Hello Sarah

I just wanted to let you know that our nurse team is now out of the office until Tuesday morning but they will reply as soon as they're able to after the bank holiday weekend. 

In the meantime, if you're at all worried about your bowels and the soreness that you have, do give NHS 111 a call for some advice and support. 

I hope things settle for you soon. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hello and thanks for your post

You may be experiencing discharge from your back passage. The discharge is mucus from the lining of the bowel. Mucus normally keeps the bowel moist and helps the poo (faeces or stools) to pass along the bowel. After a stoma, although the bottom part of the bowel no longer has poo passing through, it still produces mucus. Dead cells from the lower bowel or rectum may be mixed in with the mucus. 

The mucus may leak out of the back passage, or you may feel the urge to go to the toilet. The mucus is normally clear or white, and looks a bit like egg white or glue. Sometimes the mucus dries up into a ball inside the rectum and can cause pain. A small amount of poo may pass into the bottom part of the bowel, resulting in a brown discharge. 

How often and how much rectal discharge there is varies in different people. It may be once every few weeks or months, or a couple of times a day. If the mucus looks green, smells or has blood in it, you should let your stoma nurse or doctor know as you might have an infection.

Sitting on the toilet every day and gently bearing down (without straining) may help you to pass the mucus out of your rectum naturally. Some people may need a suppository to help loosen the mucus. If you are worried about leaking discharge unexpectedly, you may want to wear a small absorbent pad to protect your clothes.

If mucus does leak out, it can make your skin sore. So you may want to use a barrier cream to help protect your skin. After a shower, remember to pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rub it. 

Although having rectal discharge may feel embarrassing, the team looking after you will be very used to supporting people with this. Your stoma nurse can give you advice on what to expect and how to deal with any discharge. They can also teach you pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the muscles that help to control the leakage from the rectum.

I hope things improve for you soon. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday. 

Best wishes,

Celene