Is it normal to pass gas after bowel issues?

I have, over the last month, had a few strange experiences, one being that I passed a couple of stools out of my back passage. Then, now today, I also have passed gas out of the same area. I love my life in absolute fear of my bowel perforating again! Does anyone know if this is normal?

Wow, I can understand passing some stool that was left there after the surgery or it could be mucus, but gas, that's unusual.

Talk to your stoma nurse or surgeon.

Regards, IGGIE

That's the point. I have not had it all explained to me. I didn't understand anything about stomas, so I'm praying for no more surgery because the last one almost killed me.

As IGGIE stated, passing stool is not unusual since it could have been left over from surgery. I had that experience while in the hospital and was told it was normal. I guess it is also possible to have trapped gas. If you are getting gas in your pouch, then you are probably fine.

— Proud owner of lifesaving ostomy, vintage 2023, V6 colostomy engine.

I was told by my surgeon and infectious disease doctor that it would be normal for gas and stool to be passed. I had my surgery on January 21st, and I still pass a little bit of stool. The gas stopped a while ago, but I still get the urge to pass gas. I play it safe and just go to the bathroom. If there is pain or any unusual differences in your stoma or abdomen, I would strongly recommend going to see your doctor.

My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister

If you continue to pass gas through the back passage, see your surgeon.

This symptom does not mean you are in danger of another perforation. However, there may be something else going on. I am passing gas that way due to a fistula. But there are probably other explanations.

Once probably means nothing, but multiple incidents need to be checked with a doctor.

Is it stool or mucus?

4+ years ileostomy here, and still on occasion pass a fartlette or two… plus an urge to purge… I will sit on the toilet for a few minutes and it all passes… I just figure my old colon just wants its job back… no worries… ljb

I love your sense of humor, JB; you're a one of a kind.

IGGIE

correct

IGGIE….Is “one off” equivalent to “half a bubble off of plumb”? jb

No, it's a two-off, maybe a three.

You have my curiosity on alert. When I had my ileostomy surgery in 1974 (51 years ago), my surgeon sewed shut and closed my rectum. I had no ability to pass gas. Though the body felt the urge, the brain still had to learn that it was all make-believe. You are a newly ileostomate (4+ years), and you are literally farting. Is your rectum open even with your colon entirely removed?

Don't know about just breathe, but even though my colon is no longer connected to my rectum, I still have my anus and a rectal stump. Mucus and sometimes gas still make their way out at times. I assume the gas is being produced by bacteria in the rectal stump.

Still got the old colon and apparently most of the works, doc removed 12”…gave me a loop ileostomy with plans to reconnect…never happened (by choice) so “full of hot air” in more ways than one…on rare occasions I do pass a fartlette…no biggie, it makes me laugh…jb

It appears to me that this is a nuisance. Mine is completely closed (1974). No opening. I am surprised that surgeons are doing this. I think that you have to deal with problems that you should not have to deal with.

My surgeon actively worked to avoid giving me a Barbie butt. He said the wounds tended to be problematic and easily became infected. Considering all the complications and infections I had without that being done, I am very grateful he was able to avoid it.

It might be fine for someone who is otherwise okay, but as sick as I was by the time of surgery, it was an unnecessary risk.

Mine is actually a colostomy. I went to the hospital on advice from everyone here. (That, by the way, I am so, so grateful for.) They say I have a peristomal hernia. I did ask the doctors, and apparently it's maybe been left over from the surgery, so it's settled down now. It's so strange still having the urge from your bottom at times. I think my pain levels are due to the first operation going so badly I almost wasn't here anymore, and the second surgery my body had started shutting down due to pneumonia and sepsis, plus emergency, so I've been on a battle journey like all of my ostomates have.

I'd like to thank everyone for the support. It's very comforting to know you're all there and have your own unique journeys to share and some top-notch advice. This is what I feel blessed for today. I hope you all have a wonderful day wherever in the world you are!🥰😇🥰

Hi Shelley,

I am having trouble with sending and then getting an error message. It is addressing it. But, I wanted to respond to your issue of having the urges to have a bowel movement and pass gas. Your brain and your nerves in the rectal area are still believing that your body functions in the same way. The body is learning while playing tricks. When I had my ileostomy surgery 51 years ago, I also had a proctectomy. This is a surgical procedure that removes the rectum and anus. In slang terms, it is referred to as the “Barbie Butt,” a smooth bottom. Being a male, I hate it being called that. But, I digress. I experienced the exact same urges that you are experiencing now. My surgeon told me that the brain and my nerves in the rectal area are learning, and that these urges will slowly dissipate and disappear. They did. Your body will eventually realize that it does not function in that way anymore and adjust for the discharge happening at the stoma. You will be surprised at how your body can adjust and adapt. It's truly remarkable.

I'm sorry if it appeared that I was being insensitive by chuckling over some of your statements. But, I mean it when I say that to live every day with an ostomy, you must have a sense of humor. After 51 years, I still have surprises. I just adapt and laugh.

Hi Susan,

I assume you read my reply comment to Shelley concerning my proctectomy (“Barbie Butt”). Gosh, I do hate that term! Personally, I would not want it any other way and really do not understand why surgeons are not routinely performing this procedure. I have zero concerns with infection and hygiene, like washing my hands.

The infection risks are from the surgery itself. Once healed, I wouldn't expect additional risks.

In my case, my pelvis was filled with infection at the time of my surgery. I was in very bad shape. The surgery was also 10 hours long without the removal of the rectal stump and anus. I became septic anyway. More infection risk was simply not acceptable. I probably would not have survived.

It is always a risk-benefit balance. In your case, the benefits outweighed the risks. In other cases, the risks weigh heavier, and surgeons do not take the risk.

If there becomes a reason to remove the rectal stump and anus in the future, I would not hesitate. But I am happy my surgeon made the decision he did this time.

Thank you for your detailed explanation. You instructed me with valuable information. Your decision was an easy one to make. You chose life. 😇