Question:
Post-Op Bleeding, is it normal? (NOT a period ?)

I have heard that after surgery there will be blood in our stool when we go to the bathroom. That is, directly after surgey usually clearing up in a few days. Is that normal? How much bleeding would be too much? What about blood in our urine? Would that be normal? Just being paranoid, but please help me out here.    — Renee B. (posted on October 8, 2003)

October 8, 2003
I had no blood in either my stools or urine after surgery. I did have a period for a couple of days... but, it was definately a period. If you are having blood in the urine, please get checked for an infection. Blood in the stool can be due to some constipation. However, if there is enough to cause you concern, please check with your doctor to be safe. Best of luck to you!
   — teresa M.

October 8, 2003
I don't think either is normal! However, you may see some bright red blood if you have problems with constipation and have some hemorrhoids. And you may have some blood in your urine after the catheter is removed, but that shouldn't last very long at all, and you might need antibiotics.Anything beyond a few drops in the toilet or a smear on the toilet paper should probably be reported to your doctor.
   — koogy

October 8, 2003
I have read a few posts from people who mentioned that thier doctor's tell them there may be blood in thier stools post-op. This actually came up a few days ago on this QA board and several mentioned this. My Dr said nothing about it and I neither had blood in my urine nor blood in my stools. As for being paranoid-hang in there!! It's ok to be concerned and anyone getting this surgery should look at all aspects, but rmemeber that many things posted on the BB are either "out of the norm" but other people have had smilar problems, or they are extremely normal (like those who ask if they are a slow loser 2 weeks post op). My best wishes -
   — M B.