Experiences from Others
While I don’t have direct access to personal anecdotes from patients in your exact situation, online forums and studies provide some insights:
Ostomy Reversal Challenges: On forums like the United Ostomy Associations of America, patients report varied outcomes after reversal. Some experience loose stools and incontinence for months but find improvement with pelvic floor therapy or medications like loperamide. Others, like you, struggle long-term and explore surgical options or permanent ostomies. One patient mentioned managing loose stools with a strict diet (no sweets, spicy foods, or gas-causing foods) and felt “very manageable” after 23 months.
InterStim Outcomes: Some patients with InterStim for fecal incontinence report significant improvement (e.g., 50% reduction in leaks), but others note persistent symptoms if the underlying issue isn’t nerve-related. A patient on a medical forum mentioned needing multiple programming adjustments to see benefits.
Rectal Discharge: While not identical to your symptoms, some patients post-ostomy report mucus discharge or loose stools, managed with barrier creams, pads, and pelvic exercises.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
To move forward, consider asking your healthcare team:
Could my symptoms be due to Low Anterior Resection Syndrome or another specific condition?
Is the InterStim implant functioning correctly, and are there adjustments we can try?
Would tests like anorectal manometry or defecography reveal new insights?
Am I a candidate for biofeedback, Solesta, or sphincteroplasty?
Could a permanent ostomy be a better option for my quality of life?
Can I be referred to a colorectal specialist or pelvic floor therapist?
Next Steps
Schedule a Follow-Up: Contact your colorectal surgeon or gastroenterologist to discuss your ongoing symptoms and request a comprehensive evaluation.
Connect with an NSWOC: They can offer practical advice on managing incontinence and skin care.

Dietitian Consultation: A dietitian can help refine your diet to minimize loose stools.
Final Thoughts
Your situation is complex, and it’s disheartening that the InterStim and other interventions haven’t resolved your symptoms. However, persistent runny, pasty stools and incontinence after rectal surgery and ostomy reversal are challenges others face, and options like advanced pelvic floor therapy, medication adjustments, or even revisiting surgical solutions may still offer relief. The key is a thorough re-evaluation to pinpoint the exact cause—whether it’s nerve dysfunction, sphincter damage, or altered bowel anatomy—and tailor treatment accordingly. You’re not alone, and connecting with others through support groups may provide both practical tips and emotional encouragement.
If you’d like, I can search for specific studies or forums for more patient experiences or help draft questions for your doctor. Let me know how I can assist further!