Should I be bleeding?

I had colorectal bowel surgery on 18th April. I have since left and still in recovery. The last few days when I go to the toilet I bleed quite a bit when I poo is this normal? 

  • Hello and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to hear that you have had bowel cancer surgery.

    Bleeding can happen after surgery but it should get better, if it is not then you should let your cancer team know.  If you have a hospital appointment coming up in a couple of days it might be ok to wait till then but that will depend on how much you are bleeding. If you are bleeding and you are concerned and you can't contact your cancer team then do call the NHS on 111 for advice.

    It might help to look at our information about problems after surgery on our website.

    You may also find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline