Colostomy problem: Rectal discharge 18 months out

I had my surgery about 18 weeks ago for a ruptured bowel and I am 80 years old and do not know if I can go through with another surgery, so I am thinking about not having it reversed. I have had slight discharges all along after about a month and my doctor told me it was not uncommon for that to happen at a small rate as long as you are not bleeding. My rectum isn't even hooked up to my bowl, so I have no idea where it comes from. I have been wearing a pad since my surgery for my urine control after they put a catheter in me prior to other issues. If you feel like there is to much fluid coming out I would check with my doctor and let them know. Kas

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.

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.

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.

@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.