Hi Navey,

Do you have a "loop" ostomy? This is a type ostomy you'd get if you plan to have a reversal.

Yes I have a loop ostomy and have been told  by my surgeon that she does not recommend I have a reversal because of my output being on the watery side I believe. I take eight immodium a day and still cannot get consistent thicker poo.

Hey Navey, I have a colostomy that they plan to reverse. I have heard the term 'loop' ostomy before but my surgeon said what they did with me was a hartmann procedure. Anyway, my point is that I still have the lower portion of my colon though it's just a 'pouch'. I pass a mucus (the doc's term - I'd call it sludge) a couple times a week. Not a lot really, maybe a couple tablespoons, but I do get the sensation of needing have a bowel movement. I have found that what passes varies in color from grey to brown, and for me, I often pass a bit of blood with it. The doctors are aware and tell me it is fairly normal. It still worries me, at least the blood part, but I am no longer alarmed when I see it. I would still talk to your doctor about it but try not to be too alarmed.

Hi Kae:

Thanks for sharing your experience. I did not pass any blood thank goodness. I do recall my surgeon saying that mucus could be passed but I have not encountered that yet. And yes the colour is greyish brown. I do not have any large bowel left, as this is the third time I have had colon cancer and the surgeon determined that what was left should be removed. Hence the ilieostomy. I will speak with my surgeon when she returns to the office but you have eased my mind. Thank you.

The first time that happened to me I freaked out thinking that there was something wrong, I think everyone one of us has gone through it and felt the same way at some point.

But I believe that is why we are here and that is why Eric made this forum for us to bounce things/feeling off each other <3 

Posted by: uc2ostomy

But I believe that is why we are here and that is why Eric made this forum for us to bounce things/feeling off each other <3 

That's exactly why! Sometimes "normal" just needs to be confirmed by others. 

I have an end ileostomy, but my rectum (before it was removed) was definitely outputting mucus and stuff that would have been alarming had I not known to look out for it.