First Bowel Movement Question

I had a colostomy reversal 5 days ago. Today was my first bowel movement and wiping showed blood. Anyone else experience this? I will be calling my doctor tomorrow. It wasn't much, but I wasn't expecting it.

As long as it is only a small amount, that should be OK. Your anastomosis is healing. Repeated large amounts of blood need to be seen.

Thanks for your insight! Instinct had me thinking that, but I just wanted to check.

It's going to take a while for healing. You're going to see some blood for a little while. But, as GentleJohn mentioned, if there's a lot of blood... seek medical help.

Hello! I did not experience this after my colostomy reversal, but I know others have - and my surgeon told me it would be normal if I did, or even some blood clots, and that my bowel habits could take up to a few months to get back to normal (it didn't take that long in my case). As the others said, if it's a lot of blood then seek help.

A few months after reversal I did, however, have some blood, which turned out to be from hemorrhoids - my behind wasn't used to 'doing the business' after 8 months of rest, so fiber caused a few issues. Start slow with the fiber!

I reached out a lot to my surgeon's office with questions - if it eases your mind then don't hesitate, but in my opinion and from what I heard, a little is normal and expected.

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Thanks for all the insight. I no longer am experiencing the bleeding. Thank goodness. You all provided extra information that has been most helpful!

I'm a little late on the reply, but I would also suggest treating yourself to the softest toilet paper you can find. You want to feel like you're using a baby rabbit type of soft.

I had quite a bit of blood for my first movement and the hemorrhoid situation now and then since, and the soft TP really does make a world of difference.

Good luck!