Blood in stoma

For general discussion of ostomies and continent diversions.
Anyone can read. Only registered users can post.
No commercial posting allowed.

Moderators: Bob Webtech, Jimbob, ot dave

Forum rules
Before posting, please read our Discussion Board Terms and Conditions and our Code of Conduct.
Post Reply
hastings
Posts: 69
Joined: 2011-02-28 13:13:22

Blood in stoma

Post by hastings »

Have noticed a small amount of bloody stain on the tissue when changing pouch. Cause for concern?
Permanent colostomy
Rectal cancer
texazgal
Posts: 646
Joined: 2006-04-04 15:53:17

Re: Blood in stoma

Post by texazgal »

Very normal, if this is the first time you ever saw it THAT would be abnormal. It sometimes only takes a tiny rub to get bleeding. Generally, it's only a little and quickly stops.
colorectal ca dx Aug 04
surgery Sept 04
Barbie Butt
Button
Posts: 3616
Joined: 2017-10-10 22:14:15

Re: Blood in stoma

Post by Button »

Hasting:
Texasgal is correct. A bit of bleeding is not concerning.

A stoma is bright cherry red owing to a vast supply of surface capillaries. The stoma tissue is similar to tissue that lines the inside of the mouth.

A stoma’s surface capillaries are particularly vulnerable to overly rough rubbing or gliding or sheering forces. A pouch rubbing against a stoma or the rubbing of clothing or a washcloth or an adaptic barrier ring that is not trimmed wide enough can each cause local irritation and slight bleeding.

Applying gentle pressure to the stoma should be enough to quell the bleeding. You may want to enlarge the opening of the wafer for the stoma for a day or two in case your stoma swells.

All should be well with your stoma. It’s good to be as attentive as you are to your stoma.
Karen
Intestine perforation, sepsis, ileostomy, 2012
Addison’s disease + endocrine failure
Palliative Care
lp1964
Posts: 170
Joined: 2013-11-19 13:33:00

Re: Blood in stoma

Post by lp1964 »

Interestingly spicy food and too much fruits and veggies turn my stoma dark red and bloody. If I avoid these and take a lot of charcoal to detox and degas my stoma pink and healthy.
Colostomy After Stage 3 Rectal Cancer Surgery
"Grace + Attitude = Gratitude"
Mysticobra
Posts: 685
Joined: 2016-01-20 23:25:36

Re: Blood in stoma

Post by Mysticobra »

Normal.
Just be super gentle around the stoma.
Lol. Abnormal if you don't see it. That's true.
It's the first thing I noticed and asked about when left on my own to change.
Now I'm careful around it and it's good to me. Qtips are a friend to it. To go around it gently. And dab under it to get the mucus off jst before applying the wafer.
As you all know it runs down when changing. Mine does constantly when the appliance is off. I just dab it with a qtip. Not hard. It will draw blood.
Richard.
User avatar
To Dream a Dream
Posts: 1420
Joined: 2010-08-10 18:35:53

Re: Blood in stoma

Post by To Dream a Dream »

I find 2 in X 2 in pure cotton wipes in the makeup section of local pharmacies, WalMart etc. Have really noticed an improvement in peristomal skin area since using them to clean up.

I experienced a sudden increase in bleeding from the stoma when I tried taking MegaRed omega vitamins.
Crohn's Dx '66 (perforated ileum)
Multiple Bowel Resections
Ileo '77 Revision '85
Celiac Dx
hastings
Posts: 69
Joined: 2011-02-28 13:13:22

Re: Blood in stoma

Post by hastings »

Thank you all for your help and thoughts. Apparently I'm just being overly cautious.
Permanent colostomy
Rectal cancer
Mysticobra
Posts: 685
Joined: 2016-01-20 23:25:36

Re: Blood in stoma

Post by Mysticobra »

When mine first bled I let my surgeon know. It bled bad. She said I was being overly aggressive with the wash cloth. Lol. I wasn't but thought that was funny. I'm just careful and try and keep it healthy all around.
Good luck.
Richard.
Char2019
Posts: 4
Joined: 2019-05-02 21:57:50

Re: Blood in stoma

Post by Char2019 »

I have blood in stoma area when I play tennis, rake leaves, etc. Anybody have that issue? I am trying the Eakin skin seal or barrier for first time. Just hope I put it on correctly.
Button
Posts: 3616
Joined: 2017-10-10 22:14:15

Re: Blood in stoma

Post by Button »

Cher:
A warm Welcome to our group !

The surface bleeding that you see on your stoma after an invigorating game of tennis or after raking leaves and yard debris is likely due to repeated forces of friction/sheer/rubbing of the inner lining of the pouch that is in contact with the stoma.

The stoma is similar to the epithelial tissue that lines the mouth. Small, surface capillaries. It is surface capillaries that give the stoma and lining of the mouth a bright red color. The capillaries carry oxygenated blood, hence the cherry red color.

Stomas do not like friction/rubbing, as these forces cause irritation and bleeding from damaged to the capillaries. You
Might try adding a few drops of a natural vegetable oil to your pouch. The intent is to coat the inside of the pouch with a lubricant.
Karen
Intestine perforation, sepsis, ileostomy, 2012
Addison’s disease + endocrine failure
Palliative Care
Post Reply