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.

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.

Today, we're delving into a topic that's close to every ostomate's heart - managing those unexpected ostomy leaks. In collaboration with Hollister Incorporated, I'm excited to share practical insights and advice on handling and preventing leaks.

To complement this blog post, Hollister and I have created an insightful video on managing ostomy leaks. You can watch it right here:

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.

In this blog post, we're discussing something that's essential for everyone but especially crucial for those living with an ostomy - staying hydrated. Water is the elixir of life, making up a significant portion of our bodies and playing a vital role in our overall well-being. However, for individuals with an ostomy, maintaining proper hydration can be even more critical.

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.

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.

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.

Allison's story is nothing short of inspiring. Her journey began in the world of cancer research at the American Cancer Society, a world she knew well, having been diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 12. After several years in remission, life took an unexpected turn. Unusual symptoms, the kind that prompt anyone to sit up and take notice, led to a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. This is a poignant reminder of the significance of regular check-ups and colonoscopies; they can truly be life-saving.

Welcome to a heartwarming episode of "The Beautiful Bag" podcast, where we dive deep into the remarkable journeys of two incredible women, Megan Brown and LeeAnne Hayden. In this captivating conversation, Megan and LeeAnne open up about their unique paths living with ostomy bags, facing adversity head-on, and discovering the beauty in life's unexpected twists and turns.

In this blog post, we're thrilled to unveil the highlights of our recent Beautiful Bag Podcast episode featuring the remarkable Stephanie Brenners. Her story is a testament to resilience, offering insights into the indomitable human spirit and the power of healing. Join us as we explore her incredible journey and discover the valuable lessons she's learned along the way.

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.

Sarcoma Awareness Month is upon us this July, and it feels like the perfect opportunity to share my personal journey with sarcoma, more specifically, a rare type of sarcoma. By spreading awareness about sarcoma types, symptoms, and treatments, we can collectively take one step forward in the fight against this rare disease.

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.