Hemorrhoids can be painless, but they wouldn't explain your other symptoms, I think. Are the other symptoms so minor that you might have considered them "normal" if you weren't bleeding? In any case, it would be more constructive to get a physical exam than to worry about the worst possible cause...

Scott,

Pretty much. If it weren't for the fresh blood, I wouldn't think twice about the issue. There's been time when I've eaten beets or other foods and mistaken the outcome for blood but I think this case is a little different. I'll give it a week or so and if it doesn't clear up on its own, get checked out. Maybe cut out alcohol for a bit too...

My surgeon said seeing blood on occasion is normal.  The blood vessels in that area lie close to the surface and can be easily irritated.  You can always go get a scope to put your mind at ease.

Sue

I've said to myself from the beginning with my j pouch that if I ever see blood I'm calling my doctor. (I was a big bleeder with my UC) I would be suspicious only because of the cramping you indicated and not ever having seen blood in the last five years. Never hurts to get checked out, especially if you're due for a scope anyway. 

Odd thing is that I've used the restroom twice tonight and no blood. Not a drop. This is odd because with UC, when I bled, I bled continuously. With this latest episode, it's very sporadic. Either way, like mgmt10 said, probably can't hurt to just get checked out to be safe

Well, it looks like it only occurs when I strain down there. Had those two episodes and then gone. Nothing. I'm guessing perhaps an internal hemorrhoid or something related. Major relief. I will mention it though next time I speak with my surgeon just in case.