Post-Surgery Issues: Leakage, Discomfort, and Urination Concerns

Hello all! I'm new to the site and to this colostomy life. I'm just over 4 weeks out from my surgery. I had rectal cancer, went through chemo and radiation, but they still needed to do surgery to remove things and here I am. My colostomy is permanent. I feel like my recovery is going pretty well. I've got my bag emptying and changes down pretty decently. I have a few questions and hoping my fellow ostomates can help.

One of my biggest complaints right now is I'm still getting leakage through the incision in my rear. It is not feces, it is I believe what they call serosanguineous fluid. It's a little blood mixed with some other fluids as part of the healing process. It has reduced quite a bit since I've come home but I am curious how long this usually lasts. Will it ever stop 100% or is there always the chance of some kind of leakage for the rest of my life? Curious what you all have experienced.

Also, I still have quite a bit of discomfort when sitting and can only manage for a few minutes before I need to get up. That does seem to be getting better too but very slow. I've tried sitting on pillows, donuts, inflatable cushions, but they don't help that much. I do still have staples back there which should be coming out in about a week. I'm hoping that will help relieve some discomfort. How long does that pain usually last and what are some methods you all have done to make sitting more comfortable?

One last thing, when I try to lay on my side, either side, I'll get this sensation like I have to urinate. I'll get up and try but nothing comes out. Then the sensation goes away. When I do urinate, I will get this sort of pressure type feeling down there, somewhat painful, that might last for a minute or two after I'm done. I'm guessing this is all part of the healing process. They had to make an incision in my gut for the surgery rather than use robots which I believe is making everything a bit worse while I heal. Is this common and should this also go away over time?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Welcome to the site! This is a great place for answers and to just hang out. 

I also had rectal cancer but my surgery was different. I did not get my butt stitched. However I think the volume of discharge is a bit concerning and I'd be sure to ask my surgeon about it when you go in to get the staples removed.

It might be normal. I'm a bit paranoid because of my own surgical complications that lead to drainage like you describe.  But I don't think it hurts to ask the doctor. 

Welcome to MaO.

Hope your recovery is uneventful.  It does take time.  I have a permanent colostomy.  Took me a year before I was somewhat normal; energy level and finally accepting the little beast on my tummy.

Welcome from Oz 🇦🇺

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

G-Day Drumstix, welcome aboard. I hope things settle down for you as they will. You're only 4 weeks out, so take a deep breath and hang in there. Regards, IGGIE

Hi DS, welcome. When I had my ileo and butt removed, the surgeon left about an inch open front and back, and the front closed up sooner than the butt. I had drainage for at least a couple of months. Due to having stitches back there, the surgeon said to take Epsom salts baths/soaks to keep the stitches from drying out and pulling. I don't think I sat normally or walked totally upright for 6 months, as the internals take a long time to heal. I was pretty sick from colitis, which was the reason for the surgery.

4 weeks is not very much time for truly healing. If you're all sewn shut on your backside, you shouldn't be leaking anything. Now, I had radiation damage and mine took several months to heal, and my surgeon even said it may not heal 100% because of the radiation damage. Luckily, mine did. I'd have that looked at if it were me. As far as sitting, it takes time, way more than a person thinks, and everyone heals at different rates. Don't push it, let it heal; you'd hate to tear/open up anything and start all over again. As far as the urinating issue, all your nerves have been cut, swollen, etc., down there; it'll take time to return to somewhat normal. If you're having issues going, emptying completely (like you have to go again right after you went, or it just dribbles when it comes out), go see a urologist soon. I had to take Flomax, and it was a night/day difference once I started taking it. Basically, your prostate is enlarged/swollen from the surgery coupled with all the nerves being cut and healing.

Thanks folks! I appreciate your insight and advice. I have an appointment Friday to possibly get the last of my staples out from my rear and I will definitely be addressing why I am still leaking. I also started taking flomax earlier this year when I started my radiation treatments. It was hard to go after that started and the flomax definitely seems to help. I'll ask if I may need to up my dosage temporarily. What a ride this has been! But each day is getting a little better.