In this episode of the Beautiful Bag Podcast, host LeeAnne Interviews Danielle and Joe as they share their personal journeys with ostomy surgeries due to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. They discuss how they met through social media, the birth of their advocacy platform 'Double Bagging It', and the importance of community support. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of ostomy on their lives, the freedom it has brought them, and their mission to raise awareness and share stories within the ostomy community.

Takeaways:

• The importance of community support for those with ostomies.
• Social media can be a powerful tool for connection.
• Ostomy can lead to a more fulfilling life.
• Advocacy is crucial in raising awareness about ostomy.
• Personal stories can inspire and help others.
• Living with an ostomy can be liberating.
• It's okay to share your journey in your own way.
• Finding your tribe is essential for emotional support.
• Health journeys are unique and should not be compared.
• Embracing life after ostomy surgery is possible and rewarding.

In this podcast episode, Stephanie Benson shares her inspiring journey of living with Crohn's disease and navigating life with an ostomy. From her initial diagnosis to the challenges of dating and self-acceptance, Stephanie discusses the importance of community support and finding strength in adversity. She offers practical tips for managing health, fashion choices, and maintaining a positive outlook despite the struggles of chronic illness. The conversation emphasizes the significance of open communication and the power of shared experiences in fostering resilience and hope.

Takeaways

Stephanie was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in high school.

Living with an ostomy has transformed Stephanie's life for the better.

Community support is crucial for those dealing with chronic illness.

Dating with an ostomy requires open communication and honesty.

Fashion choices can be adapted to accommodate an ostomy.

Managing health involves understanding personal dietary needs.

Chronic illness can lead to unexpected blessings and growth.

It's important to grieve the loss of the pre-illness self.

Maintaining a positive outlook is essential for mental health.

Finding a supportive community can make a significant difference.

In this episode of The Beautiful Bag podcast, host Speaker interviews Tom, a rectal cancer survivor who shares his journey from diagnosis to recovery. Tom discusses the initial shock of his diagnosis, the challenges of chemotherapy and surgery, and the adjustments he has made to life with an ostomy. He emphasizes the importance of support from family and community, the dietary changes he has experienced, and the various ostomy products available. Tom's story is one of resilience, hope, and a desire to help others facing similar challenges.

Takeaways

Tom was healthy until he experienced sudden pain.

The importance of follow-up appointments cannot be overstated.

Chemotherapy and radiation were part of Tom's treatment plan.

Support from family was crucial during Tom's journey.

Dietary changes were significant after surgery.

Tom found strength in online communities.

It's essential to try different ostomy products.

There is a stigma around ostomies that needs to be addressed.

Tom encourages others to reach out for support.

You are not alone in your journey.

In this episode of The Beautiful Bag podcast, host and guest Brianna share an insightful conversation about living with an ostomy, her journey with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and the importance of raising awareness about ostomies. Brianna discusses her initial struggles, the adjustments she made after surgery, and how her perspective on life with a stoma has evolved over the years. She emphasizes that having an ostomy is not as daunting as many believe and shares her experiences to help others understand and accept their own journeys.

Takeaways

Brianna has had her permanent ileostomy for over three years.

She was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, affecting her GI tract.

Adjusting to life with an ostomy took time and patience.

Brianna named her stoma Stella, which has become a part of her identity.

She emphasizes the importance of raising ostomy awareness.

Many people fear ostomies due to misconceptions about smell and lifestyle.

Brianna's recovery journey included multiple surgeries and challenges.

She has learned to navigate ostomy products and find what works best for her.

Brianna encourages others to share their stories and experiences.

Living with an ostomy can improve quality of life despite initial fears.

In this episode of the Beautiful Bag podcast, LeeAnne Hayden shares her personal journey through marriage, love, and the challenges she faced, including a cancer diagnosis and the impact it had on her relationship. She emphasizes the importance of communication, commitment, and resilience in navigating the ups and downs of marriage. LeeAnne reflects on her experiences, the lessons learned, and the significance of family and support in overcoming life's obstacles.

Takeaways:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Episode

10:14 Navigating Challenges in Marriage

17:05 Adjusting to Life with a Colostomy

25:01 Rebuilding the Relationship in New York

In this episode of The Beautiful Bag podcast, Yvonne Holly, known as Crohn's Mummy on Instagram, shares her profound journey with Crohn's disease, which began at the age of 11. She discusses her diagnosis, the challenges of living with a colostomy bag, and her experiences with pregnancy while managing her health. Yvonne's story highlights the resilience required to navigate chronic illness and motherhood, offering insights into the emotional and physical hurdles she faced along the way. In this conversation, Yvonne shares her profound journey through motherhood, health challenges, and the experience of living with an ostomy. She reflects on the emotional turmoil of her daughter's health struggles, her own battles with sepsis and surgeries, and how these experiences shaped her resilience. Yvonne emphasizes the importance of finding positivity in adversity and encourages open discussions about health issues to foster support and understanding.

Takeaways:

Yvonne was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 11.

She underwent a colostomy in 2010, which became permanent in 2016.

Living with a perianal abscess for nine years was a significant challenge.

The colostomy bag provided relief and improved her quality of life.

Pregnancy had a positive effect on her Crohn's symptoms.

Yvonne had to plan her pregnancies around her health condition.

She experienced complications during her second pregnancy.

Her daughter Felicity faced health challenges at birth.

Yvonne has undergone over 50 surgeries throughout her life.

The support from the NHS was crucial during her pregnancies. It's not my fault, but I felt responsible.

She needs to fight for her life before she learns to feed.

My daughter is the strongest little girl I know.

I was rushed in with sepsis again, it was scary.

I just remember signing and saying, take it all away.

I love my colostomy bag just as much as my children.

My ostomy has given me a life back.

You can always find the positivity in anything.

Never suffer in silence, always talk about your illness.

Talking about your illness can do wonderful things to your brain.

Connect on Instagram:

LeeAnne https://www.instagram.com/leeannehayden/

Yvonne https://www.instagram.com/crohns.mummy/

Summary

In this episode of The Beautiful Bag podcast, host LeeAnne Hayden speaks with Kaya, who shares her journey with ulcerative colitis and living with an ostomy. Kaya discusses her diagnosis at a young age, the challenges of managing her health, and the emotional toll it took on her. She also shares her experiences with pregnancy, the transition to a J-pouch, and the support she received from her family and husband. Throughout the conversation, Kaya emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, embracing one's situation, and helping others who face similar challenges.

Takeaways:

Kaya was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 14.

She experienced significant weight loss and health challenges.

Navigating life with an ostomy was initially overwhelming.

Surgery was a turning point in her health journey.

Transitioning to a J-pouch involved dietary adjustments.

Pregnancy brought new health complications for Kaya.

Support from family and friends was crucial during tough times.

Kaya's husband played a significant role in her recovery.

She learned to embrace her ostomy and share her story.

Kaya encourages others to ask questions and seek support.

In this episode of the Beautiful Bag podcast, host LeeAnne Hayden celebrates her ninth anniversary with her stoma, sharing her personal journey from being an accountant to facing cancer and ultimately embracing life with an ostomy. LeeAnne reflects on the challenges she faced, the support from her community, and the lessons learned throughout her journey. She emphasizes the importance of sharing stories and connecting with others who have similar experiences, highlighting the resilience and empowerment that comes from overcoming adversity.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Nine Years with My Stoma

02:53 The Journey Begins: From Accountant to Sales

05:48 Facing Health Challenges: The Discovery of Cancer

11:37 Surgery and the Unexpected: Life with an Ostomy

22:42 Embracing Life After Surgery: A New Normal

33:40 Reflections on Life: Celebrating Achievements and Community

37:51 Legal statement.mp3

In this episode of the Beautiful Bag podcast, LeeAnne Hayden discusses the concept of 'chic confidence,' which combines inner self-esteem with outward style. She shares personal experiences and practical tips on how to boost confidence through fashion, self-care, and community support. LeeAnne emphasizes the importance of feeling good inside and out, and how personal style can reflect one's unique personality. The conversation also touches on the significance of gratitude, self-talk, and the role of supportive communities in building confidence, especially for those living with an ostomy.

Takeaways:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chic Confidence

05:39 Fashion as a Confidence Booster

15:15 Inner Confidence and Self-Talk

23:40 The Importance of Community and Support

30:52 Legal statement.mp3

In this episode of the Beautiful Bag podcast, host LeeAnne Hayden returns after a seven-month hiatus to reflect on her experiences in 2024 and share her goals for 2025. She discusses the importance of setting personal, family, and business goals, and emphasizes the need for clarity and planning in achieving them. LeeAnne also invites listeners to engage with her and share their own goals as they embark on the new year together.

LeeAnne expresses her excitement to return to podcasting after a long break.

She reflects on the busy and fulfilling year of 2024, including personal travels and professional engagements.

Setting clear and achievable goals is essential for personal growth and success.

LeeAnne emphasizes the importance of self-care in goal setting.

She shares her personal goal of abstaining from alcohol for a year and its significance.

The podcast will feature more solo episodes alongside guest interviews in 2025.

Listeners are encouraged to share their goals and topics they want to hear about.

Vision boards can be a powerful tool for visualizing and achieving goals.

LeeAnne highlights the importance of community and support in the journey of personal growth.

She expresses her desire to reconnect with her audience and foster engagement.