This topic is about someone who has had a colostomy and is experiencing painful abdominal cramps and rectal mucus discharge. They are trying to understand if these symptoms are normal or if they indicate a problem. Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. After a colostomy or ileostomy, it's common to have mucus discharge from the rectum. This mucus can vary in thickness and color, and it often creates a strong urge to push. Generally, this is normal and not something to worry about.

2. Straining to expel the mucus can cause pain in the lower abdomen or stomach area.

3. The symptoms might have started with a partial blockage. Even if there is some output, a blockage can cause cramps. Once the mucus starts moving, the pain usually decreases.

4. It's important to know which parts and how much of the colon were removed during surgery. This affects:
- How often and how much mucus builds up and is discharged.
- Whether a future reversal of the stoma is suitable and what the quality of life might be like afterward.

5. People who have had most of their sigmoid colon or other distal parts removed often find that if they have a reversal, they might experience frequent soft or liquid stools and a constant sense of urgency. Some choose to keep the stoma for this reason.

6. It's a good idea to get a copy of the surgical report, learn about the normal length and function of the removed colon segment (for example, the sigmoid colon is typically about 16 inches or 406 mm long), and discuss these details with the surgical team before making any decisions about a reversal.