Average Size of a Mucus Plug

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Rosherau

Hi all,

I have a loop ileostomy temp, and I am wondering how large a mucus plug would be on average. I know there isn't one size fits all.

I still have my colon intact and get an urge about once a week or a fortnight, but I am unable to pass it as it's too big for my anus to dilate. So, I am wondering what the average size is for a week to two weeks of not passing anything.

I tried a coconut warm water irrigation and got loose mucus out, but not the plugs that are still causing BM urges.

Thank you

Bill

Hello Rosherau.

In the early days, when I had this problem, I tried all sorts of things that did not work. Eventually I rigged up a gadget of my own that involved two anal catheters (left over from my incontinent days) connected to the shower hose.

The first one had the tip removed so that the water flowed straight out of the end in a fast flowing jet. This cleaned the upper regions of the channel.

The second one, the tip was left on, which meant that the water came out from the sides of the tip and with a twisting movement would clean around the sides.

I stood in the bath to do this as there was really no other way as the volume of water would have been too much for anywher else. Also, it was somewhat satistfying to see all the muck that came out and float down the bath.

This proceedure was used for about six months before the lumps of hardened mucus  stopped appearing; the mucus became clear and no longer smelled dreadful. I have not had to repeat this process in years so I presume that this is a newbie's problem.

Sorry to hear you have these problems as I can certainly empathise with how you feel.

PLEASE NOTE: I do not recommend trying the same procedure as it has got to carry serious risks when poking an anal catheter up a newly operated on anus. The only reason I tried it that I was already used to anal irrigation and I was extremely careful with how I went about it for teh first few times.

Best wishes

Bill

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zassyj

Sorry, I don't have any real answers, Rosharau, but I have an ileostomy and the same problem, and nothing shifts it. Just thought you would be glad to know you're not alone suffering with this problem.