The Beautiful Bag

LeeAnne Hayden
The Beautiful Bag

The Beautiful Bag is a compelling podcast that explores the world of Ostomies with compassion and authenticity. Join me as I share inspiring stories, practical insights, and educational discussions about living with an Ostomy. Each episode features guests who generously share their experiences, providing a supportive community for Ostomates and valuable knowledge for those curious about Ostomy life. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding, find empowerment, and discover the beauty within the Ostomy journey.

  1. 5월 29일

    Navigating GI Issues While Training for a Marathon Embracing Life with a Chronic Illness

    Leanne Watanabe shares her journey with ulcerative colitis and the decision to undergo surgery to remove her colon. She discusses her late discovery of fitness and her initial motivation to work out for weight loss. Leanne talks about her mentor who introduced her to marathon running and helped her believe in her abilities. She shares her experience training for her first marathon while dealing with GI issues. Leanne discusses the impact of stress and her dysfunctional upbringing on her health. She talks about her struggle to accept her diagnosis and the various treatments she tried before deciding on surgery. LeeAnne Hayden shares her experience living with ulcerative colitis and undergoing surgery to have an ostomy. She emphasizes that living with a chronic illness is never easy, but she is grateful for the chance to live a healthy life. Hayden encourages others to embrace their bodies and not let their diagnosis dictate how they live and thrive. She discusses the importance of therapy and setting boundaries in her healing journey. Hayden also talks about her experience competing in fitness competitions and how it has helped her change her relationship with dieting and exercise. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of self-love in achieving personal goals. Takeaways Fitness can be a powerful tool for building confidence and achieving goals, even for those with chronic illnesses. Stress and a dysfunctional upbringing can contribute to the development and exacerbation of health issues. It is important to be your own advocate and seek out the best medical care available, even if it means traveling to different locations. Surgery can be a life-changing decision for those with severe refractory ulcerative colitis, offering the possibility of improved quality of life. Alternative therapies may provide temporary relief, but it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and costs. Living with a chronic illness is never easy, but it is important to embrace the chance to live a healthy life. Therapy and setting boundaries are crucial in the healing journey. Competing in fitness competitions can help change one's relationship with dieting and exercise. Self-love is the foundation for achieving personal goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Summer Break Announcement 00:55 Leanne's Journey into Fitness 03:21 Navigating GI Issues While Training for a Marathon 08:06 The Role of Stress and Upbringing in Leanne's Health 14:11 Exploring Alternative Therapies for Ulcerative Colitis 27:46 Living with Ulcerative Colitis and Making the Decision for Surgery 29:13 Gratitude for a Chance at a Healthy Life 30:41 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Life 31:39 Living Beyond the Diagnosis 33:05 The Power of Self-Confidence and Body Acceptance 35:30 Therapy and Setting Boundaries in the Healing Journey 39:16 Changing the Relationship with Dieting and Exercise 44:00 The Importance of Self-Love in Achieving Personal Goals

    53분
  2. 5월 15일

    Navigating the Emotional Journey of Living with a Chronic Illness with Dana Gebrian

    SummaryDana shares her 17-year journey with ulcerative colitis and the challenges she faced before ultimately getting an ostomy. She reflects on her carefree college years, multiple surgeries, and the disappointment of the J-pouch not working as expected. Dana discusses the emotional toll of living with a chronic illness and the importance of therapy and self-care. She highlights the silver linings of having an ostomy, such as improved sleep and the ability to enjoy life's moments. Dana emphasizes the need for education, support, and breaking the stigma surrounding ostomies.     Takeaways Living with a chronic illness can be emotionally challenging, and therapy can be a valuable tool for coping and finding support. Having an ostomy can bring unexpected benefits, such as improved sleep and the ability to fully participate in life's activities. Education and awareness about ostomies are crucial for breaking the stigma and providing support to those who need it. It's important to ask questions, seek advice, and connect with others who have similar experiences to navigate life with an ostomy.   "I hit my rock bottom after surgery. I feel like that person that I used to know was gone. Like that version of me was gone. I was not me anymore. I was, who am I?" "I started to find the silver linings. Like this, this is not that bad. Maybe this will make things a little bit easier. Like, you'll be able to sleep at night and you're not running to the bathroom and you're not having a million accidents." "I feel like I can finally stand by myself. Yeah. It's pretty cool." Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 01:29Diagnosis and College Years 06:25The Need for an Ostomy 10:02Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy 13:27The Emotional Journey and Therapy 23:53Embracing Life with an Ostomy 32:55Empowering Others and Breaking the Stigma 41:00Final Thoughts and Advice

    38분
  3. 5월 1일

    Bare it all with guest Raina O'dell

    In this episode, host LeeAnne Hayden interviews Raina about her journey with an ostomy and her book 'Bare'. Raina shares her experiences with ulcerative colitis, her decision to get an ileostomy, and her subsequent journey with a J-pouch. She discusses the role of social media in her life and how it has helped her connect with others. Raina also talks about the challenges of dating with an ostomy and the importance of being open and honest about her condition. In this part of the conversation, LeeAnne Hayden discusses her experiences with relationships after getting an ileostomy. She shares how her first relationship after the surgery helped her feel loved and accepted with her bag. She also talks about the challenges of dating and having to disclose her condition to potential partners. LeeAnne emphasizes the importance of self-love and acceptance in navigating relationships with an ostomy. She also discusses her transition from being a wellness coach to a life coach and the power of journaling in her healing journey. Takeaways Raina's journey with ulcerative colitis led her to get an ileostomy and later a J-pouch. Social media has played a significant role in Raina's life, allowing her to connect with others and share her experiences. Dating with an ostomy can be challenging, but being open and honest about it is important. Raina's book 'Bare' is a candid and honest account of her journey with an ostomy. Having a supportive partner can help in feeling loved and accepted with an ostomy. Self-love and acceptance are crucial in navigating relationships with an ostomy. Disclosing one's condition to potential partners can be nerve-wracking, but it is important for open communication. Transitioning from a wellness coach to a life coach allowed LeeAnne to focus on deeper aspects of personal growth and mindset. Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, healing, and manifestation. "I think my soul knew I needed that community and needed to have that as this like, you know, just this voice to like keep going, even when I didn't want to sometimes."   LeeAnne emphasizes that listeners should read this book, which you can find HERE  Connect with Raina on Instagram  Connect with LeeAnne on Instagram

    56분
  4. 3월 20일

    Thriving Through Challenges: Cass Roberts' Journey

    Introduction: LeeAnne Hayden welcomes listeners to the episode from her loft, introducing Cass Roberts as her guest. They met at the UAA convention in August and bonded over their shared experiences. Dancing and Transformative Power: Cass shares her love for dancing and how it has been transformative for her. She reflects on the immense joy she experienced at the UAA convention, being surrounded by people with ostomies like herself. Cass's Journey with Crohn's Disease: Cass opens up about her journey with Crohn's disease, starting from her diagnosis at age 11 in rural Mississippi. She details the challenges of misdiagnosis, extensive treatments, and the impact on her physical and emotional well-being. Experience with Ostomy Surgery: Cass describes her initial aversion to the idea of having an ostomy and the fears she had to overcome. She shares the circumstances that led to her first ostomy surgery in 2008 and the subsequent complications that necessitated a permanent ostomy in 2013. Life with an Ostomy: Despite initial struggles, Cass shares how her life has flourished since embracing her ostomy. She pursued diverse interests, including a career as a truck driver and owning a Princess Tea Party company. She also reflects on memorable moments, such as performing at children's parties despite wardrobe mishaps. Embracing Confidence: Cass emphasizes the importance of confidence and self-acceptance. She encourages listeners to celebrate their uniqueness and to recognize that they are more than their medical conditions. Building Community: LeeAnne and Cass discuss the power of community in overcoming challenges associated with ostomies. They reflect on the increasing visibility and support available for individuals with ostomies, both online and through in-person gatherings like conferences. Current Endeavors: Cass shares her current role as a developmental interventionist, working with children with disabilities. She emphasizes the significance of advocating for oneself and others in navigating health challenges. Final Thoughts: Cass leaves listeners with a message of self-love and respect, encouraging everyone to recognize their inherent worth beyond any physical differences. Conclusion: LeeAnne expresses gratitude to Cass for sharing her inspiring journey and vibrant spirit with listeners, highlighting her resilience and positivity. Through their candid conversation, LeeAnne and Cass provide insight into the journey of living with an ostomy, emphasizing themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of community.

    25분
4.8
최고 5점
26개의 평가

소개

The Beautiful Bag is a compelling podcast that explores the world of Ostomies with compassion and authenticity. Join me as I share inspiring stories, practical insights, and educational discussions about living with an Ostomy. Each episode features guests who generously share their experiences, providing a supportive community for Ostomates and valuable knowledge for those curious about Ostomy life. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding, find empowerment, and discover the beauty within the Ostomy journey.

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