The Beautiful Bag LeeAnne Hayden

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

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

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 
 

Chloe Moody shares her unique experience of living with an ostomy since birth due to necrotizing enterocolitis. She discusses her childhood, including multiple surgeries and hospitalizations, as well as the challenges she faced in school, such as bullying and feeling different. Chloe emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community, like the UOAA youth rally, and encourages parents to send their children to such events. She also talks about her journey of self-discovery, pursuing higher education, and her aspirations to teach and advocate for others with chronic illnesses. Chloe's story highlights the need for greater awareness and acceptance of ostomies.
 
"You're not alone. We have a whole community now to support and uplift this next generation."
"I've kind of been stifling my own voice a little bit because I've just had that messaging my whole life."
 
https://www.instagram.com/chloemmoody/
https://www.instagram.com/leeannehayden/
 

LeeAnne introduces guest Ann Marie Lupacckino, who has had 3 ostomies. Ann Marie shares her journey, which began 18 years ago during pregnancy with a bowel perforation. Ann Marie underwent emergency surgery to remove her large intestine while pregnant. Despite challenges, Ann Marie gave birth full-term and underwent reversal surgery a year later. Ann Marie experienced complications, including severe anal fissures, leading to her decision for an ostomy last March. Complications post-surgery led to a second ostomy in October and a third surgery in February. Ann Marie emphasizes the impact of ostomies on her life and the importance of adaptation. Both LeeAnne and Ann Marie stress the supportive ostomy community and the resources available. Ann Marie looks forward to resuming her exercise routine once fully healed, highlighting the mental benefits. The conversation touches on the adjustments in diet and hydration with an ostomy. Ann Marie reflects on her journey, expressing gratitude for her surgeon and acceptance of her current situation.

In this episode I interview retire US navy man Dan Dry Dock Shockley. 
 
HIGHLIGHTS
Being in the Navy and learning perseverance Recovering from a surgery and needing to be back on assignment after 9/11 Finding out about his rare genetic condition Living life in an ostomy  His advocacy work  How he lives by the 3 steps ADAPT, Improvise, Overcome  You can find Dan on Instagram, Twitter or email him @ dandrydock@gmail.comperseverance