Is it normal to not pass mucus post-ileostomy?

I am 5 months post-op and have an ileostomy. I still have about 8 inches of my colon and my rectum. I have not passed any mucus or anything else from my rectum. Is this unusual? Should I be concerned about it?

Thanks!

I believe it took my colon/parts to realize they were retired before they started to protest a bit with the mucus. If you are concerned, then seek medical advice for your own peace of mind. jb

Nikki, I am colonless from the beginning, so I don't know. It can't hurt to check with your medical team.

You could try a glycerin suppository and see if anything comes out. I have a loop colostomy, so I get mucus and sometimes stool. I use a suppository and an enema once a week just so I get surprised when I'm out. Your colon and rectum may not be producing any mucus since they're not being used.

My Ostomy Journey: Jearlean | Hollister

I wouldn't be concerned about it. Personally, I would be overjoyed. Once you experience mucus firsthand, you will see why I said that. It's a messy and sometimes painful experience. I don't get mucus that often; in fact, it's been about a year or more since I had any mucus come out. But I remember when I first got my ostomy, I had mucus balls come out. They looked like poop, and I panicked and freaked out, thinking, how could I poop when I don't have that equipment hooked up anymore? But my doctor told me to relax; it was just mucus. I did relax then and let things go. But I won't forget that experience. You will probably get mucus at some point, but don't worry about it right now. Focus on healing and getting better. Dealing with your ostomy and all its many wonders. When you get mucus, just remember it can take many forms. Don't panic if it doesn't come out the way you expect it to.

It depends on the type of ileostomy you have. Some of us have two holes on our stoma, one for mucus and one for poop. It's called a loop ileostomy. I'm 2 months post-op and haven't seen anything either, but I do sometimes feel sensation back there as if I had to go to the bathroom and have even passed air. Ask your doctor what kind of ileostomy you have and what you should expect.

Thank you so much for this information. It's very reassuring.

I would not be concerned. I have an ileo and still have my rectum, but mucus is very unpredictable. Sometimes I get it quite frequently, but I can go for long spells with nothing. It's also possible you are getting some and haven't been aware of it. Mine often will slip out when I'm peeing, as the muscles you use to pee can open your anal sphincter. If the mucus is really loose and light in color, it can go undetected. I will notice some on the toilet paper when I wipe after peeing. When the mucus is darker in color, or more solid, it's hard to miss.

Terry

Thank you so much, Terry. I appreciate it.

I think I had my first experience with mucus maybe a year after my ileostomy. Although before that, it would feel like my colon wanted to push something out. So maybe, like someone has already said, some mucus came out and I just didn't realize it.

And I had some mucus appear just this week. Wasn't too messy this time.