This topic is about a person who has had an ileostomy for two years. Recently, they noticed something unusual: instead of their usual small amounts of bloody mucus, food they eat is now coming out through the rectum, and their ostomy pouch is barely filling up. Naturally, this has caused them some concern, and they are wondering whether they should head to the hospital or wait to see if things improve on their own.

Here are some helpful pieces of advice and insights shared by others:

- With an ileostomy, there should typically be only one functioning exit for waste. Passing stool through the rectum is not normal in this situation.

- Immediate steps to take:
1. Contact your surgeon as soon as possible and ask for a clear explanation of what might be happening.
2. If the issue persists or if the surgeon's response doesn't seem satisfactory, consider getting a second opinion or visiting the emergency department.

- Possible investigations that might be suggested:
- A CT scan with fluoroscopy and oral contrast (a "milk-like" liquid) to help trace where the intestinal contents are going.

- Personal experiences shared by others:
- One person mentioned that their surgeon explained that occasional rectal urges or cramps shortly after surgery could be due to leftover bowel contents. These might be relieved with an over-the-counter enema, but they never passed recognizable food.
- Another person shared that they experience a rectal movement about once a year. Despite extensive imaging, no cause was found, so they simply keep an eye on the situation.

- General reassurance from several people that passing stool through the rectum after an ileostomy is not typical and should be evaluated by a medical professional promptly.