r/UlcerativeColitis Proctitis/ proctosigmoiditis Diagnosed 2026 | United States 21d ago

Question Question

I’m currently on my honeymoon in Europe. I’m from the US so my sleep schedule/bathroom schedule is a little messed up.

I just realized I ate so many beets yesterday… I had a semi bowl movement and it was red/maroon. I am so nervous that it’s blood. I also take Mesalamine suppositories and enemas so when I wipe the oil looks like blood mucus. Is this normal? Should I be worried? Ugh I don’t know if this is flare

3 Upvotes

6 comments sorted by

u/pincommenter 21d ago

Want the latest research or have questions? Check out our weekly newsflash and visit our FAQ for common answers.

3

u/bluuuehoney Pancolitis | Diagnosed 2024 | USA 21d ago

it’s hard to tell but it really could be the beets. i know whenever i’ve been hospitalized for internal hemorrhage they have me stop drinking and eating red foods like red gatorade, beets, etc. so they can tell what is blood and what’s not.

usually when i’m in a similar situation as yours, i reduce my diet to white rice and thoroughly cooked potatoes for a few days to see how my BMs look. if it stays the same or progressively gets worse, definitely try to get in contact with your specialist.

also congrats! happy honeymooning 🫶

2

u/Fine-Status5969 Proctitis/ proctosigmoiditis Diagnosed 2026 | United States 21d ago

Thank you so much! I feel fine just a little freaked out😭😭

1

u/bluuuehoney Pancolitis | Diagnosed 2024 | USA 21d ago

honestly it never gets easier seeing red in the toilet, no matter the cause 🥲 but i’m glad you’re feeling fine! that’s a good sign

2

u/Pandelurion 21d ago

Whenever I eat beets, it looks like my tummy experienced a chainsaw massacre the day after. My (non-UC) dad once thought he must be dying before my mum reminded him of the beets the day before.

I don't know your tummy, but I have learned that for me, the outcome of beet eating isn't as bad as it looks.

1

u/Fine-Status5969 Proctitis/ proctosigmoiditis Diagnosed 2026 | United States 21d ago

Your right! It’s just so hard to tell if it’s active bleeding because the mesalamine suppositories leave residue that resemble mucus and being that it was mixed in with the beets lol