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Problems with my large colon
I went into hospital to have hernia repaired around my stoma, at the time of the operation I had an loop –illeostomy (My large colon was still in place). Unfortunately after a few days I experienced a bad blockage in the small colon not far from the stoma, it was established that the cause of this was the stitching put in during the repair, which was not allowing the waste to flow freely - my surgeon had been trying to make it as tight as possible to avoid any recurrence of the hernia. I was never told, nor did I ask, about what happened to waste caught up in the blockage. During this operation I was given an end-illeostomy and the large colon and rectum remained in place.
In the following days when I was back at home I found myself having to deal with large amounts of mucus continually being discharged from my rectum. I am aware that with the large colon still intact the colon naturally produces a small amount of mucus, just as it did for the first 18 months after I was originally given the illeostomy. However this time the mucus levels were un-manageable, over ten times more in volume. Then on top of this, and a whole 4 months after the operation, I started to get almost explosion likes evacuations of faecal waste, also coming from my rectum (my local doctor confirmed it was faecal waste and not off colour mucus as is often mistakenly the case). This faecal waste was unusual in appearance, not solid as such, more like custard consistency. I seemed to have quite a lot of mucus mixed in with it. The occurrences were 2-3 times a week for the first 3 months, once a week for another 3 months and then once or twice a month for a further 4 months. All in all around 10 months of it. Just as the faecal waste has seemingly stopped, the mucus levels are almost back to normal.
Is it possible, or indeed likely, that the waste from the operation to clear the blockage passed through into the large colon and struggling to evacuate itself? Perhaps because for the previous 18months the large colon had not been in use, and the contractions were no longer functioning as normal for some reason?
I thought that this might explain the large quantities of mucus being produced. I can’t help but feel that the colon was detecting that it needed to produce more mucus to help dispel the waste in the colon. Again this would help explain why now that the faecal waste has seemingly cleared, the mucus levels are finally back to normal after 16 months.
In the following days when I was back at home I found myself having to deal with large amounts of mucus continually being discharged from my rectum. I am aware that with the large colon still intact the colon naturally produces a small amount of mucus, just as it did for the first 18 months after I was originally given the illeostomy. However this time the mucus levels were un-manageable, over ten times more in volume. Then on top of this, and a whole 4 months after the operation, I started to get almost explosion likes evacuations of faecal waste, also coming from my rectum (my local doctor confirmed it was faecal waste and not off colour mucus as is often mistakenly the case). This faecal waste was unusual in appearance, not solid as such, more like custard consistency. I seemed to have quite a lot of mucus mixed in with it. The occurrences were 2-3 times a week for the first 3 months, once a week for another 3 months and then once or twice a month for a further 4 months. All in all around 10 months of it. Just as the faecal waste has seemingly stopped, the mucus levels are almost back to normal.
Is it possible, or indeed likely, that the waste from the operation to clear the blockage passed through into the large colon and struggling to evacuate itself? Perhaps because for the previous 18months the large colon had not been in use, and the contractions were no longer functioning as normal for some reason?
I thought that this might explain the large quantities of mucus being produced. I can’t help but feel that the colon was detecting that it needed to produce more mucus to help dispel the waste in the colon. Again this would help explain why now that the faecal waste has seemingly cleared, the mucus levels are finally back to normal after 16 months.
It's possible to have impacted fecal matter - "A fecal impaction is a solid, immobile bulk of human feces that can develop in the rectum as a result of chronic constipation." If feces pass around the impacted stool, they may be squeezed out with mucous according to everything I've read so far.
From the Mayo Clinic -
"Question
Mucus in stool: Is it a concern?
What causes mucus in stool? Is this a concern?
Answer
from Michael F. Picco, M.D.
A small amount of mucus in stool is usually nothing to worry about. Stool normally contains a small amount of mucus — a jelly-like substance that your intestines make to keep the lining of your colon moist and lubricated.
But you should talk to your doctor if you notice an increased amount of mucus in stool — particularly if it begins happening regularly or if it's accompanied by bleeding or a change in bowel habits.
Mucus in stool can occur with a variety of intestinal infections that cause severe diarrhea. In more serious conditions — Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and even cancer — mucus in stool may be bloody or accompanied by abdominal pain. "
From the Mayo Clinic -
"Question
Mucus in stool: Is it a concern?
What causes mucus in stool? Is this a concern?
Answer
from Michael F. Picco, M.D.
A small amount of mucus in stool is usually nothing to worry about. Stool normally contains a small amount of mucus — a jelly-like substance that your intestines make to keep the lining of your colon moist and lubricated.
But you should talk to your doctor if you notice an increased amount of mucus in stool — particularly if it begins happening regularly or if it's accompanied by bleeding or a change in bowel habits.
Mucus in stool can occur with a variety of intestinal infections that cause severe diarrhea. In more serious conditions — Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and even cancer — mucus in stool may be bloody or accompanied by abdominal pain. "
Thank you for your comments Kaneda2112. What I am really looking for answers to is whether faecal waste stuck in the large colon could have been the cause of the excess mucus, and whether it is possible that if contractions of the large colon failed to function as normal, could faecal waste remain in the colon for a period of between 4 to 15 months, all the while struggling to clear itself. And therefore go onto to explain perhaps why the lining of the colon wall continued to produce large amounts of mucus, as it was detecting faecal waste needing to be evacuated.
From Buzzle.com -
"Generally, stool containing a small amount of mucus is a very natural and normal thing. But if there is a visible amount of mucus with passing stool then the situation cannot be discarded as a normal one and is certainly pathological condition. The apparent amount of mucus found in stool can be because of varied reasons.
What is Mucus?
Mucus is a clear, bubbly, semi-solid, semi-liquid substance with whitish or yellowish tinch. Generally it is a jelly like substance showing trapped air in it. Mucus is mainly produced by the mucus membrane of inner epithelial lining of large intestine. As it is slippery in nature having jelly like consistency, it makes the inner lining of the intestine very smooth, thus acting as a lubricant, reducing the friction and helps in transportation of stool up to the anus.
Mucus is also produced by other organs in human body like lungs, nasal cavity. The mucus produced in lungs performs a function of trapping any inhaled foreign particle and thus prevents lungs from damage.
Pathological Conditions
In most of the cases there is a general balance between the secretion of every enzyme, chemicals in human body including mucus. A slight disturbance in this natural balance system can lead to erratic behavior of human organs. Same is the case when there is apparent mucus in stool. There are numerous causes related to the presence of abnormal amount of mucus in stool. It can be common symptom of ulcerative colitis (UC) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can be because of bacterial infection, bowel obstruction or anal fissure.
1. Ulcerative Colitis –
In this pathological condition the mucus membrane of epithelium lining of large intestine become inflamed, that ultimately result in development of Ulcers. These ulcers at later stage start bleeding and because of such wounds in the inner lining of intestine, production of pus and mucus takes place. This increase amount of mucus is then thrown out of body via stool.
2. Bacterial Infection –
Naturally certain amounts of bacteria and yeasts are present in human intestine to facilitate the digestion process. Introduction of foreign particles may cause the imbalance. Bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, or Yersinia, are the main culprit of the bacteria infection. This pathological condition of bacterial infection can cause fever, diarrhea or abdominal cramps along with increased mucus in stool.
Most of the times no specific treatment is required and the situation will resolve on its own but should be monitored continuously. If situation doesn’t improve over a period then it can be serious and need treatment with the help of antibiotics. It is always better to consult physician.
3. Bowel Obstruction –
Bowel obstruction is one of the commonly found reasons behind presence of mucus in stool. It is associated with severe abdominal cramps, abdominal distention, constipation and vomiting. Bowel obstruction can be because of various reasons like loosing gastric hormone balance, low water intake, increased yeast formation. In some cases it can be because of anatomical obstruction and needed to get operated to cure the thing.
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) –
As with ulcerative colitis, in irritable bowel syndrome, there is increase production of mucus by the epithelial lining of intestine which is then passed through stools. It has been observed that with diarrhea pre-dominant irritable bowel syndrome, more mucus formation is associated.
5. Crohn’s Diseases (CD) –
There is a lesser amount of mucus production associated with Crohn Disease. Mucus in stool is also associated with anal fissure.
If the color of mucus present in stool is whitish then it is a good indication of inflammation of the intestine. Mucus in stool is the symptoms oftenly occurred along with diarrhea and constipation. Although the passage of mucus in the stool is not generally a dangerous or alarming situation, it should be mentioned to your doctor. The presence of mucus without any significant cause should be brought in the notice of your physician immediately.
Normally, the most common reasons behind presence of mucus are food allergies, sensitivities and bacterial overgrowth. They can be easily cured over the certain time with the help of inclusion of specific dietary elements and supplements. If the problem is associated with bacterial overgrowth the situation gets worsen with the intake of sugar or the substances containing lactose sugar like Pasta, Bread, Milk, etc. on the other hand people suffering from food allergies react to specific foods.
If there is no specific underlying condition exist then this situation can be helped by taking herbal demulcents, by increasing intake of water as the consumption these two things can soothe the irritated epithelial lining of intestine which can result in quick relief. Slippery elm or marsh mallow can be proven good demulcent herbs. Even a cup of hot water with a teaspoon of finely ground flaxseed can make a demulcent tea doing the magic for you! "
"Generally, stool containing a small amount of mucus is a very natural and normal thing. But if there is a visible amount of mucus with passing stool then the situation cannot be discarded as a normal one and is certainly pathological condition. The apparent amount of mucus found in stool can be because of varied reasons.
What is Mucus?
Mucus is a clear, bubbly, semi-solid, semi-liquid substance with whitish or yellowish tinch. Generally it is a jelly like substance showing trapped air in it. Mucus is mainly produced by the mucus membrane of inner epithelial lining of large intestine. As it is slippery in nature having jelly like consistency, it makes the inner lining of the intestine very smooth, thus acting as a lubricant, reducing the friction and helps in transportation of stool up to the anus.
Mucus is also produced by other organs in human body like lungs, nasal cavity. The mucus produced in lungs performs a function of trapping any inhaled foreign particle and thus prevents lungs from damage.
Pathological Conditions
In most of the cases there is a general balance between the secretion of every enzyme, chemicals in human body including mucus. A slight disturbance in this natural balance system can lead to erratic behavior of human organs. Same is the case when there is apparent mucus in stool. There are numerous causes related to the presence of abnormal amount of mucus in stool. It can be common symptom of ulcerative colitis (UC) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can be because of bacterial infection, bowel obstruction or anal fissure.
1. Ulcerative Colitis –
In this pathological condition the mucus membrane of epithelium lining of large intestine become inflamed, that ultimately result in development of Ulcers. These ulcers at later stage start bleeding and because of such wounds in the inner lining of intestine, production of pus and mucus takes place. This increase amount of mucus is then thrown out of body via stool.
2. Bacterial Infection –
Naturally certain amounts of bacteria and yeasts are present in human intestine to facilitate the digestion process. Introduction of foreign particles may cause the imbalance. Bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, or Yersinia, are the main culprit of the bacteria infection. This pathological condition of bacterial infection can cause fever, diarrhea or abdominal cramps along with increased mucus in stool.
Most of the times no specific treatment is required and the situation will resolve on its own but should be monitored continuously. If situation doesn’t improve over a period then it can be serious and need treatment with the help of antibiotics. It is always better to consult physician.
3. Bowel Obstruction –
Bowel obstruction is one of the commonly found reasons behind presence of mucus in stool. It is associated with severe abdominal cramps, abdominal distention, constipation and vomiting. Bowel obstruction can be because of various reasons like loosing gastric hormone balance, low water intake, increased yeast formation. In some cases it can be because of anatomical obstruction and needed to get operated to cure the thing.
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) –
As with ulcerative colitis, in irritable bowel syndrome, there is increase production of mucus by the epithelial lining of intestine which is then passed through stools. It has been observed that with diarrhea pre-dominant irritable bowel syndrome, more mucus formation is associated.
5. Crohn’s Diseases (CD) –
There is a lesser amount of mucus production associated with Crohn Disease. Mucus in stool is also associated with anal fissure.
If the color of mucus present in stool is whitish then it is a good indication of inflammation of the intestine. Mucus in stool is the symptoms oftenly occurred along with diarrhea and constipation. Although the passage of mucus in the stool is not generally a dangerous or alarming situation, it should be mentioned to your doctor. The presence of mucus without any significant cause should be brought in the notice of your physician immediately.
Normally, the most common reasons behind presence of mucus are food allergies, sensitivities and bacterial overgrowth. They can be easily cured over the certain time with the help of inclusion of specific dietary elements and supplements. If the problem is associated with bacterial overgrowth the situation gets worsen with the intake of sugar or the substances containing lactose sugar like Pasta, Bread, Milk, etc. on the other hand people suffering from food allergies react to specific foods.
If there is no specific underlying condition exist then this situation can be helped by taking herbal demulcents, by increasing intake of water as the consumption these two things can soothe the irritated epithelial lining of intestine which can result in quick relief. Slippery elm or marsh mallow can be proven good demulcent herbs. Even a cup of hot water with a teaspoon of finely ground flaxseed can make a demulcent tea doing the magic for you! "
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