Navigating the Emotional Journey of Living with a Chronic Illness with Dana Gebrian
The Beautiful Bag
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. ...
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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...
info_outlineIn 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
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