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LAR June 20 2017 passing blood now!!

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 3:53 am
by Chickspeed
I had LAR surgery June 20th 2017 with temp Ileostomy and since I have been passing a little
mucus every day. today for the first time there is blood in the mucus. If things go well I should have Ileostomy reversal sometime
in march. has this happened to anyone else?

I am in complete panic right now!!

Re: LAR June 20 2017 passing blood now!!

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 9:16 am
by MissMolly
Chickspeed:
I think your blood-tinged mucus discharge is a non-serious illustration of what is termed “diversion colitis.” You can google the term to become more familiar with it.

With a loop ileostomy, a common problem is inflammation of the diverted and resting/healing portion of large intestine.

The normal passage of feces along the length of the large intestine cariries with it short-chain fatty acids that nourish and supplement the delicate connective tissue lining of the intestine. Yes . . . Feces serves a vital role in maintaining the health of the intestinal tissue. Normal feces/stool contains short-chain fatty acids and associated fatty polymers that nourish the intestinal tissue. In the absence of short-chain fatty acids, resultant inflammation and irritation of surface capillaries results.

Your blood-tinged passage of mucus from your anus is likely due to a lack of fecal material passing through with its beneficial short-chain fatty acids.

In a nut shell: The lining of your intestine is inflammed and irritated and dry.

Diversion colitis can range from mild to severe. Yours sounds mild. If you are concerned, you can talk to your physician about treatment options.

Treatment for diversion colitis includes: Rectal suppositories and rectal foam that contain a low dose of corticosteroid (ex. Proctafoam); use of the oral antibiotic Flagyl (to reduce bacterial overgrowth in the segment of diverted colon); warm water + aloe vera irrigation of the lower rectum (to flush normal cellular debris and accumulated bacteria).

The free flow of fecal material has an essential role in maintaining the health of the digestive tract. “Poop” is not mere waste, but contains elements that nourish and supplement the maintaining of healthy intestinal tissue. With a temporary ileostomy, you no longer have the flow of fecal material. Inflammation and irritation of the diverted portion of intestine results. This is the likely source of your blood-tinged mucus.
Karen

Re: LAR June 20 2017 passing blood now!!

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 3:41 pm
by Chickspeed
Thank you for your reply MissMolly. I have been having signs of dehydration this week I have been slipping greatly on my water intake and I believe you hit it right on the head.

Thank you very much!

Re: LAR June 20 2017 passing blood now!!

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2018 7:39 pm
by Lee
We are so fortunate to have Miss Molly here, she is a wealth of information.

I have a permanent colostomy and sometimes I pass a bit of blood. I've had many scans and many colonoscopy with one issues (other than polyps) found. Try not to worry.

Would it be possible to create a signature line so that people can know where you are in this journey. It can help others to give you a informed answer to your questions.

Good luck,

Lee

Re: LAR June 20 2017 passing blood now!!

Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2018 11:46 am
by Chickspeed
Just a note to say I went for follow up colonoscopy yesterday and the surgeon confirmed what you said MissMolly

it's diversion colitis and not unusual

Thank you again

Re: LAR June 20 2017 passing blood now!!

Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 1:37 pm
by Basil
Never thought I would congratulate someone with that diagnosis, but congrats!