Blood, Blood and more Blood

Blood can look like more than it is. It takes very little to make the water in the toilet quite pink, for example. The best way to get an objective understanding of how much blood is involved is with a CBC (complete blood count). If you're bleeding significantly every day you will become anemic (or already are). In addition to controlling the source of the bleeding, once it's identified for sure, taking iron supplements will help your body replace the lost red blood cells. Good luck!

I can't tell if you have a J-pouch or a conventional ileostomy (bag).

Sounds rough. A few questions though. I know you had your colon removed, but do you have a j-pouch or do you still have your rectum?

If you have your rectum still, then this can be proctitis, from UC in your rectum. If you have a j-pouch, bleeding from the small rim of retained rectal cuff, cuffitis, is also a common complication. This is probably more common than bleeding hemorrhoids. But hemorrhoids are not terribly uncommon either, especially if you have been straining.

While you are still bleeding, I would recommend that you stop the power lifting until this is sorted out. Heavy lifting increases venous pressure and can make the bleeding much worse, and even lead to hemorrhage. So, better to be conservative. Wearing a lifting belt does not help. Stick with lighter weights for training and cardio.

If you are taking any aspirin, ibuprofen or any other NSAIDs you need to stop them. This also includes any supplements that may have ingredients that have anticoagulant effects. Many herbal products contain them. Each ingredient is fine alone, but there can be an additive effect when combined. There are ingredients we would not think of as being anticoagulnt, but ginko, garlic, ginger, green tea extract, and fish oil are just a few.

Jan