On the May 28th episode of the Beautiful Bag Podcast, LeeAnne Hayden sits down with Sandra Mannon to discuss her remarkable journey with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease, and her decision to undergo an ileostomy. Sandra’s story is one of courage, resilience, and transformation, A true testament to the power of self-advocacy and mindset in the face of life-changing health challenges.

Life with a chronic illness is never easy, and Yvonne Holly knows this better than most. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just 11 years old, she has spent decades navigating the unpredictable challenges that come with managing a lifelong condition. In this week’s episode of The Beautiful Bag podcast, Yvonne—known as @CrohnsMummy on Instagram—opens up about her incredible journey, sharing the struggles, triumphs, and lessons she has learned along the way.

In this episode, I interview Raina O’Dell 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 week’s episode, Chloe Moody shares her unique ostomy journey, which began moments after her birth. A story of lifelong adversity, this episode is a testament for anyone who has ever felt as if they don’t fit in with the “typical”ostomy story. As our conversation unfolds, Chloe intimately recounts her childhood with an ostomy and what it was like growing up “different.”

In the realm of podcasts, few things match the genuine conversations you'll find on "The Beautiful Bag," hosted by yours truly, LeeAnne Hayden. Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with the wonderful Cass Roberts, and let me tell you, it was a conversation you won't want to miss. We dove deep into the realities of living with chronic illness, finding strength in the face of adversity, and embracing life's unexpected twists.

In a world where challenges often test our resolve, Nikki's journey stands as a beacon of resilience and empowerment. Her story begins with the unexpected twists of surgery, where waking up revealed a different path than anticipated. Despite the initial shock, Nikki embraced her new reality with courage and determination. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, she focused on what was, finding strength in the face of uncertainty.

I hope you're all doing well and staying strong. Today, I want to share with you an absolutely amazing conversation I had with the incredible Jenny Harrison from Girls with Guts.

Our chat was like a breath of fresh air, filled with laughter, insights, and a deep sense of connection. Jenny's journey with IBD and ostomies is nothing short of remarkable, and I'm beyond excited to share some of the highlights with you.

In this week's episode, LeeAnne opens up about her relationship with her husband and the challenges they've faced along the way. From blending families to overcoming a cancer diagnosis and ostomy surgery, LeeAnne shares candid insights into the ups and downs of their journey.

In the latest episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast," we are introduced to an extraordinary guest, Tori Judson, who brings to light the realities of living with a rare condition known as HSAN IV and being a double ostomate. LeeAnne delves into Tori's life, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her world.

Sara Levitt, whose story we unravel in this episode, opens up about her life with an ostomy. She was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at a very young age, a condition that led her down a path filled with medical challenges and personal trials. Her journey is not just a tale of physical endurance, but also one of psychological strength and social adaptation.

Crystal, a double ostomate and sarcoma cancer survivor also battling Crohn's disease, shares her harrowing yet inspiring journey that began in February 2022. Her ordeal started with an emergency room visit due to an inability to urinate, leading to the shocking discovery of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, a consequence of her NF1 condition. This diagnosis set her on a path of rigorous medical treatments, including chemotherapy and extensive surgery, resulting in a colostomy, urostomy, and partial hysterectomy.

Two years ago, Raphaela's life took an unexpected turn. A veteran flight attendant with 29 years of experience, her life was upended first by the global COVID-19 pandemic and then by a personal health crisis. During a time when her career came to a sudden halt due to the pandemic, Raphaela faced another challenge – a diagnosis of stage three bowel cancer.

At the age of 50, Kristi's life took an unexpected turn when she began experiencing troubling symptoms such as rectal bleeding, painful bowel movements, and unexplained fatigue. Despite the challenges of navigating the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kristi persisted in advocating for herself and the need for a colonoscopy.

Nadia's journey began with the life-altering diagnosis of UC at just 15 years old. The challenges of navigating chronic illness at such a young age are truly remarkable, but she faced them with determination.

Patrick's story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. As a passionate advocate for those living with ostomies, he has dedicated his life to breaking down barriers and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. But it's not just about athleticism; it's about conquering mountains, both literally and figuratively.

In life, we often encounter individuals whose stories leave an indelible mark on our hearts, reminding us of the incredible strength of the human spirit. Taylor Mitchell is one such individual, whose journey through health challenges is nothing short of remarkable. In this blog post, we'll delve into Taylor's unique story and learn about her experiences with undiagnosed health issues, her life-changing journey towards better health, and how you can listen to her complete podcast episode.

Living with a chronic illness is a journey that often remains unseen. It's a battle fought not only against the physical symptoms but also against societal taboos and stigmas. In our latest episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast," we had the privilege of hosting a remarkable guest, Tina, known as "Own Your Crohn's" on Instagram. She shared her incredibly personal story of living with Crohn's disease and undergoing an ostomy procedure. Tina's journey is a powerful testament to resilience, breaking cultural barriers, and finding strength in the face of adversity.

In the latest episode of The Beautiful Bag Podcast, host LeeAnne Hayden takes us on an inspiring journey with a special guest, Dr. John Heryer. Dr. Heryer, a colorectal surgeon and an ostomate, shares his incredible story and offers invaluable insights into living with an ostomy. This episode is not just a medical discussion; it's a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the importance of embracing change and good health.

Discovering Your Ostomy Community

Finding a supportive community of like-minded individuals or fellow ostomates can be a game-changer in your ostomy journey. It's an experience that has enriched my life, and I'm excited to guide you through it.

Ladies and gentlemen, today I want to share an extraordinary story with you. It's a tale of resilience, determination, and unwavering courage. It's the story of Amalia, better known as the Ostomy Dietitian on Instagram. Join me as we delve into her remarkable journey, from a lifetime of gastrointestinal struggles to becoming a mother while living with an ostomy.