From Diagnosis to Determination: Meghan Brown's Inspiring Path to Ostomy Empowerment
Release Date: 09/06/2023
Bare it all with guest Raina O'dell
The Beautiful Bag
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...
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Living with an Ostomy from Birth: Chloe Moody's Unique Journey
The Beautiful Bag
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...
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Navigating life after 3 ostomies with guest Ann Marie
The Beautiful Bag
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...
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From US Navy to Ostomate
The Beautiful Bag
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 @ [email protected]
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Hydration & Wellness Tips in an Ostomy
The Beautiful Bag
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...
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Thriving Through Challenges: Cass Roberts' Journey
The Beautiful Bag
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...
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Fueling Your Health Journey: Nourish, Hydrate, and Thrive with LeeAnne Hayden!
The Beautiful Bag
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...
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Finding Hope and Community Through Ostomy Surgery
The Beautiful Bag
Join us this week as Nikki Kilpatrick shares her inspiring journey through ostomy surgery and the profound impact of mindset and community support on her recovery. Nikki's story highlights the power of connecting with others who have undergone similar experiences, emphasizing the importance of positivity and advocacy in facing health challenges. Tune in to discover how Nikki's journey of resilience and empowerment can inspire hope and change lives. Guest: Nikki Kilpatrick Key Points: Nikki shares her experience of waking up from surgery to find her ostomy had been created differently than...
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Body Positivity and Self-Esteem
The Beautiful Bag
Title: Embracing Self-Love: Body Positivity and Self-Esteem Description: Join host LeeAnne Hayden in this powerful episode of the Beautiful Bag podcast as she delves into the crucial topics of body positivity and self-esteem. With a compassionate heart and insightful perspective, LeeAnne guides listeners through practical steps to cultivate self-love and acceptance, especially in the face of challenges like living with a stoma. In this episode, LeeAnne reflects on her own journey and shares personal experiences, offering relatable insights for listeners. From making the decision to love...
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Guest Jenny Harrison - Ostomy Journey and the lessons learned from a father
The Beautiful Bag
In this episode of The Beautiful Bag, host LeeAnne Hayden sits down with Jenny Harrison, a remarkable individual whose journey with gastrointestinal challenges serves as a testament to the power of strength and determination. Introduction: LeeAnne and Jenny dive deep into Jenny's journey, exploring the highs and lows, the triumphs and tribulations, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Key Points Covered: The Beginning of the Journey: Jenny shares the story of how her journey with gastrointestinal challenges began, from the removal of her gallbladder to the discovery of adhesions....
info_outlineJoin LeeAnne Hayden and special guest Meghan Brown for an inspiring and informative episode of "The Beautiful Bag." In this conversation, they explore their journeys living with ostomy bags, discuss the challenges they've overcome, and share valuable insights on topics like pregnancy with an ostomy and the power of a positive mindset.
Segment 1: Meghan's Crohn's Journey
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[00:00] Intro: LeeAnne Hayden introduces Meghan Brown, sharing their mutual admiration for each other.
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[02:37] Meghan's Crohn's Diagnosis: Meghan's journey with Crohn's disease began at a young age when she was diagnosed at 13. She endured a year of misdiagnosis and the struggles of managing her health while navigating high school.
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[04:15] Remission and High School: After starting Remicade, Meghan experienced significant improvements in her health. However, she reflects on the challenges she faced as a teenager dealing with steroids and rumors about her absence from school.
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[07:27] College and Recurrence: Meghan's life took a positive turn when she met her husband, but her sophomore year of college marked a recurrence of her illness. She explored various treatments, including Remicade, but encountered complications.
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[08:42] Decision for Surgery: A routine colonoscopy revealed precancerous signs, leading Meghan to make a challenging decision. She discusses the emotional and mental aspects of choosing to undergo surgery and embracing an ostomy bag to eliminate the risk of cancer.
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[09:37] Mental Health and Support: Meghan emphasizes the role of mental health throughout her journey and the importance of her parents' unwavering support. She shares how her family's positive outlook helped her during difficult times.
Segment 2: Overcoming Challenges and Acceptance
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[13:10] Balancing Vanity and Health: Meghan and LeeAnne discuss the difficult decision they faced regarding surgery and ostomy bags. Both admit to struggling with the idea of having an ostomy bag due to aesthetic concerns.
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[16:06] Perspective Shift: Meghan reflects on the moment her perspective shifted during a conversation with her surgeon. He highlighted the importance of considering her future as a young mom and how her decision would impact her loved ones.
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[20:09] Privacy vs. Openness: LeeAnne and Meghan discuss the balance between privacy and openness regarding their ostomy bags. Meghan commends LeeAnne for being open on social media and showing her ostomy bag.
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[22:15] Meghan's Social Media Journey: Meghan shares her reasons for joining social media after her surgery and how sharing her journey helped her heal, find acceptance, and connect with others facing similar challenges.
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[24:06] Embracing Acceptance: Meghan describes her social media journey as a healing process that allowed her to accept her body and gain body confidence. LeeAnne shares her own experience with healing through acceptance.
Segment 3: Pregnancy with an Ostomy and Self-Advocacy
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[28:11] Hidden Community: LeeAnne and Meghan highlight the curiosity and lack of awareness surrounding ostomies and the need for more visibility.
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[29:53] Pregnancy and Ostomy: Meghan shares her remarkable journey of having two healthy pregnancies with an ostomy. She emphasizes the need for more information and awareness around pregnancy with an ostomy.
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[35:03] Postpartum Challenges: Meghan discusses postpartum challenges related to her skin's reaction to ostomy products after childbirth and the importance of self-advocacy during life-changing events like pregnancy.
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[38:01] Self-Advocacy: LeeAnne and Meghan underscore the significance of self-advocacy, particularly for individuals with ostomies facing pregnancy. They stress the importance of open communication with healthcare professionals.
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[43:31] Mindset and Positivity: Meghan emphasizes the power of a positive mindset in coping with challenges and shares her personal journey of transforming her outlook.
Segment 4: Embracing Life and Conclusion
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[46:06] Embracing Life: LeeAnne and Meghan discuss the importance of embracing life, even in the face of challenges. They acknowledge the value of returning to a positive perspective after moments of sadness and frustration.
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[46:55] Outro: LeeAnne Hayden expresses gratitude to Meghan Brown for sharing her experiences and insights on the podcast. She invites listeners to stay tuned for more episodes of "The Beautiful Bag" and the valuable stories and discussions it brings to light.
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