This topic is about a person who has both an ileostomy and a mucus fistula. For a while, the mucus fistula was quiet, producing only a small amount of mucus and stool. This allowed them to use small, closed-end pouches without any issues. However, one morning, the mucus fistula suddenly became very active, leading to a continuous liquid output, a strong odor, and a major pouch blow-out. This unexpected activity also caused stool to pass through the rectum, which hasn't been sewn shut. The situation required a lot of time in the bathroom, changing both the fistula pouch and the ileostomy appliance. The person is aware that the air and mucus output from the fistula help prevent blockages, but they are concerned because this is a new and very different experience from what they have been used to over the past year.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. The mucus fistula acts like an air hole to help prevent blockages, and it is located on the left side of the abdomen, opposite the ileostomy.

2. Another person with a loop ileostomy mentions having a second bowel opening beside the main stoma, which might be where the loop was divided. They sometimes use glycerine suppositories to clear out any accumulated stool. They are unsure if this opening is a mucus fistula and are curious about its purpose.