The Beautiful Bag LeeAnne Hayden

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

Introduction:
LeeAnne expresses excitement for spring and its positive impact on wellness.
 
Proper Hydration with an Iliostomy: Importance of hydration, especially with an Iliostomy. Tips for staying hydrated: carry water or herbal teas, use electrolytes. LeeAnne's personal hydration routine: drinking a gallon of water daily. Recommendations: Drink water before and after meals, monitor hydration levels. Exercise and Movement: Importance of exercise for overall wellness and mental health. LeeAnne's workout routine: daily walks, weightlifting, yoga. Suggestions for finding suitable exercises: walking, running, yoga, Pilates. Addressing concerns about hernias and stoma support belts. Stress Reduction and Self-Care: Importance of stress management for mental well-being. Strategies for stress reduction: journaling, taking baths, getting massages. Suggestions for self-care practices: meditation, breathwork, listening to the body. Sleep and Rest: Importance of quality sleep for physical and mental health. Tips for improving sleep: maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed. Suggestions for enhancing sleep quality: exposure to sunlight in the morning, creating a bedtime routine.  
Encouragement to prioritize self-care and wellness practices. Reminder to seek support from healthcare professionals and online resources like UOAA. https://www.stealthbelt.com

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.

In this episode, I, LeeAnne Hayden, emphasize the crucial role of nutrition in maintaining overall health and well-being. I stress the importance of consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats.
Throughout the discussion, I recognize that individual preferences and tolerances vary, urging listeners to experiment and find what works best for their bodies.
Supplementation is highlighted as a means to address potential nutrient deficiencies, particularly in light of changes in food quality and soil. I recommend high-quality supplements while advising listeners to consult healthcare providers before starting any supplementation regimen.  https://leeannehayden.com/supplements
Furthermore, I stress the significance of managing fluid intake, emphasizing hydration and the addition of electrolytes to water for optimal hydration. Listeners are encouraged to visit my website LeeAnneHayden.com for more information and resources on wellness.
I also provide strategies for dining out, including reading menus carefully, asking about ingredients, and making adjustments to meals when necessary. Drawing from personal experiences, such as challenges after surgery, I underscore the importance of seeking expert advice from healthcare professionals, nutritionists, dieticians, and WOCN nurses.
Finally, I invite listeners to connect with me on Instagram @instagram, YouTube LeeAnneHayden, and through my website LeeAnneHayden.com. Additionally, I offer a free wellness guide on my website for those interested in further resources.