I usually have a little rectal discharge every time I sit on the toilet to empty my bag. I always have tissues in my underwear because who knows when some extra discharge will happen. The discharge was very bothersome to me but now I have just become accustomed to it. As was mentioned before, it is not all bad because I feel sick when it lessens or stops (mostly b/c of antibiotic use for other reasons)
I haven’t been able to gain weight with my loop ileo although I can’t imagine what would be the difference between an end and loop ileo in regards to gaining weight. I just find it interesting that neither of us are gaining weight. I may partially be to blame because I drink when I eat. As long as my weight stays within 5 lbs of my new “normal” weight, I don’t worry about it. Of course I am only 5’4” and 105-110 pounds which is way different from 5’10”!
Does your son already have a J pouch or is he on his way to getting one? I had my J pouch since 1992 and it was the best thing ever! Unfortunately, I developed iron deficiency anemia and fistulas so my diagnosis was changed from UC to Crohns. I was really sick at the time of my ostomy surgery so that is why I didn’t have the J pouch removed then. It is harder to go back into surgery when life isn’t that bad even though I know an end ileo will be easier than a loop.
Best of luck to you and your son. I know it is no fun being the patient or the parent. Both can be a very stressful position to be in!