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.

You see, my life once revolved around the corporate world, a world filled with busy schedules and never-ending meetings. But destiny had something else in store for me. It led me down a different path, one filled with fitness competitions and a thriving career in network marketing.

Then, at the age of 44, I received news that would change everything – a rare sarcoma tumor diagnosis. My journey through surgeries and recovery eventually led to my ostomy. It was a life-altering experience, but it also gave me the freedom to live life on my own terms.

As you may know, living with an ostomy presents its own set of challenges, one of the most common being blockages caused by adhesions. These adhesions, formed from the scars inside our bodies after surgery, can be tricky to deal with. In my case, they attached to my small intestine and created occasional discomfort.

In this episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast," I open up about my experiences and share some essential insights. I reveal an unexpected solution for dealing with blockages – sipping on Coca-Cola. It may sound unconventional, but it can work wonders in easing the symptoms.

Hydration is another critical aspect of managing ostomy life. Even though I thought I was drinking enough water, my hospital visit taught me otherwise. Staying well-hydrated is crucial to prevent blockages and ensure our bodies function smoothly.

Perhaps the most crucial lesson I've learned is to pay attention to my body's signals. Each of us is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's essential to be proactive and seek medical advice when needed.

As we approach the holiday season, I want to express my gratitude for your unwavering support of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast." You are an integral part of our community, and your engagement helps raise awareness and empower others facing similar challenges.

I encourage you to share this episode with your friends and family, as it might provide comfort and guidance to those navigating the world of ostomies. You can find me on Instagram @LeeAnneHayden if you'd like to connect or share your thoughts.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and let's continue to support one another. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those living with ostomies.

Stay strong, stay beautiful, and have a fantastic holiday season!

P.S. You can listen to the full podcast episode HERE to dive deeper into my journey and insights.