So anyway, I have noticed that since my surgery last week (step 1 of a 3 step) I have had kind of a "full" feeling in my backside. Nothing painful. I had one mucus bm, and no leakage. It just feels kind of like I need to take a bm in the next few hours but doesn't really go away. Is this something I'll just have to live with, or will it settle?

Z

Hi Z,

The full feeling is probably coming from your rectum. I had the 3-step surgery like you did and they leave the rectum intact after step 1 so they can use a small part of it in step 2 to form the pouch. In my case, I still had some UC in my rectum, so I had pain, pressure (fullness) and bleeding that put me back on Rowasa enemas and prednisone until step 2. It may not come to that in your case, but if the pressure continues, I would definitely discuss it with your surgeon and see what he recommends. When the rectum is removed (all but a small ring of it) in step 2, then you get rid of any remaining UC (save for the small ring, or "cuff" that is attached to the pouch for better bowel control). Hope this helps.

Dear Z,

I've had the first step of the two-step procedure. I have a loop ileostomy. With a loop ileo, some waste does get past the ileostomy and ends up in the j-pouch (I have the pouch already, which I don't believe you have yet). So there's pressure from the waste and the mucus from the small intestine building up in the pouch. Some of what you are feeling may be that. But, as Kris said, talk to your doctor to resolve any doubt.

I had the same thing, and spontaneously passed mucous whenever I went to the toilet. Perfectly normal. Use it to keep your sphincter in shape! My surgeon told me to practise holding back BMs so I'd have better control after TD. It must have worked - I've never had so much as a trickle coming out unwanted. (Though farting is still a high-risk activity unless I'm on the loo!)

I echo what Soph said. I've had the drainage when I use the bathroom as well, but I've practiced retaining it. Hopefully this will lead to a less problematic takedown.