This topic is about a person who recently had ileostomy surgery due to colon cancer and is experiencing something unexpected. A month after the surgery, they noticed stools passing through the anus, which was surprising since they now have an ileostomy. This situation is causing some concern, especially since it's a long weekend and they are waiting for a callback from Telehealth. They are looking for reassurance from others who might have had similar experiences.
Here are some helpful insights and advice:
1. After surgery, it can be normal to pass residual stool or mucus through the rectum. Mucus can sometimes look thick, dark, or even like stool, which might cause confusion.
2. If the nausea goes away and there are no other worrying symptoms, this situation is usually not urgent. However, it's still important to get medical advice when you can.
3. For those with loop stomas, and sometimes even with end stomas, small amounts of stool might bypass the stoma appliance. This can happen if the output is loose or if the pouch becomes too full.
4. To prevent unexpected rectal evacuations, consider using a glycerin suppository followed by a warm-water enema about once a week. This can help clear any buildup.
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