My 80 year old stepfather recently started dialysis & has been admitted to the hospital several times due to severe rectal bleeding following treatment. The doctors are trying (so far, unsuccessfully), to find out what's causing it. I live in another state and am very concerned because a friend's grandfather recently died after 1 year of dialysis due to internal bleeding. I have no idea whether or not this is related to dialysis but I figured it couldn't hurt to ask if it could be a side effect. Thanks in advance for any responses. Julie in SW FL

Hi jfig:

Occasional rectal bleeding, I'm sure, is normal among renal failure patients. Whether it's the drugs causing constipation or whatever, it's not out of thr norml.
However, severe bleeding after treatment calls for attention. Keep your nephrologist informed. Internal bleeding would very likely have displayed other symptoms - and far worsened your father's condition - by now.
Let me know.

Best,
Mike