CancerCompass message board discussion started by Paddy1 on 10/7/2007 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,16854,0.htm Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I had rectal surgery in July and have a temporary ileostomy. I was told that there would probably be some discharge from the rectum as the colon would continue to produce mucus. It seems to come and go and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to how to handle this. It feels like there is a bit of pressure and the need to evacuate in the regular way. I do have mucus and occasionally a very tiny amount of stool. The mucus varies between brownish clear and pinkish. If all goes as planned the ileostomy will be reversed in about six months. If anyone has been through all this, advice sure would be welcomed.  Paddy1 Sun, 07 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Are you getting Chemo radiation?  If there is blood in the discharge I would worry about recurrence/ persistence of disease. Witchdoctor Thu, 11 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT I had that problem.  It sorta constantly felt like I had to go to the bathroom.  The only thing that helped it was Dilaudid.  Once I had the reversal the constant sence of urgency stopped.  oakwood Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT The surgeon said to expect the discharge. He said it would be brownish clear and sometimes it could be reddish. He said not to worry since surgery was recent and I have been having chemo. the question was more about the feeling of urgency which another patient reassured me was common and susided after the reversal. Thanks. Paddy1 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT I had the same discharge - it would be a sunbstantial plug of brownish-reddish mucous.  The first time it happened, I freaked out and called my surgeon immediately.  It occured about every 3-4 weeks - and the pressure before it passed was quite uncomfortable.  You completely forget about it once you have the reversal - your only thought hten is how to stop going to the bathroom every fifteen minutes!  The best advice I ever got was from the wound care nurse who advised me to stock up on Desitin, baby-wipes and pads when I had my reversal.  That was 18 months ago now and I no longer have any discomfort - not totally "regular" - but enough so that life is "normal" - always knowing that accidents are a possibility.  Good luck, hang in there - don't sweat the small stuff! njkiwimum Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Thanks very much. I hope you are doing well Paddy1 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT