This topic is about someone who has had an ileostomy since March 2021 and is feeling pressure in their lower abdomen along with an urge to pass stool through the anus. They are curious if this is a normal experience.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. After an ileostomy, it's quite common to have mucus build up in the rectal stump. This can lead to feelings of pressure or pain until the mucus is expelled.

2. If the discomfort becomes painful, doesn't go away, or if you notice a decrease in stoma output, it's important to get checked by a general practitioner, surgeon, or stoma nurse as soon as possible.

3. The sensation of needing to defecate can linger for years due to ongoing internal healing, closure of the abdominal wall, or previous pelvic surgeries. This feeling can also have a psychological aspect.

4. Sometimes, anal discomfort might be due to an anal prolapse. Only a qualified clinician can determine the exact cause through an examination.

5. Rectal mucus can sometimes dry out and harden, causing pain. Usually, passing the mucus can help relieve these symptoms.

6. It's generally advised to keep an eye on any changes, try to expel any mucus if you can, and seek medical advice if self-care doesn't help resolve the issue.