Colostomy Reversal: Dealing with Post-Surgery Staining Issues

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189
Bajan
May 28, 2025 5:20 pm

Hi... Sorry for this question, as it is embarrassing, but I wondered if anyone else has experienced this...

I had a colostomy for about 1 year, and about 8 weeks ago, I had a reversal. Everything seems to be healing properly, and I really have had no serious issues.

Prior to going into reversal surgery, I was given instructions and paperwork on doing exercises to target my anal sphincter called 'anal winks'... tightening things up and releasing for a few hours each day. All for obvious reasons. I have had no real incontinence issues per se, but I seem to have developed a staining problem (not severe) in my underwear now and then.

(I have not had a cigarette for 40 years or so... so not nicotine stains..!! :)

Has anyone else experienced this? Should I go back to the anal wink exercises...? Will this slowly go away on its own over time..??

Thanks in advance.

Steve

SusanT
May 28, 2025 6:24 pm

I haven't had a reversal, but it sounds like you have some leakage. I had that problem after radiation on my rectum weakened my pelvic floor muscles.

I'd try doing more of the anal wink exercises and see if it improves. If not, talk to your surgeon; you might need physical therapy. I know they have some fancy stuff to help with pelvic floor dysfunction.

PS: No need to be embarrassed here. We've been there. That's the beauty of this site.

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Justbreathe

MeetAnOstoMate website turned out to be a lifesaver for me. I say this because, for me, this ostomy journey was a devastating event both physically and mentally.
Here, I found folks who understood my feelings even better than my family or friends could. Only a fellow ostomate can understand how you really feel.

Information sharing is key, as well as support and understanding, to ultimately bring more harmony into our ostomy life journey. I found here, virtually no ostomy questions that are not touched upon. Questions which some might feel, may be too trivial to contact a doctor about or even too shy or embarrassed to ask their own doctor about. They are all addressed here.

For me, anonymity was very helpful in seeking answers to each phase of this life changing medical and mental event. Sharing initial trauma feelings, ongoing support and finally acceptance was what I found with my membership here. I am not sure what my mental and physical attitude would be today without having found this site.

Additional benefits included: finding products and ideas to help with daily maintenance, innovative ideas and as a bonus - some great humor.
After all “laughter IS the best medicine”.

I have been a member for 3 years, an ostomate for 4 years - yes, I certainly wish I would have found it immediately after surgery but so very thankful I finally found it when I did as I truly believe it turned my troubled depression and situation into a more positive attitude and acceptance.

Sincerely,
An Ileostomate nicknamed Justbreathe 🫶🏼

Bajan
May 28, 2025 8:15 pm

Thanks, SusanT... I appreciate it...

Maried
May 28, 2025 8:44 pm

Do not be embarrassed. Many of us have had shit in our underpants.

Good luck.

IGGIE
May 29, 2025 4:29 am

G-Day Bajan,

Remember, you're only 8 weeks out from your reversal, and it takes time for things to tighten up. Keep doing your butt exercises and use a pad until you get it working correctly. Good luck.

Regards, IGGIE

 

How to Stay Hydrated with an Ostomy with Collin | Hollister

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w30bob
May 29, 2025 5:17 am

Hi B,

Your sphincter muscle isn't designed to be a watertight seal; it's simply a muscle that closes the rectum to prevent solid stool from exiting until you're ready. If you had any part of your colon removed with your colostomy, then what's left of your colon might not be able to remove enough water to make your stool solid enough for your sphincter to handle it. And all the exercise in the world won't fix it. In that case, you'll have to manage it with diet and hydration modification.

;O)

MoeMoe
Jun 06, 2025 4:45 am

Give your body some time to heal. It took way more than 6-8 weeks for me to heal and have my insides functioning pre-colostomy. I too had some “staining,” not much, and I passed it off as part of healing, so I didn't think much of it. I think it started around 6 weeks post-surgery, lasted for a month or so, then went away. It wasn't bloody, so I wasn't alarmed, and it was mostly clear.