Strong Pressure to Pass Bowel Motion After Ileostomy

Has anyone had this issue? I am 8 weeks post-op for ileostomy, and the pressure to pass a bowel motion (although there is nothing there) is so strong and uncomfortable that lying down is the only way to get any relief. Can anyone suggest any help?

If they left you with a rectal stump, it is normal for you to pass mucus, and that often is accompanied by a feeling of having to have a bowel movement. It could be that some mucus is trying to get out and just hasn't made it yet. Usually, the feeling is not as strong as you describe, though. Are you feeling this way all the time? It wouldn't hurt to contact your ostomy nurse for advice.

Terry

Yes, I have, however, I just wondered if any members had any other ideas other than using a suppository. Believe me, it is very strong and very restricting to normal life stuff. Thank you for your response.

You may have tenesmus. It is normally diagnosed in people without stomas, but I met someone else who had this after getting a stoma. There are medications for this... not sure if that's preferable to a suppository or not. Ask your doctor about it.

Hello Nanna

Why do you have an ileostomy, what is the suppository for, and is the rectum and large intestine still intact?

Avoiding Ostomy Bag Leaking | Managing Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden

Hi Axl

I had cancer of the rectum and have just had the tumor removed, restructured my large bowel, and a temporary ileostomy. My stoma nurse suggested using a suppository to relieve any mucus buildup that might be causing the pressure. My large bowel is still intact. Any help would be appreciated as I am due to start my chemo treatment next week with a round trip travel of 6 hours every 3 weeks for 5 sessions. I'm worried about spending all that time in a car feeling like I do.

Hi Nana

My circumstances are different from yours, so I cannot offer much, but the details you have provided will help others to offer suggestions from their own experiences. I have never heard of any medication for mucus. Have they ruled out any sort of infection or inflammation causing your issue?

The medication I suggested is for overactive muscles. Tenesmus is basically like muscle spasms. It can be caused by inflammation and other things, but it can have an unknown cause too. It can happen to either the rectum or bladder.

I actually first encountered it when I still had rectal cancer. I was getting these massive spasms whenever I pooped. So I Googled it and landed on tenesmus. In the end, it was explained to me that the spasms were caused by my body mistaking the tumor for leftover poop and trying to push it out. As if... lol.

Mine passed and was never treated, but he should be evaluated. That much pain is not normal.