Living with an ostomy brings a unique set of challenges—and lessons. Recently, I had an experience while traveling that reminded me how important it is to advocate for ourselves, stay prepared, and keep learning. In this post, I’m sharing what happened at airport security in Italy, why pelvic floor therapy is so valuable for ostomates, and some exciting updates about Hollister’s upgraded pouches.

Whether you’re an ostomate yourself, a caregiver, or just curious, I hope this helps you feel more equipped, encouraged, and less alone.

Nine years ago, my life took an unexpected turn. Facing a cancer diagnosis and the prospect of major surgery, fear and uncertainty loomed large. In this week’s episode of The Beautiful Bag podcast, I share my journey of living with a stoma—a journey marked by courage, community, and profound growth.

Living with chic confidence is about embracing individuality and expressing unique style while nurturing inner strength. This concept goes beyond surface-level confidence, focusing on both outward appearance and internal growth to create a complete sense of self-assurance.

As the new year begins, it’s time to reflect, reset, and refocus. On the January 1st episode of The Beautiful Bag podcast, host LeeAnne Hayden makes a triumphant return after a seven-month hiatus. With her signature authenticity and passion, LeeAnne takes listeners on a journey through her experiences in 2024 and sets the stage for a transformative 2025. Here’s a deeper dive into her reflections, goals, and insights for the year ahead.

his week’s podcast episode is all about Hydration and Wellness. It seems to be a topic I speak about a lot. Hydration with an ostomy is so tricky. Just like nutrition everyone is so specific on their needs. It is different for someone who has an ileostomy vs someone like me who has a colostomy and all the in-betweens.

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards better health and vitality? Look no further than LeeAnne Hayden, your guide to nourishing your body, staying hydrated, and thriving in life! In this enlightening podcast episode, LeeAnne shares invaluable insights into balancing nutrition, managing fluid intake, dining out healthily, and embracing social dining with confidence.

Hey there, it's LeeAnne Hayden, your host from the Beautiful Bag podcast. I wanted to share something really close to my heart with you today. Recently, I came across a comment on YouTube that truly touched me. It was from someone struggling with self-esteem after undergoing surgery and living with a stoma. Their words resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the importance of self-love, especially in the face of challenges.

In the quiet of a snowy New Hampshire, "The Beautiful Bag Podcast" takes us on a journey to discover the wide-reaching world of the global ostomy community. Hosted by LeeAnne Hayden, this latest episode shares some surprising numbers that reveal how large and diverse our community really is. Learning that around 13.5 million people worldwide live with an ostomy highlights just how many of us are sharing this experience, even though it might not always be visible.

As we step into another year together, I am thrilled to share a milestone that fills my heart with immense gratitude and joy. 'The Beautiful Bag' podcast has officially entered its fourth year! It’s been a journey of inspiring stories, shared resilience, and personal growth, not just for me but for each one of you who has been part of this incredible community.

In this week’s solo episode, I delve deep into what these four years have meant and the transformative journey I’ve undergone, both personally and through the experiences shared by our amazing guests.

It's LeeAnne here, and I'm thrilled to take you on a journey into my life – a life that has seen its share of challenges and triumphs. Today, I want to share a deeply personal experience, one that involves living with an ostomy and the occasional hurdle I've had to face: blockages.

I vividly remember the rollercoaster of emotions that accompanied my first few years with a stoma. The highs and lows, the moments of self-doubt, and the moments of immense gratitude for being alive. It's essential to know that this emotional journey is entirely normal, and over time, it does get better.

Welcome to the Beautiful Bag Podcast! I'm LeeAnne Hayden, your host. Today, on my 16th wedding anniversary, I want to discuss something deeply personal but essential – navigating intimate relationships and dating with an ostomy. Whether you're single and contemplating dating or already married, embracing your ostomy journey is crucial. It doesn't define your worth or your ability to love and be loved. In this episode, I'll share insights and experiences to guide you through challenges and strengthen relationships.

Hello everyone! I'm LeeAnne Hayden, your host at The Beautiful Bag Blog. Today, I am thrilled to share with you the joyous occasion of our 100th episode of The Beautiful Bag Podcast. It's an incredible milestone, and I want to take this moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for being a part of this journey. Over the past two years, your support and presence have meant the world to me, and I am truly honored to have you by my side as we celebrate this momentous occasion. So, let's dive in and reflect on the amazing stories and growth we've experienced together.

Hey there, amazing reader! Today, we're diving into a topic that holds a special place in the hearts of those living with an ostomy: practicing self-love and confidence. Living with an ostomy can bring its unique set of challenges, but it doesn't define who you are. In fact, it's a testament to your strength, resilience, and ability to embrace life's changes. So, let's embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-love

Hey there, it's LeeAnne, your host at The Beautiful Bag Podcast, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to another inspiring episode. Today, we're diving deep into the impact of ostomy on body image and discovering strategies to cultivate self-acceptance. Together, we'll challenge society's beauty standards and celebrate the incredible resilience and strength of individuals living with ostomies.

Living with an ostomy requires special attention to diet and nutrition. The good news is that with a little bit of knowledge and some smart choices, you can optimize your health and feel great. As a holistic nutritionist and someone who has experienced the challenges of living with an ostomy firsthand, I'm excited to share my top tips for eating well with an ostomy.

Living with an ostomy can be a difficult adjustment for many people. It can be challenging to come to terms with the physical changes that come with having an ostomy, and it's not uncommon to feel self-conscious or embarrassed. However, it's important to remember that an ostomy is nothing to be ashamed of – it's simply a part of who you are.

Summer is finally here and it's time to hit the beach! But for those of us with ostomies, wearing a swimsuit and managing our ostomy bag in the water can be daunting. However, with a little preparation and confidence, there's no reason why we can't enjoy the sun, sand, and surf like everyone else! Here are my top five tips for feeling confident and rocking your ostomy at the beach this summer.

Dr. Joga Ivatury Podcast Interview Transcription For 2/2/2022

Intro  (0:00)

• This week's guest is Dr. Joga Ivatury.

• “Ask The Doctor”

• He is my Colorectal Surgeon who helped remove cancer from my pelvis and gave me my Ostomy. 

• Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Dell Medical School at University Of Texas Austin

• I am here today because of him! 

Ok I don’t know about you but I find jeans very uncomfortable. I don’t know why, well maybe its because I love living in my workout clothes lol. So what do you wear for jeans that are comfortable and stylish when we are in an ostomy?

For me it’s all about comfort. Hey, I am an 80’s girl so the tighter the jeans the better was the way to go. You know what I mean grabbing that pair of Jordache and then a coat hanger so you could zip them up while lying down. Come on I am not the only one here right? Anyways, now that I have my colostomy that is no longer an option and the rest of my lower half thanks me for it lol.

Here are my favorite go to brands!