Unexpected BM Post-Ileostomy: Is This Normal?

Hi everyone 

I am almost 2 months post loop ileostomy surgery now, and thankfully recovering well. 
Today, for the first time since surgery I felt the need to use the bathroom the old fashioned regular way. I was expecting some mucus output like I’ve read about on the site before. But lo and behold I had a regular, although small BM 😮😳😱

I do not know what to make of this. Is this normal? How can this happen? Have any of you experienced this before and can this happen again?? I am very scared that something is wrong. 

Hoping someone can help 

Thank you

Clara 

Hi Clara

I just posted this morning about my experiences with my rectal stump; what you are describing sounds very much like what I have, it is called a Hartmann's procedure. My rectal stump is approximately 4 cm in length. And I too, in the beginning (I have had my ileostomy for somewhere between 25 and 27 years now).
It is nothing to worry about.
Your rectal stump is the remaining portion of the rectum after a bowel operation. The rectal stump still needs emptying because even though the stool now exits through the ileostomy, the rectal tissue remains and continues to produce mucus, which needs to be periodically expelled from the body through the anus, often causing a feeling of needing to go to the toilet, even though no solid stool is present; this is a normal occurrence and can be managed by sitting on the toilet to gently evacuate the mucus buildup.
My mucus usually comes out as diarrhea, not firm, and is white/creamy in color. Sometimes there is a smell. But my surgical specialist has reassured me that this is completely normal. Also, sometimes I get a little bleeding as well.

I pray that this will make you feel a bit less scared. But if you need further reassurance, you could always talk to your surgeon or your stoma nurse.

All the best from New Zealand,
Gracie

I have a loop ileostomy, my full colon is in place, I don’t have a rectal stump. And what I experienced today was passing stool, not mucus. It’s really frightening me. 

I hope someone who knows more will chime in here.

But my understanding of a loop ileostomy is that the colon is still connected. The procedure allows your colon to heal without the stress of food passing through. So it's possible a small amount of output may occur. 

I think this is normal but let your surgeon know. 

Hello,

Loop ileostomy is usually temporary.  It's possible a small amount of stool either remained in the intestine below the loop ileostomy, or a small amount slowly accumulated over the months.

As always, consult a doctor or your surgeon to ensure all is well with your digestive system, and your loop ileostomy is operating properly.

 

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I understand, for a few years in the beginning I had my large bowel left completely intact so it could have a rest, and my ileostomy by passed the rest of my colon. (Sorry in New Zealand we call it a bowel) Because your digestive system is still intact it still produces mucus, and stuff, which has to come out.
Can I ask what colour it was?? As mine used be similar to white candle wax....

And I too was scared, and completely confused when stuff started coming out of my rectum, or I'd feel like I was about to have a diarrhea attack.
But after speaking to my doctor, and my stoma nurse they explained that it was completely normal in my case.

So go and speak to your doctor, or your stoma nurse, it will help to reassure you. And ignoring something which you're scared might be wrong is never the way to go. It is important to make sure, especially if you are frightened, if everything is okay.

I'm praying for you!!

Gracie xxx

Yes, normally it happens with loop ileo.... Sorry to see your consultant and stoma nurses didn't pre-warn you about it, but if you're still concerned about it, phone 111 for professional advice to put your mind at rest over the weekend.

Hi Clara

Some have mentioned similar things in the first few months after surgery. Could be a mucus plug with output residue or such. As always,  run any concerns by the professionals.

Sometimes mucus can come out looking like a bowel movement. I know when I had my first experience with mucus, it was hard to pass and it was like little balls of poop. It looked like poop, smelled like poop, and I was so scared that I called my mom into the bathroom to see, and she saved it in a jar and called my surgeon's office all in a panic. I have an ileostomy and hardly any colon left, but about 2 inches. So this was very unusual and scary for us. But the surgeon said that it was perfectly normal, even though it looked like poop, it was just mucus that had been stored up for a while before coming out. I was about 2 to 3 months post-op when this happened to me. Mucus doesn't have to be slimy liquid white stuff; it can, in fact, look like a bowel movement. I haven't had any mucus in over a year now, so I don't know how that works or when I will have it again next, but it is a strange thing.