Posted 2/1/2006 10:09 AM (GMT 0)
> My rectum is still good and I'm getting a j-pouch in a few months. I still have to go tru my rectum about 5 times a day. Its just a little stool and its white , with a little blood. Is this normal.
This is completely normal, although a bit scary if you're not told it can happen. I'm presuming you have a loop ileostomy in preparation for the reconnection of the j pouch. Sometimes stool from the working stoma can make it's way into the mucous fistula (the non-working stoma) and out via the rectum. It's nothing to worry about, it's just something that can happen.
If the blood is dark red or black it means it's old blood and is probably just left over from your op. Bright red blood means recent blood and it might be an idea just to check with your doctor regarding it.
>My rectum is closed by stictchs. I have the urge and I go.
This is known as "Phantom Rectal Pain". Just like someone who loses a limb can still 'feel' it itch, so your body needs to get used to the fact that it has no functioning rectum and anus anymore and can't 'go' to the loo in the old way. It's completely normal and the only way I know to relieve it is to go sit on the loo for a while, even though you know nothing will come of it. It seems to fool the brain into thinking you're using those parts and the urges pass.
For more info on j pouches, have a look at http://www.j-pouch.org
Good luck.
Shaz
http://www.ostomates.org