Postby MissMolly » Sat Jan 13, 2018 9:16 am
Chickspeed:
I think your blood-tinged mucus discharge is a non-serious illustration of what is termed “diversion colitis.” You can google the term to become more familiar with it.
With a loop ileostomy, a common problem is inflammation of the diverted and resting/healing portion of large intestine.
The normal passage of feces along the length of the large intestine cariries with it short-chain fatty acids that nourish and supplement the delicate connective tissue lining of the intestine. Yes . . . Feces serves a vital role in maintaining the health of the intestinal tissue. Normal feces/stool contains short-chain fatty acids and associated fatty polymers that nourish the intestinal tissue. In the absence of short-chain fatty acids, resultant inflammation and irritation of surface capillaries results.
Your blood-tinged passage of mucus from your anus is likely due to a lack of fecal material passing through with its beneficial short-chain fatty acids.
In a nut shell: The lining of your intestine is inflammed and irritated and dry.
Diversion colitis can range from mild to severe. Yours sounds mild. If you are concerned, you can talk to your physician about treatment options.
Treatment for diversion colitis includes: Rectal suppositories and rectal foam that contain a low dose of corticosteroid (ex. Proctafoam); use of the oral antibiotic Flagyl (to reduce bacterial overgrowth in the segment of diverted colon); warm water + aloe vera irrigation of the lower rectum (to flush normal cellular debris and accumulated bacteria).
The free flow of fecal material has an essential role in maintaining the health of the digestive tract. “Poop” is not mere waste, but contains elements that nourish and supplement the maintaining of healthy intestinal tissue. With a temporary ileostomy, you no longer have the flow of fecal material. Inflammation and irritation of the diverted portion of intestine results. This is the likely source of your blood-tinged mucus.
Karen
Dear friend to Bella Piazza, former Colon Club member (NWGirl).
I have a permanent ileostomy and offer advice on living with an ostomy - in loving remembrance of Bella
I am on Palliative Care for broad endocrine failure + Addison's disease + osteonecrosis of both hips/jaw + immunosuppression. I live a simple life due to frail health.