Hi RJ,
A few things could be going on:
- even though your j-pouch is being bypassed with a loop, it's still possible for some stool to make it all the way through and collect in the pouch. Depending on how active your stoma has been lately (for example, a mild gastro-intestinal virus could cause increased frequency) this could be contributing to increased output from your bottom
- pouchitis. It's possible to have pouchitis even though your pouch is disconnected. If you have increased discharge/output associated with a sense of urgency or a feeling of fullness in the pouch, this is likely the reason.
- the j-pouch is still part of your ileum and the ileum creates its own mucous. This collects in the pouch and when it gets full enough, you will need to empty. It could be that your gut has just been a little more active than usual.
As for your other question about the lifespan of the loop, I believe you can live with this indefinitely. Many people on this site have had loops for years. I had my ostomy (albeit an end ileo) for over 2.5 years. That being said, if you choose to stay with the ostomy permanently, meaning you have no intention to ever go back to the j-pouch, then most surgeons will usually recommend that the pouch be removed, an end ileo created, and your bottom sewn shut. This is due to the fact that the pouch can still cause issues even when disconnected, as you may be starting to find out.
Best of luck! hope you can get it sorted.