Red in poo - freaking out

[Somethingsosimple]

I will start by saying I had some bleeding at the beginning of the year and was given a colonoscopy in March. 4 benign polyps removed and repeat colonoscopy in 3 years time . Today I went to the loo and there was a red small area on my stool. No constipation or piles. I did eat tomato pasta sauce 2 days running. I know this sounds gross but I kept some of the red in a tissue. Will it go dark if it was blood and stay red if tomatoes? Sorry I suffer major anxiety and worry due to polyps I’m more at risk of cancer.

Sorry that you went through that it does sound rather scary but good that you had benign polyps removed. I don't know the answer but I know I always think back to what I ate and try not to freak out. You could leave it a few days then eat tomatoes again and see what happens.

It’s absolutely most likely to be nothing to worry about but this is one of those things that you’re best talking to your doctor about given your history and how worried you are now. I’d give them a call tomorrow and I’m sure they’ll be able to give you a phone appointment and some reassurance.

If its tomato it will stay red and blood will go dark.

Have you eaten any beetroot??

Please get checked out when you can

Red peppers stay red as well ime.

Thanks so much for replies. My daughter had a poo last night and I could spot some red on her poo too, so I’m more hopeful it’s tomato as we have both eaten identically. I will keep a careful eye out though.

Almost certainly it was tomato. This is very common. Eating beetroot also turns poo a scary maroon colour. I wouldn't worry unless it was repeated.

Have you eaten beetroot? That can make your poo look very red as well.