This topic is about dealing with persistent rectal discharge after having an ileostomy for a long time. The person sharing their experience has had an ileostomy since 2007 and is facing issues with a small opening in the rectum that produces a foul-smelling discharge several times a day. This is sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation and pressure. They are seeking advice from others who might have experienced similar issues and are looking for possible solutions.
Here are some helpful insights and advice:
1. It's common for the rectal stump to continue producing mucus. Without stool passing through, this mucus can build up, leading to pressure and discomfort.
2. Some management strategies include:
- Allowing the discharge to drain naturally and using incontinence pads to absorb any leakage.
- If there is a painful build-up, irrigating the rectal stump with warm water can help. This can be done using a simple shower-hose adaptor or a standard rectal irrigation kit. It's important to note that the ileostomy itself is not irrigated.
3. Consulting with continence-care or anal-incontinence nurses might be beneficial, as they can provide more specialized after-care compared to stoma nurses.
4. If the burning sensation feels chemical or acidic, it might be due to bile-salt irritation. In such cases, discussing this with a gastroenterologist could be helpful. Some patients have found relief from the burning sensation by using cholestyramine powder, which is a medication that binds bile salts.