Should I worry? DD (3) sometimes has blood on TP after BM - Bowel Disorders Message Board

deenie · 10-19-2007, 06:47 AM

I'll mention it to her pedi next time but her well checkup isn't unti next May. I'm sure we'll be in way before then but I'm wondering if anyone's encountered this. Just so you know, my DD has very "neat" BMs. There's hardly any wiping involved and she's not constipated but her movements are harder. My DS, on the other hand, takes two flushes and tons of wet wipes - sorry!

Anyway, about once a week or so, we'll wipe and she gets a small tinge of bright red blood on the tissue or wipe. I've only noticed it since she's been potty trained. Maybe she's straining a bit? I just really think it's related to her movements being on the hard side. She doesn't complain of it hurting to poop and she eats fruits - I think that's just her. Like the other day when she had a stomach bug and slight diarrhea, there was none of that. It doesn't happen constantly but it has happened several times. When my DH mentioned it last week, then I started to get worried since he usually doesn't worry about things like I do.

It may be something simple like a small fissure that gets irritated when she has a harder movement. Also, like I told DH, her skin hasn't toughened up like an adult's skin so maybe irritation shows up more. Any experience?

Brocallie · 10-19-2007, 07:14 AM

If your dd was "bleeding just a little bit" from her EYE once a week, do you think you'd be concerned? Bleeding in a 3 yo, during BMs is not normal, and needs to be addressed, either by seeing the MD or trying a few things at home for a bit and then seeing the MD if it doesn't COMPLETELY resolve. Some suggestions:

1. Increase WATER intake.
2. Increase fiber intake (those fiber "cookies" might not be a bad idea, but don't do without increasing water.)
3. Use of probiotics to help normalize bowel flora, which may help transit time, etc. Activia yogurt daily would be OK, but a good multi-strain probiotic taken in addition would be better.
4. Use wet wipes after toileting to decrease irritation.
5. Make sure your dd has a relaxed environment in which to toilet when the urge arises (so she doesn't "hold" it.)

Hope this helps.

deenie · 10-19-2007, 01:28 PM

He said he gets a call like this at least once a day and it's VERY common in children. He says it's probably the result of a fissure due to even mild straining. He says if her movements are on the harder side (which they are) you can reopen a fissure which won't cause subsequent pain. He said to break the cycle of her withholding BMs (even though she usually goes daily) because the longer the stool stays in, the harder it gets. Maybe her regular movements should be more than 1x/day. He said to add Miralax to her diet to soften her up a bit and see how she does with that. He thinks that should take care of it but it could take several weeks. This is a pedi with decades of experience and he said not to worry so I feel better. Thanks for your suggestions. I do give her the new cheese with probiotics but I know cheese is constipating. I'll try Activia and the fiber cookies. I do use wet wipes all the time though. I think this is her system though and I'll just have to work with it to make BMs softer. Thanks.