This topic is about someone who is experiencing a bleeding stoma and is worried about missing work because of it. They are concerned about the potential impact on their job and health insurance, and they are seeking advice on what might be causing the bleeding and what steps they should take.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Health should come first. A bleeding stoma can be serious, and it's recommended to see a doctor or visit the emergency department, even if it means risking missing work.

2. Common causes of bleeding include:
- Direct trauma, such as bumping the stoma or catching it on something.
- Consuming foods with sharp edges, like nuts or seeds.
- Having an abdominal hernia around the stoma.

3. It's important to monitor the bleeding closely:
- If the bleeding is profuse or prolonged, seek immediate medical attention.
- The stoma should remain a bright red color. If it darkens or the bleeding persists, it needs to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

4. Practical tips:
- If the bleeding subsides and remains minor, keep the area clean and watch for any bruising or color changes over the next few days.
- Don't hesitate to call the surgeon’s or stoma nurse’s office. A quick phone call can provide guidance without necessarily missing work.

5. Emotional support is important. Others express empathy and emphasize that your life and well-being are more valuable than any job.

6. A nutritional note from a community member: some patients find weekly Vitamin B injections helpful, though this is shared as general encouragement and not a specific treatment for bleeding.