After loop colostomy, everytime he poops it bleeds down there

Hi,

Firstly I am sorry that your dad has this issue to deal with. I too have a loop ostomy (since 2011) that was part of my treatment for anal cancer. It was hoped to be reversed once healed from radiation but after several consults the prognosis for a successful reversal was slim so it has remained. I am fully adjusted to this now and it interfers little with my active life.

Its been a while so the timeline is foggy, but I do remember during the first couple of years having a sort of nerve pain in the anal area. It was a sharp shooting pain that would randomly come on and then disappear. It was not all that often and can not relate it to anything in particular. 

I have had bleeding off and on over the years also unrelated to anything other than a side effect of radiation treatment. Did your dad have radiation? If so, the tissue inside and out becomes damaged and thin and does in fact bleed at times. If I am gassy (via the bag) I do notice more mucus discharge from the anal area then if not and that heavier mucus will trigger bleeding sometimes.. For both of these reasons I wear a pad 24/7. 

If the bleeding and pain is heavy and regular be sure to mention that to his doctor, (as well as discussing even mild concerns.) But...know that these issues may also in fact be some common and less talked about long term side effects of the combination of the specific loop ostomy procedure combined with radiation. If it helps...I don't recall having anal pain for several years now and the bleeding is only occasional and light as well.

I hope you get the answers to your concerns from the doctor and move forward in health.

katheryn

Anne1986 said:

Thank you very much for

Thank you very much for replying Katheryn, it was very helpful. I will surely relate the information and your personal experience to my dad. Hopefully it will help him cope with his symptoms until we know for sure what is going on down there. 

Hi, your dad is lucky to have a daughter like you to help him!

I only had minimal understanding of ostomies prior to it becoming part of my life, so have learned a lot as time goes on. There are several different ways to do this surgery, and while a loop ostomy is done in a way that best enables reversal but can also stay pemanently, as well as provides quicker initial recovery time vs total APR where the anus and rectum are removed and the (butt crack, lol) is sewn shut, it loop, is less common. Also, because the rectum is still in place mucus and sometimes (rarely) even small liquidy amounts of stool seep out. I live in a community that has an ostomy support group that meets in person. I only go to meetings once in a while now but find a lot of help in having a group of people to talk to with similar concerns.  This is a pretty active on-line group that you or your dad may appreciate ...  

 https://www.inspire.com/groups/ostomy/

Also   https://www.ostomy.org/

Usually, if one person has an issue or concern, someone else out there has had a similar experience and can offer a tip in dealing with it. I wish you both well, and again, kuddos to you for helping your dad!

katheryn