Rectal Bleeding

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Rectal bleeding is a type of lower GI bleeding. GI stands for gastro-intestinal. The lower GI includes the intestines (bowel) and rectum. The rectum is the last part of the intestine that ends at the anus. The anus is the opening where BM is passed from the body. Rectal bleeding occurs in the rectum. Many things can cause bleeding in your rectum. Possible causes are hemorrhoids, anal tears, infection, polyps, and cancer. It is a symptom that requires a thorough search for its cause. You may need more tests before your caregiver knows what is causing the bleeding.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Keep a written list of what medicines you take and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicines. Do not take any medicines without first talking to caregivers.
    
    
  • Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking it until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-ah-tiks), take them until they are all gone even if you feel better.
    
    
  • Do NOT take any medicine that has aspirin or ibuprofen-like medicines in it. Ask your caregiver before taking any medicine you buy at the store.
    
    
  • You may need to take a stool softener.
    
    
  • If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver when you can return to work or school.
  
  
• Eat healthy foods from all of the 5 food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy. It may also help you heal faster.
  
  
  • It can take time getting used to a new diet. Special cookbooks may help the cook in the family find new recipes.
    
    
  
  
• Drink 6 to 8 (soda pop can size) glasses of liquid each day. Or follow your caregiver's advice if you are on a fluid limit. Good liquids to drink are water, juices, and milk. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink such as coffee, tea, and soda.
  
  
• If you are constipated, you may have a hard time having a BM. Don't try to push the BM out if it's too hard. Walking is the best way to get your bowels moving. Eat foods high in fiber to make it easier to have a BM. Good examples are high fiber cereals, beans, vegetables, fruits, and whole grain breads. Prune juice may help make the BM softer. Caregivers may give you fiber medicine or a stool softener to help make your BMs softer and more regular. It may help to avoid spicy foods.
  
  
• You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it's needed.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You start having abdominal (belly) pain or swelling, nausea, or vomiting (throwing up).

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have bright red bleeding from your rectum.
  
  
• You have black BM.
  
  
• You feel too weak to stand up

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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