Mucas Leak

Hi Jimmythevoice and welcome to the group.

I have a permanent colostomy, and so unfortunately have no advice for you. Mucus leaks from the back passage have come up before in the group, so hopefully someone who has an ileostomy will come along with some experience to share.

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah it a colostomy I have as well  have not had many problems with it  for 12 years then this it’s driving me mad  thanks for your reply take care

Oops! So sorry, I have mixed you up with another member. I’ve had my colostomy for 4.5 years and never had any leakage at all so I know I’d be shocked if that happened.

Can I just ask, is it an ongoing issue for you now it’s started happening? 

Sarah xx

Yes been going on for about 6 months 

Hi Jimmy,

I've had a colostomy for 3.5 years now and I've been getting mucus leaks from about 6 months! It's apparently quite common but the first time it happened to me, well, I nearly died of fright! I went into a complete panic and came straight onto this forum! The support and advice I got was amazing! You never get used to it, at least I haven't, I find it happens more if my stoma is overactive or if I get constipated! I always get a thin brown discharge sometimes, without mucus!

Try  talking to your GP if you're still worried. Hope this helps a little,

Best Wishes,

Moira x

Hello Jimmythevoice,

I have had two stomas for about 3 years now. One is a loop ileostomy and the other is effectively a colostomy (in fact a mucous fistula) as a means to terminate my colon because my rectum was resected and could not be re-connected. Mucus discharges from the colostomy daily, in small quantities. Although my rectum is now a blind alley I get mucus discharges from it every now and again: sometimes for a few days and then once every few months or so. The fist time it happened I wondered what was going on because it was an urge to use the lavatory (which was no longer possible). On investigation it was due to a very small quantity of a putty-like substance which was mucus. It seemed strange how such a small quantity could cause the sensation of needing to use the lavatory. The colorectal team told me that this was quite normal because the intestines and rectum are mucous producing organs as part of their duty to function correctly in passing food through the digestive system. It no longer concerns me and is easily dealt with but I do look out for blood, which would concern me. A bit like a runny nose!

Dulac

Hi Moira , this has been going on for about 6 months and it’s getting worse it’s happening 3 to 4 time a day  and there is blood through it  I’m  now 12 years with a stoma don’t like it but have learned to live with it. I looked it up in google it said sand color with light blood it’s horrible when it leaks when I’m out google suggested I watch what I eat thanks for your help

Hi Dulac, thanks for answering my call for help had my stoma for 12 years  last 6 months I have had this mucus leak  3 or 4 times a day it’s getting me down bit scared to go out  I looked on google said it was normal sand color with light blood  and to watch what I eat. I’m also gluten free so my diet is not great  thanks jimmy

When I told my consultant about the blood he was very unconcerned, he explained that because the rectum wasn't used, it could get inflamed, this causing the blood! I've even had the camera up there and nothing was found, so  I'll just have to put up with it! I don't think you should be having it that often though, I really think it's time you had some answers! My discharge varies in colour, sandy to darker brown! Sorry I can't help more but please, get it checked and let us know what happens please,

Best Wishes,

Moira x

Will keep you informed thanks