why is blood normal? i don't understand how any kind of internal bleeding would be normal. what is actual bleeding and why ?

I don't like to use the term normal for complications or symptoms of them. Just because they may be common, it does not mean they are normal and should be ignored.

Bleeding is not normal. However, not all bleeding is something to be overly concerned about. The ileal mucosa is more fragile that the rectum or colon, and bleeds more easily. Just like you can get blood in your urine by riding on a bumpy road because your kidneys are sensitive, your pouch can bleed when you run or exercise vigorously. Also, if your cuff is inflamed, it can bleed, just like when you had a rectum or colon and your UC flared.

It is all a matter of degree. A little bit of bleeding that is minor and self limiting just bears monitoring. If it is severe bleeding with real blood loss and associated symptoms, it is a real concern.

Jan