Hi everyone ,
I’m just wondering if it’s normal to pass some blood in bowel motions after ileostomy reversal ?
My daughter had her reversal 2 weeks ago , her bowel seems to have settled and she’s passing normal bowel motions but since yesterday she’s noticed some blood . It’s also quite sore when she goes she says . Her tummy is still swollen and sore and she was getting cramps again today too . Is all this normal or am I just an over anxious mammy ??!!
Glad to hear your daughters improving and her bowels are working not too sure about the blood in the stools this maybe something very simple like when she is passing motions there are a few spots that are bleeding if it doesn't improve obviously speak to the stoma care nurse or the hospital perhaps someone will be along soon to elaborate on this.
It is quite normal to have a sore bottom after the reversal, but this should improve as she gets used to passing stools through her anus again.
After every bowel movement, it may help if she
washes the skin around her anus with warm water
pats it dry with a soft cloth
apply a barrier cream
Avoid using baby wipes, talcum powder or scented toilet tissues as they can cause further irritation.
Is she doing her
Sphincter exercises
She can do her exercises in any position, it may be easier to start in lying or sitting and progress to standing as her control improves. To find the muscles she should imagine that she is trying to stop herself passing wind from her bowel. To do this she must squeeze the muscle around her back passage. As she breathes out, she should try squeezing and lifting that muscle as tightly as she can, as if she is concerned that she is about to pass wind. Keep breathing. She should be aware of the skin around your back passage tightening and being pulled up and inward away from the chair if she is sitting. She may feel some gentle tightening in the low tummy, but shouldn't feel any tightening of your buttocks and legs. She should not hold her breath when she tightens these muscles.
Exercise plan
Remember to start lying or sitting. As she breathes out, tighten and pull up the sphincter muscles as tight as she can. Keep breathing as she holds for at least five seconds and then relax for at least 10 seconds. Repeat at least five times. This will work on the strength of her muscles.
As she breathes out, pull the muscles up to about half of their maximum squeeze. See how long she can hold this and keep breathing then relax for at least 10 seconds. Repeat at least five times. This will work on the endurance or staying power of her muscles.
Pull up the muscles as quickly and tightly as she can, then relax, and then pull up again. See how many times she can do this before she gets tired.
Do these exercises at least 10 times every day. As the muscles get stronger, she will find that she can hold for longer than five seconds, and that she can do more pull-ups each time without the muscles getting tired. Remember that she cannot hold her tightest squeeze for very long, so it is better to use a gentle squeeze that she can hold for longer.
Her control will gradually improve. She may need to exercise regularly for several months before the muscles gain their full strength and continue to exercise to maintain her bowel control.
I'm sure that the ladies and maybe even the gents will be a long shortly to give advice based on their experiences.
But it sounds like she is doing well, just keep an eye on the cramps and bloating and if it continues mention it to her doctor or even phone her stoma nurse for peace of mind.
You being am anxious mammy, Never just looking after your girl.
Keep in touch, we need more people willing to talk about having a reversal, everyone is different and don't have the same experiences.
Ian
