This topic is about dealing with persistent gas and mucus discharge after having an ileostomy, which is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen to allow waste to exit the body. Five years after the procedure, someone has started experiencing a lot of intestinal gas and is passing small amounts of material from the rectum. They are looking for advice on how to manage these issues.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Mucus Discharge: It's normal for the rectum to continue secreting mucus if it is left in place after an ileostomy. This mucus needs to be expelled occasionally, so experiencing some "slime" or leakage is expected.

2. Surgical Option: One way to eliminate mucus leakage is through a surgical procedure called a completion proctectomy, which involves removing the rectum and anus. However, this is an additional surgery with its own recovery time and potential risks.

3. Gas Control: Excess gas is often related to diet. Reviewing any recent changes in your diet and identifying foods known to produce gas can help reduce bloating and prevent the pouch from inflating too much.

4. Day-to-Day Management: Some people find it manageable to simply sit on the toilet and expel the mucus when they feel the urge. They often find this more tolerable compared to the symptoms they experienced before surgery.

5. More Resources: For those seeking more detailed information, there are previous discussions on diet, gas, and managing rectal mucus available in the forum’s Premium Content section.