It’s very understandable to feel worried by faecal discharge after an ileostomy, but please be reassured that this is very common and is usually nothing to worry about.
Even after surgery, the bowel and back passage that are still inside your body carry on doing their normal job. They keep making mucus, which is a slippery substance that protects the bowel. This happens in everyone, whether they have a stoma or not. Because poo no longer goes that way, the mucus can build up and then come out as a discharge. It doesn’t usually mean anything is wrong. This is just your body carrying on with a normal process.
There is more information on the Colostomy UK website and they also have a booklet on tips and advice on Rectal-Discharge which you may find helpful.
If the discharge becomes painful, very smelly, very bloody, or you’re worried for any reason, it’s always okay to contact your stoma nurse or doctor for advice. They are very used to hearing about this.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.
It might help to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline. You can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
