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Colostomy problem: Rectal discharge 18 months out

Posted by bcstew @bcstew, Sep 29, 2020

My surgery was 18 months ago and I have had no rectal discharge in all that time. Yesterday twice there was a watery discharge.
I am now wearing a pad, Is this a common occurance? Should I see my surgeon?

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browndognotnow | @browndognotnow | Jul 1 7:12pm
In reply to @sher99 "I have had a colostomy since 2012 this has occurred maybe 3 times. My surgeon stated..." + (show)
Profile picture for sher99 @sher99

I have had a colostomy since 2012 this has occurred maybe 3 times. My surgeon stated it's normal. I replied, no fair! (little humor).

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@sher99 I had mine in Feb 2026, 3 months later I had my first experience with leakage. I charted my surgeon and was told this is normal. I saw him today and discussed the issue again. He explained that I still have a rectum so sometimes mucus like substance will sometimes leak to that area, hence leakage. Was told not to worry unless it was happening frequently and large amounts. Hope this helps.

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kenc | @kenc | Jun 17 11:34am
In reply to @patriotspride "I do have a small mass between my bladder and rectum that will need to be..." + (show)
Profile picture for patriotspride @patriotspride

I do have a small mass between my bladder and rectum that will need to be surgically removed following chemo treatments that start this week

That may be the source of the pressure as it comes on mainly when I urinate it the colostomy starts to work re it’s normal function

I was seeking any advice re relief from the burning. As mentioned no discharge so any burning remedies appreciated

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@patriotspride Perhaps you have a UTI.

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katey122 | @katey122 | Jan 20 11:27am
In reply to @klancee47 "I am 78 and decided when I got my colostomy that I was not ready for..." + (show)
Profile picture for 2SelfBTru @klancee47

I am 78 and decided when I got my colostomy that I was not ready for another surgery and decided to wait until I had to have it. If I had a problem that made it mandatory for surgery, It has not happen yet and I fear another surgery. With each one it just becomes closer to a problem happening. So I am not having a reversal. My colostomy surgery was 4/18/2017, and so far no problems. I have had so many surgeries that I fear another one if it is not needed.
I change my bag once a week maybe even 9 days. I always clean my skin well with washing it and them I use an alcohol wipe or two to sterilize the skin around my stoma so I am not putting the flange/faceplate over bacteria that may be left behind from washing. I have never had a skin break out and I really believe it is because I use the alcohol wipes first so no bacteria can grow under the flange.

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@klancee47 I was 67 when I had a ruptured colon due to diverticulitis. I was supposed to get reversal surgery 6 months later. I didn't get it. I just couldn't undergo another surgery. Do I wish I had done it? Yes. Oh well, I have adjusted to ostomy life.

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katey122 | @katey122 | Jan 20 11:17am
In reply to @angeleyes777fun "Yes it is common. If you feel like something is coming sit on the toilet and..." + (show)
Profile picture for angeleyes777fun @angeleyes777fun

Yes it is common. If you feel like something is coming sit on the toilet and eventually it will pass. Usually liquids or mucus. I’m 11 months in after 3 different surgeries to find a spot the stoma could be placed. The Dr said it’s normal and just let it come out. I not only had mucus but small bowel movements.
It will eventually subside but it’s just part of the process.

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@angeleyes777fun I've had a few 'ghost turds' in the past 3 years. I feel like you do when you are going to have a bowel movement. I'll sit on the toliet and just relax, it takes awhile but eventually I will pass the solidified grayish stuff.

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katey122 | @katey122 | Jan 20 11:13am
In reply to @sher99 "Diver which led to infection to burst colon. Emergency surgery. On prednisone for GCA since 2010...." + (show)
Profile picture for sher99 @sher99

Diver which led to infection to burst colon. Emergency surgery. On prednisone for GCA since 2010. Able to answer and share on both issues.

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@sher99 Same as me, but I don't have to take any medications.

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angeleyes777fun | @angeleyes777fun | Jan 14 12:19pm

Yes it is common. If you feel like something is coming sit on the toilet and eventually it will pass. Usually liquids or mucus. I’m 11 months in after 3 different surgeries to find a spot the stoma could be placed. The Dr said it’s normal and just let it come out. I not only had mucus but small bowel movements.
It will eventually subside but it’s just part of the process.

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1 reply
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weymouthpaula | @weymouthpaula | Aug 25, 2025
In reply to @piki "@weymouthpaula said: Without this discharge, the mucus could build up into a grey "ghost turd". That's..." + (show)
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@weymouthpaula said: Without this discharge, the mucus could build up into a grey "ghost turd". That's what they called it!

So now I have a name to put to my problem? I must admit I couldn't find any references to mucus in the description. I don't have any of the symptoms of Diversion colitis and I've seen the colorectal surgeon twice on this matter and apparently there's nothing out there that will help.

So I'll keep on doing what I've been doing all along and be grateful that the interludes between the enemas appears to be lengthening.

All best to the rest of you having these problems.

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I have resorted to an enema a few times over the years. There is so much to living with an Ostomy that is for some reason under wraps. I just read about adding a charcoal capsule to the bag to control
Gas and odor. Why did I have to
to stumble upon this information.
BTW….coconut oil taken orally with a warm liquid helps with constipation.

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Darienne | @piki | Aug 25, 2025
In reply to @weymouthpaula "I too am eighty years old. Have had an ostomy for many years now. It is..." + (show)
Profile picture for weymouthpaula @weymouthpaula

I too am eighty years old. Have had an ostomy for many years now. It is normal to have a random mucus discharge from your rectum. It is the natural bowl lubricant.
Without this discharge, the mucus could build up into a grey "ghost turd". That's what they called it!
I am doing fine as is and have no intentions of ever doing a reversal. Give yourself time to adjust.

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@weymouthpaula said: Without this discharge, the mucus could build up into a grey "ghost turd". That's what they called it!

So now I have a name to put to my problem? I must admit I couldn't find any references to mucus in the description. I don't have any of the symptoms of Diversion colitis and I've seen the colorectal surgeon twice on this matter and apparently there's nothing out there that will help.

So I'll keep on doing what I've been doing all along and be grateful that the interludes between the enemas appears to be lengthening.

All best to the rest of you having these problems.

REPLY
1 reply
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kasandphyl1 | @kasandphyl1 | Aug 25, 2025
In reply to @weymouthpaula "I too am eighty years old. Have had an ostomy for many years now. It is..." + (show)
Profile picture for weymouthpaula @weymouthpaula

I too am eighty years old. Have had an ostomy for many years now. It is normal to have a random mucus discharge from your rectum. It is the natural bowl lubricant.
Without this discharge, the mucus could build up into a grey "ghost turd". That's what they called it!
I am doing fine as is and have no intentions of ever doing a reversal. Give yourself time to adjust.

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Thank you for your input. I am still learning and I do not think I will have a reversal....

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kasandphyl1 | @kasandphyl1 | Aug 25, 2025
In reply to @klancee47 "I am 78 and decided when I got my colostomy that I was not ready for..." + (show)
Profile picture for 2SelfBTru @klancee47

I am 78 and decided when I got my colostomy that I was not ready for another surgery and decided to wait until I had to have it. If I had a problem that made it mandatory for surgery, It has not happen yet and I fear another surgery. With each one it just becomes closer to a problem happening. So I am not having a reversal. My colostomy surgery was 4/18/2017, and so far no problems. I have had so many surgeries that I fear another one if it is not needed.
I change my bag once a week maybe even 9 days. I always clean my skin well with washing it and them I use an alcohol wipe or two to sterilize the skin around my stoma so I am not putting the flange/faceplate over bacteria that may be left behind from washing. I have never had a skin break out and I really believe it is because I use the alcohol wipes first so no bacteria can grow under the flange.

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I was shocked to see that your surgery was 4/18/2017......mine was 04/18/2025 and I feel like you do. It left me very weak and muscle deprived, along with an edema problem. I do not want to have another surgery either!!

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