also, they are very difficult to remove.
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I'm sorry that you're having trouble with your mucus... I suppose I can't relate since mine comes out in buckets. If there were a use for it, I'd bottle it up and sell it 😂
Perhaps irrigation would help, but I would definitely first talk to my GI or surgeon about it. I wish you the best! :)