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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Ostomy Support Group.

Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

Hi @sher99, welcome! Wow, you're coming up on your 10th anniversary with a colostomy. Your experience and wisdom will be a welcome addition to the community. May I ask what led to your needing a colostomy?

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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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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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Hi @sher99, welcome! Wow, you're coming up on your 10th anniversary with a colostomy. Your experience and wisdom will be a welcome addition to the community. May I ask what led to your needing a colostomy?

REPLY
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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New to this site. Please forgive if the incorrect reply.

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Profile picture for Amanda Burnett @amandaa

Hi @bcstew, Thank you for sharing your current experience with the group. I am sorry that you are currently having a watery discharge due to your colostomy. I would definitely contact your surgeon if this is a new symptom that is occurring, but I did want to invite a few more people to the discussion that may have knowledge of if this is a common side effect or something to be concerned with. Welcome @hodagw, @engelee, @susang2473 and @candywocrn to the conversation. Can you share any insight with @bcstew ?

You will also noticed that I altered your title slightly to address your question so members can see it from the group page.

@bcstew, I did read where if you have a colostomy and the anus is still in tact, there may be some mucus discharge due to the fact that the bowel lining still has the ability to produce the mucus that aids in defecating. Can you give us a little background regarding your diagnosis and your surgery?
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colostomy/risks/#:~:text=Rectal%20discharge,no%20longer%20serves%20any%20purpose.

Jump to this post

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).

REPLY

Hi @bcstew, Thank you for sharing your current experience with the group. I am sorry that you are currently having a watery discharge due to your colostomy. I would definitely contact your surgeon if this is a new symptom that is occurring, but I did want to invite a few more people to the discussion that may have knowledge of if this is a common side effect or something to be concerned with. Welcome @hodagw, @engelee, @susang2473 and @candywocrn to the conversation. Can you share any insight with @bcstew ?

You will also noticed that I altered your title slightly to address your question so members can see it from the group page.

@bcstew, I did read where if you have a colostomy and the anus is still in tact, there may be some mucus discharge due to the fact that the bowel lining still has the ability to produce the mucus that aids in defecating. Can you give us a little background regarding your diagnosis and your surgery?
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colostomy/risks/#:~:text=Rectal%20discharge,no%20longer%20serves%20any%20purpose.

REPLY
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