Hi Group,
I have just come through a month of hell. I had part one of surgery the illiostomy, Feb. 20. What was supposed to be five days in hospital became 16 after I developed an infection. My wbc count was 29000 and high fever. It was touch and go
for several days. I'm finally out but must have a drainage tube in butt muscle (3 weeks now) that is very painful, especially when sitting.
Did anyone have infection after surgery?

I'm also having to empty bag like 10 times a day and for the last week it has been very liquidy despite watching my diet and eating foods that are supposed to thicken.
Did anyone encounter this after surgery?
Is it something to be concered about?
And finally I have these muccos discharges about 3 times a day out of anus. Doctor says thats no uncommon.
Man this whole thing was elective and it is difficult sometimes.

Post operative complications are not uncommon, you can read stories on this board of much worse! I don't think it's related to this surgery in particular but all surgeries come with great risks. Good to hear you are out of the hospital and now recovering at home.

Your frequency and consistency sound normal. As I understand it the temp ostomy is high up in the digestive tract where less water is absorbed. If I am wrong I am sure someone will correct me. My temp ostomy was always very fluid. I don't think this is a concern but do try to stay well hydrated. Butt discharge is normal and you can expect that all the way up to your reversal.

Welcome to our club!

Sue

Hi Eric - apart from your infection and drainage tube, which sound horrid, hopefully not for too much longer, all is 'normal'. My temp ileo was very liquid up until the take down. Mucus is a pain, but if you can, try to hold it in until on the loo - you will feel better and will also be exercising those muscles for later! Coping with the bag is also tough (I found it extremely difficult physically and mentally) so take it easy and slowly. As Sue said, dehydration can be a real problem, find a bottled water high in potassium and sodium or eat lots of bananas and drink lots of water. Good luck! gillian

Hi Eric, mine was almost always liquid too, actually , I preferred it that way. If it got a little thicker it way more difficult to empty. I never did quite get used to it. I hope the rest of your recovery goes well.
LoriP

Thanks all for the comments, that makes me feel more normal. It is easier to empty, but high in frequency.
Anyone find good bag type to cut back on gas. I heard there are types with filters that cut gas.

I,too, preferred liquidy effluent and still do even with my functioning J-pouch. Easier to empty in both cases. The mucus production was a surprise to me until I found out it was normal. We need it to help move the effluent along once we are reconnected. So....trying to hold it in didn't work for me because it was soooooo slippery! I just wore/and still wear a panty liner. Guys could also wear them if they wore close fitting briefs instead of loose boxers. Peace of mind! Oh, when I had a baggie I also had much gas and learned to pop the seal enough to expel the gas without having to do much more. I even did this in movie theaters! Lucky me....no odor!