Rectal discharge?

Hi Terry,

Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. Glad to hear you have recovered well from your rectal surgery and your getting on just fine.

Firstly, it’s a good idea to have a chat with your Stoma Nurse or Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). They are best placed to review the symptoms you are reporting.

These can be common stoma complications after having a colostomy but still best to get reviewed by your Nurse.

The lining of the bowel produces mucus to help with passing stools. Even though it no longer serves any purpose it will continue to produce mucus.

This will vary from person to person. Sometimes several episodes a day and sometimes every few weeks.

Regards the colour, mucus can sometimes irritate the skin around your bottom. Again, it is a good idea to have this reviewed by your Nurse to rule out any signs of tissue damage or infection.

We have some information here on managing complications and discharge which you may find useful going forward.

Bowel Cancer UK and Bladder & Bowel.org or, BBUK can also be useful sources of information and support.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please get in touch by email, webchat or phone. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm. You can also visit our Online Community , where you can talk to others who have been affected by cancer. 

Best wishes,

David 

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.  

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