This topic is about a colostomy patient experiencing an unusual bright-green rectal discharge, accompanied by back pain after meals. The patient is seeking advice and insights from the community to understand what might be happening. Here are some helpful points and advice shared by others:
1. A general practitioner (GP) confirmed the presence of bright-green material and referred the patient to the hospital. A CT scan revealed a parastomal hernia, but no other causes were found, and the surgeons were not concerned.
2. The patient believes the episodes are related to meals and is curious if others have had similar experiences.
3. The only difference from the usual mucus is the bright-green color, which is puzzling. The GP suggested possible diverticulitis of the rectal stump, but the episode stopped while in the hospital.
4. The patient has a large rectal stump left intentionally, and further pelvic surgery is not an option. They are also dealing with a parastomal hernia and using a Hollister 2-piece system.
5. The backache might be due to constant body twisting during housework to avoid pressure on the hernia.
Advice and insights from the community include:
- General information and resources: Rectal stumps continue to secrete mucus, and changes in volume, color, or other symptoms should be discussed with a doctor. Establish a personal baseline for what is normal.
- Diet-related color changes: Green foods or certain food dyes can cause green output. Be aware of color changes after consuming strongly colored meals.
- Symptom relief and self-care: Using a glycerin suppository at the first sign of pain can help relieve pressure. Pantyliners or light pads can manage unexpected leakage.
- When to escalate or consider treatments: Persistent symptoms like pain, foul odor, fever, or blood may indicate an infection and should be examined by a doctor. Antibiotic suppositories or further surgery might be considered for severe cases.
- Professional support and equipment: Consult a stoma nurse for advice on managing discharge and hernia-friendly pouch application. Hollister 2-piece appliances can be helpful for hernia contouring.
- Chronic pain management: Back pain might be due to altered posture or other issues. Strong pain relief, pain-stimulator devices, or physiotherapy might be needed. Seek a referral for pain management if necessary.
- Cancer or other red flags: A sudden change in discharge character or smell should be investigated further, as it could indicate a serious condition.
These insights suggest monitoring diet, using suppositories for relief, seeking guidance from a stoma nurse, and pursuing medical review if there are significant changes in discharge.
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