Hi! I am two months post-op from a colostomy, and I'm healing rather well for the most part. The only thing making me nervous is that recently I've had blood and clots coming from my rectum. My doctor told me this would be normal, along with contrast fluid, a couple of weeks after the procedure. I was prepared for a couple of weeks, but a couple of months?! I know it's not fresh blood because of the dark red tint, which is good, and I'm not in any pain, but I'm still so nervous. Is this normal?
Brit V.O.
Jun 07, 2025 9:16 pm
Dwild-WA
Jun 07, 2025 10:28 pm
I would check in with the doctor just because of the timing. It all depends on how much rectum you have left, I think, and how the healing is going. I have a colostomy, and I had mucus coming out of my rectum that had brown triangles that literally looked like what I feed my dog (!!!!) for several weeks (maybe a month) after my surgery, and then that stopped, and now it's just clear mucus every once in a while. I might have been a slow healer, though; who knows.
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Because it's a global community, there's always someone here to lend an ear, provide advice, and just hold my hand if that's all I need.
Sure, there's also a lot of camaraderie, fun topics, and laughs, but the main reason I come here is for the total acceptance I get from the members. No one else on the planet could possibly "get" what I'm going through, not even my loving husband or supportive family.
The "Meet an Ostomate" forum is definitely a one-of-a-kind family, which I am very proud to belong to.
M
xo
Blueeyed87
Jun 08, 2025 12:05 am
Sounds totally normal to me. Be careful of old blood, though; inside, that's how I became septic: it was from leftover blood from surgery.
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Kyle
Jun 10, 2025 5:24 am
Quite the shock when mucus, blood, and stool escape from the rectum and fistula, but it is normal. About once a week, I use a glycerin suppository and a warm water enema to clear the discharge in a shower. I find it gives me more control during the week. Since I got Crohn's, it isn't unusual to see blood that is fresh. The doctor wasn't concerned with it when I asked. If you are worried, it doesn't hurt to ask the doctor. It will take you time to figure out the best diet and routine to keep you comfortable.