Is it Normal to Have Feces from the Rectum with an Ileostomy?

3 times I've had feces coming from my rectum. Is this normal? It's infrequent but annoying.

G-Day Chiquis,

If they have left you with your rectum, there will be some feces and mucus still being ejected from your rear.

Talk with your stoma nurse, and she will give you more information.

Regards, IGGIE

It's probably mucus that you are having. Sometimes it can look like feces. If you have an ileostomy, you shouldn't have feces coming from your rectum. It may be hard mucus. I had that when I first had my ileostomy, and I freaked out thinking, how could I poop with an ileostomy? A call to the surgeon's office told me that it was mucus and not to worry about it.

I see you've had your ileo since 2019, so I have to agree with Infinity. It sounds like mucus. It is normal and can look very much like feces. I have mucus that is sometimes loose and quite clear, and other times it's thicker and darker in color, sort of light brown. Nothing to worry about.

Terry

Thank you. Unfortunately, there are no ostomy nurses near me.

My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister

Not even by phone?

I've had my ileo for a little over 2 years now. So far, I've had two times (close together) when mucus was expelled. It was mostly clear.

Looks like others have had the same thing happen. So hopefully it's nothing to worry about - albeit very messy to deal with.

Have you reached out to your surgeon to discuss? If for no other reason than to calm your concerns.

The one ostomy nurse retired. I'll be seeing a new primary doc this month, and maybe he'll know of one.

The one ostomy nurse retired. I'll be seeing a new primary doc this month, and maybe he'll know of one.

My feces are not mucous. One time it was explosive diarrhea. Other times it was pencil-shaped. This last time I was painfully constipated. I used a suppository to clear it out.

I had a colonoscopy, and it took three enemas to clear it out. This was in the hospital.