This topic is about someone who recently had a loop ileostomy and is experiencing a heavy, brown, watery rectal discharge. They are concerned about whether this is normal so soon after their surgery. Here are some insights and advice that might help:
1. It's quite common for people to experience significant rectal discharge in the first month or even longer after a loop ileostomy or J-pouch defunctioning. The amount might seem more than it actually is.
2. To get a better idea of the discharge volume, you might want to use a container or pads/liners to measure or estimate it. This information can be helpful for your healthcare providers.
3. If you start experiencing pain, fever, or any signs of infection, it's important to contact your surgeon or general practitioner right away.
4. Don't hesitate to reach out to your stoma nurse with any concerns. They are there to support you through this process.
5. If you're in the UK or need worldwide resources, St. Mark’s Hospital is a specialist center for pouch and stoma care. They offer support and can be contacted via phone or email. Their website also provides useful information.
6. For peer support, the Red Lion Group offers a community for those with similar experiences.
7. Some people choose to have their J-pouch removed and live with a permanent ostomy if pouch-related issues affect their quality of life. Sharing your reasons for having a pouch and your current goals can help others provide more personalized advice.