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how long should bleeding last?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/10/2013 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with UC last year. How common is blood in stool and on toilet paper? I'm on Lialda. I"ve had blood in stool for about 6-8 months. I've been to my GI a few times during that period. Should bleeding only occur during a flare up?
Posted 2/10/2013 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
For me it's very common when I'm flaring. I've been flaring up since the beginning of October and have blood like you do. I've had some days with no issues at all and other days where I get some blood in the morning but not in the evening.
Posted 2/10/2013 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
it really varies but for me, both flares i had bleeding for a full year. This time around it's been 6 months so far. I don't consider myself in remission until it is completely gone.
Posted 2/10/2013 4:08 AM (GMT 0)
thanks for the feedback. Mine started in June 2012, which eventually led to me realizing I had UC. Since then, there have been brief periods when the bleeding stopped. I went off Lialda for a couple weeks, now I'm back on. Bleeding (in stool, in water, on toilet paper) has been an issue again the past 2 weeks. My doctor never seems to concerned about it, but it's obviously disconcerting to me. I'm just trying to gauge how common it is and how long it lasts for other people. This forum is a huge help.
Posted 2/10/2013 4:30 AM (GMT 0)
You may want to see another doctor. I just had my first appointment with a new doctor on Friday so I'll see what happens. He was recommended to me by a friend who's a Gastro Surgeon so I've got high hopes.
Posted 2/10/2013 8:13 AM (GMT 0)
welcome to the forum. You really should request rectal meds as well as the Lialda. i'd suggest Rowasa retention enemas..or the generic mesalamine.

q
Posted 2/10/2013 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
I've had bleeding for almost a year now. No pain, no diarrhea, no cramps, just bleeding after I go.
Posted 2/10/2013 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
You should have never gone completely off the Lialda, ever.
Posted 2/10/2013 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with gary, you should keep taking your Lialda. I had bleeding for years when I was diagnosed with UC. It varied from just a tiny bit on the paper to quite a bit, a shocking amount. Bleeding isn't always caused from UC, it can also be from hemorrhoids or fissures but if you're in a flare up, it's likely that you're experiencing the bleeding due to UC. You should go to your GI and get checked out and try different options if you're still bleeding. Blood means you're not in remission and ideally, you want to be in remission. You may want to try enemas or a different 5ASA. Lialda may not be the best choice for you. You can ask for samples.
Posted 2/12/2013 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, everyone. I have an appt Friday.
Posted 2/12/2013 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
bleeding can last a looooooooooooooong time - don't let it freak you out -
Posted 2/12/2013 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
For me, the three symptoms I associate with a bad flare are frequent diarrhea, a large amount of rectal bleeding and/or bloody mucous, and excessive gas. If I see red when I go, it's a cause for concern.

If you're just getting a small amount of blood when you wipe, it could actually be just hemorrhoids.
Posted 3/4/2013 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Update:
I saw my doc on Feb 15. He said my capsule endoscopy results were normal (no celiac, no chron's). This was great news. He said my bleeding was from rectal inflammation caused by my UC. He put me on 3 Lialda pills per day (up from 2: 1.2GM pills), BUDESONIDE, hyrdrocort enema (twice per week), iron and vitamin D.

Unfortunately, my bleeding and stomach cramps persist. Is this normal for UC? I was thinking the meds would have helped by now. I have blood on toilet paper and blood dripping into toilet during every BM.
Posted 3/4/2013 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Have your bms frequency and consistency improved?

You should call the doc and ask if you can start the mesalamine with the steroid enemas.

are you using any probiotics.

q
Posted 3/4/2013 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
I'm averaging 2-3 BMs per day. Most BMs produce normal stools, some produce liquid stools, some produce both. I'm not using probiotics because my doc said they can exacerbate gas.
Posted 3/4/2013 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
so gas is one of your symptoms ?
Posted 3/5/2013 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
my main symptoms are bleeding and stomach cramps.
Posted 3/5/2013 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
to clarify, blood is also dripping into the toilet during BM. It's not just on the toilet paper
Posted 3/5/2013 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
so then your dr telling you that probiotics would exacerbate gas, apparently wasn't referring to you -

try the probiotics -

Posted 3/8/2013 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
bleeding, stomach pain and BM frequency continue to increase. I've called the nurse and I'm waiting on advice.
Posted 3/8/2013 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Once you have UC, seeing some blood might not be unusual on a regular, even daily basis. You will find the balance between meds (beyond the maintenace drugs) you want to use, and having some blood. For example, I accepted a little blood in order not to have to use enemas forever and ever!
Since Remicade I have had no blood.
Posted 3/8/2013 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
I have a doc appt Monday. This week has been bad. Stomach pain, lots of bleeding/blood during BMs. Today I have diarrhea on top of everything else. This is impacting my ability to work and spend time with my family. Really, really frustrated.
Posted 3/8/2013 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
hang in there, I felt that way 2 weekends ago.. things just started increasing quickly, luckily - my GI office was actually closed, was a bit 'forced' to wait ... luckily after about 3 days of getting worse, it then started getting better. i'm still not out of the woods but definately glad things worked out the way they ddi cause on those 3 days i think I would have accepted stronger meds, but now in hind sight I'm glad I seem to be pulling through with the 5asa oral and rectal meds... Really dont' want to go to heavier drugs yet...

Hope you also improve in the coming days.
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