Open Colectomy done in Jan, 2026. Now still seeing blood in stools

Posted by teemetiki12 @teemetiki12, Aug 7 1:02am

I'm having some of the same symptoms as before Colectomy. The thing is, I don't know if there was still something left behind. Is that possible? I also don't know if I could go back and complete this journey again. It was months before I felt better after surgery. I'm 71, with Rheumatoid Arthritis, high blood sugar, a just diagnosed melanoma, after having 2 others surgically removed. How could it be back in 6 months, or could it have been missed during surgery. I don't know what to do, and my son is getting upset with me.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 20 4:22pm

@teemetiki12, this is something you should talk to your cancer team about. There are many different reasons that you are seeing blood in your stool. It doesn't necessarily mean cancer has returned or something left behind. It should be investigated to find the cause.

Here are some non-cancer issues that can cause blood in your stool:
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the rectum or anus, often caused by straining or constipation.
- Anal Fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus from passing hard stool.Diverticular Disease: Inflamed or infected pouches in the colon wall.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis that cause gut inflammation.
- Stomach Ulcers: Sores in the stomach or upper small intestine leading to dark or black stool.

When you see your doctor, be sure to note what color the blood is, how much do you see and is it every time.

If I were your son, I would also want you to get it checked out. There may be a simple solution. Will you make an appointment?