Hi mates,
Just this morning, I started to hear a lot of noises in my tummy - borborygmi as they call it. I then suddenly started to feel the urge to pass gas from my anus. I said to myself, “That can't be.” Then the feeling went away, and after a couple of minutes, I felt the need to again, and I eventually passed very little noiseless, non-odorous wind.
I am worried! Should I be?
My ileostomy was about two months ago to be precise, and today is the first time since my surgery.
Hello. Most folks with a stoma pass mucus through their anus from time to time. This is normal, especially in the first few months after surgery. It might seem like gas because mucus is not solid like stool. I have a colostomy. I was passing mucus at least once a week for 6 months post-op. I still get an occasional urge that feels like I gotta poop. I sit on the toilet... and nothing comes out. The feeling goes away.
Look carefully in the toilet after passing wind. Mucus is usually a small brownish spot (about the size of a nickel or quarter) at the bottom of the tank.
Mucus is normally harmless. But if it becomes particularly bothersome, has a foul odor, or is green or yellow in color, it may need to be investigated by your doctor. Especially if you feel any pain related to your rectum or the passing of mucus, or in your case, wind.
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No, you should not worry.
Here's why:
First, read my post about the rectal stump:
https://www.meetanostomate.org/discussion-forum/viewtopic.php?t=29731
Along the same lines, there are still gas-producing bacteria in your rectal stump (above your anus). Until they die of starvation, they will continue to produce gas, which then must pass through your anus.
