Hi, my reversal is 5 days old. Tonight I had lots of bright red blood, twice so far. I know my surgeon said some bleeding is normal, but I don't think he meant this much. Is this normal?
Also, I took a risk and ate pizza and red sauce with breadsticks. Similar color but I'm pretty sure this is blood.
Thanks for any and all advice !
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Blood is a kind of funny thing, a small quantity can colour the bowl...and be very, very impressive...not saying that you are not bleeding (and you are right to post and ask) but just that you need to monitor it closely...how much is a lot? Does it drip on its own or is it just mixed in with the stool? (I know, gross quesitons but important)....yes, you may bleed post take down but it should taper off slowly and not normally get worse. Add to that the pizza that may be somewhat acidic and cause irritation to the pouch and you could have your answer (did you drink some sort of red coloured drink? soda or gatoraide? That can dye the output too...I freak myself out every time that I eat veggie chips...the beets turn my output bright red!)
Keep a close watch on it (my surgeon used to make me collect my stool in a container (a sawed open milk jug or a very large jar with a lid (avoid anything with sharp edges or glass if squatting over it!) to get an accurate measure of what is really going on...you can do that too...and if needed take it in to ER with you if it gets worse...
Please let us know how you are doing...if you get dizzy, light headed, start having chills or fever then do not hesitate to call your surgeon or go strait to ER.
Until then stay off of the pizza, keep well hydrated and rest.
Sharon
I saw blood following my takedown for about three or four weeks straight. I was concerned enough about it to go see my surgeon who did a flex sig and said it was all normal! He saw a slight inflammation at the connection sight (the "cuff"), which was to be expected since everything was so new.
I'll echo Sharon -- monitor your symptoms and if you feel worried about something, give your surgeon a call!
I agree with the two above - had some blood for sure post take down - monitor it and stay hydrated. If you are really worried, call surgeon and just have him/her check it out. It seemed like I had to go in once a week or something post op anyway - but that was a long time ago. I know you want to avoid going to dr. - but don't wait if you continue to worry more than a couple more days...it will just drive you nuts and taking action will give you answers - and likely - peace of mind that it is probably just part of healing process.
