This topic is about the experience of feeling a phantom urge to have a bowel movement after recent ostomy surgery. This sensation can be surprising and a bit humorous, but it's something many new ostomates wonder about. Here are some insights and advice on this topic:

1. The feeling is quite common and usually harmless. It's often referred to as a phantom urge, phantom pain, or "urge to purge."

2. The cause of this sensation is that the rectum or colon continues to produce mucus because it hasn't realized its previous job has stopped. For some, it might also be an early sign of a partial blockage or slow-moving stool, so it's important to monitor if it comes with cramping, no stoma output, or blood.

3. What to expect:
- These urges may decrease over time, but some people experience them for many years.
- You might notice small amounts of clear, gray, or clay-colored mucus passing through the anus. Using pads or liners can help protect your clothing.
- If you see blood or experience severe pain, it's important to contact your surgeon, as it could indicate an infection, pouchitis, or polyps.

4. Ways to relieve the sensation:
- Sitting on the toilet and going through the motions can help the urge subside, often after a small mucus discharge.
- Applying warmth with a heating pad or warm cloth at the tailbone can be soothing.
- Staying well hydrated is important.
- An old-style glycerin suppository might help clear built-up mucus, but avoid stronger options unless prescribed.
- For recurrent rectal pain, some find relief with antibiotics like Flagyl (metronidazole) alone or combined with Cipro (ciprofloxacin) as prescribed for rectal or pouch infections.

5. When to seek medical review:
- If the urges persist without relief, if pain increases, if there's blood, or if there are signs of a blockage like cramping or reduced stoma output, it's time to consult a doctor. They might recommend imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan, or a colonoscopy.

6. Maintaining a sense of humor and a positive attitude can help navigate this unusual but normal phase of life with an ostomy.