Question:
Has anyone ever had a mucus type discharge when they have a bowel movement?

The questions I have to ask! UUm okay I was constipated for about the first two weeks after surgery. I was instructed to take some milk of magnesia and did so but only once. Ever since that time (about 3 weeks) I have had either diareha or very loose stools. What troubles me is that in between bowel movements as well as with them I have a discharge that can only be described as mucus. It is accompanied by alot of flatulence. Any input is hugely appreciated, I am mortified at the thought of having to discuss this face to face with my doctor!    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 17, 2001)

March 17, 2001
Your doctor has seen and heard a lot worse than this!! I had some mucous discharge also still do occasionally, I mentioned this to my doctor and she just shrugged it off. She said it's nothing to worry about. Sometimes (early on) when I wasn't sure what I could handle (food wise) I think it (gas) was mostly caused by hidden sugar , white flour like pasta or bread or the use of milk in my coffee or tea.
   — Rose A.

March 17, 2001
The gas can be from the anesthesia and it's finally working out of your system. In a prior surgery I had gas pockets and even mucus for about 2 months. I'd just check with your Dr. since we're not one. I'm sure it's nothing but it might ease your mind. Give him a call and have him call you back. Then you don't have to face him.
   — Linda M.

March 17, 2001
My cousin had her bladder enlarged, using a portion of intestine. Ever since, she's had mucous particles floating in her urine. The doctor explained that it was due to the intestine used for the surgery. Without our knowing it, we have this mucous all the time (inside), but with the bowel being operated on, it's more pronounced. Maybe it'll die down, but if you're worried, call the doctor.
   — Amy K.

May 18, 2001
Hi...I tried to post on this over a week ago, but my post was deleted for some reason. Frequent loose stools and lots of gas and cramping or nausea, along with mucus discharge CAN be a sign of bacterial or yeast overgrowth or imbalance in the colon associated with antibiotics. It is very treatable, and may improve quickly on its own. (Yogurt with live cultures, acidophilus milk, and so on, are helpful as a preventative or in mild cases.) HOWEVER: One type, if untreated, leads to severe diarrhea with watery stools, or even bloody stools, and can be dangerous. If you experience ongoing or worsening symptoms, see your surgeon and be frank...it's why he or she is there,and you won't offend or shock a healthcare provider by discussing poop and gas--I promise :-) Jesse, an RN
   — Jesse M.