When someone has a colostomy, it can be a bit surprising to experience certain things, especially in the early days after surgery. One common concern is passing stool in the usual way, even though a colostomy bag is in place. Here's what you need to know about this situation:

- It's quite normal in the early days after surgery to pass some stool the usual way. This happens because there might still be some stool left in the part of the colon or rectum that remains inside your body. It can take days or even weeks for this to clear out completely.

- If you have a remaining rectal stump, which is common with certain types of colostomies, it can fill up with mucus, tissue, and any leftover stool. This means you might need to empty it from time to time.

- Many people find reassurance in knowing that surgeons and nurses often tell patients that passing stool or mucus unexpectedly after surgery is normal. It doesn't mean that your stoma or the colostomy bag isn't working properly.

- If your bowel wasn't completely cleaned out before the surgery, you might notice more residual contents passing afterward. This is also normal and doesn't affect how your colostomy appliance functions.

These points can help ease concerns and provide a better understanding of what to expect after a colostomy.