Traveling with an Ostomy: Tips, Tricks, and Stories

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 supplements while advising listeners to consult healthcare providers before starting any supplementation regimen.

Furthermore, I stress the significance of managing fluid intake, emphasizing hydration and the addition of electrolytes to water for optimal hydration. Listeners are encouraged to visit my website LeeAnneHayden.com for more information and resources on wellness.

I also provide strategies for dining out, including reading menus carefully, asking about ingredients, and making adjustments to meals when necessary. Drawing from personal experiences, such as challenges after surgery, I underscore the importance of seeking expert advice from healthcare professionals, nutritionists, dieticians, and WOCN nurses.

Finally, I invite listeners to connect with me on Instagram @instagram, YouTube LeeAnneHayden, and through my website LeeAnneHayden.com. Additionally, I offer a free wellness guide on my website for those interested in further resources.

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 expected.
• Despite initial shock, Nikki embraced her new reality and found empowerment through self-care and community support.
• Connecting with others on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok helped Nikki find hope and strength during her recovery.
• Nikki emphasizes the importance of mindset and positive community in facing health challenges and advocating for the treatment one deserves.
• By sharing her story, Nikki hopes to inspire others to find hope, resilience, and empowerment in their own journeys.

Resources:

• Connect with Nikki on Instagram and TikTok for more inspiring content.
• Explore ostomy support groups on Facebook for community and guidance.
• Check out the "Beautiful Bag" podcast for stories of resilience and empowerment from individuals with ostomies.

Host: LeeAnne Hayden 

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @thebeautifulbagpodcast
• Visit our website for more episodes and resources: leeannehayden.com

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 oneself to setting small achievable goals and practicing positive self-talk, she provides actionable strategies to uplift and empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty and worth.

Discover the importance of surrounding oneself with positive role models and fostering a supportive community for mutual encouragement and growth. LeeAnne's heartfelt message reminds us all that we are loved, valued, and deserving of self-compassion.

Tune in to this episode for inspiration, encouragement, and practical tips on how to nurture self-love and celebrate the beauty within.

Show Notes:

• Introduction:

  • Host: LeeAnne Hayden
  • Theme: Body Positivity and Self-Esteem
  • Dedicated to spreading love and empowerment

• Body Positivity:

  • Importance of self-love and acceptance
  • Overcoming societal norms and comparisons
  • Making the decision to love oneself unconditionally

• Self-Esteem Building:

  • Setting small achievable goals
  • Practicing positive self-talk and affirmations
  • Dressing in a way that makes you feel confident
  • Finding supportive role models and communities

• Community Engagement:

  • Invitation to join the Beautiful Bag community on Telegram
  • Sharing the podcast episode to spread love and encouragement

• Conclusion:

  • Reaffirmation of self-worth and beauty
  • Gratitude for listeners and commitment to making a positive impact

Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts, experiences, and insights in the comments section and to join the Beautiful Bag community for ongoing support and encouragement. Together, let's embrace self-love and celebrate the beauty within each of us.

Connect with LeeAnne Hayden:

• Instagram: @beautifulbagpodcast
• Instagram:  @leeannehayden
• TikTok: @beautifulbagpodcast
• TikTok @leeannehayden1
• YouTube: LeeAnne Hayden 

Join the Beautiful Bag Community on Telegram: [Link]

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode inspiring and helpful!

In this episode of The Beautiful Bag, host LeeAnne Hayden sits down with Jenny Harrison, a remarkable individual whose journey with gastrointestinal challenges serves as a testament to the power of strength and determination.

Introduction: LeeAnne and Jenny dive deep into Jenny's journey, exploring the highs and lows, the triumphs and tribulations, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

Key Points Covered:

1. The Beginning of the Journey: Jenny shares the story of how her journey with gastrointestinal challenges began, from the removal of her gallbladder to the discovery of adhesions.
2. Navigating the Unknown: Facing high output, dietary restrictions, and the constant threat of obstructions, Jenny discusses the daily challenges she encounters and how she perseveres through them.
3. Finding Strength in Community: Through her work at Girls With Guts, Jenny found a supportive community of individuals who understood her struggles, offering encouragement, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
4. Embracing the Journey: Jenny shares how she learned to embrace her ostomy as a symbol of strength and resilience, empowering herself to live life on her own terms.
5. A Message of Hope: Jenny's journey serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing gastrointestinal challenges, reminding us that with resilience, courage, and support, we can overcome even the greatest of obstacles.

Connect with Us:

• Follow The Beautiful Bag on Instagram: @thebeautifulbagpodcast
• Follow LeeAnne on Instagram @leeannehayden
• Folllow Girls with Guts on Instagram @ibdgirls
• Join the conversation and share your story using the hashtag #TheBeautifulBag

Tune in to this inspiring episode to discover the power of resilience and the beauty of embracing life's challenges with courage and grace.

Weekly Newsletter: Don't miss out on the latest episodes and updates from The Beautiful Bag! Subscribe to our newsletter to stay connected and receive exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Subscribe Now

LeeAnne greets listeners and wishes them a happy Valentine's Day. She explains that her husband was supposed to join her for the episode but couldn't make it. Instead, she discusses the theme of love and relationships, reflecting on her own journey with her husband.

Discussion Highlights:

• • LeeAnne shares the story of how she and her husband met and the challenges they faced blending their families.
  • She discusses how their relationship evolved over the years and how they faced the unexpected challenge of her cancer diagnosis and ostomy surgery together.
  • LeeAnne emphasizes the importance of communication in their relationship, sharing personal anecdotes about how they navigate difficult moments and maintain intimacy.

Key Takeaways:

• • • Love is about supporting each other through challenges, even when the path seems uncertain.
    • Communication and honesty are essential for maintaining a strong relationship.
    • Intimacy and connection evolve but remain important aspects of a partnership.

Closing Remarks: LeeAnne wishes listeners a happy Valentine's Day and previews the next episode featuring guest Jenny Harrison. She encourages listeners to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with others who may benefit from it.

Episode Summary:

Join LeeAnne Hayden, broadcasting from a snowy New Hampshire loft, for an enlightening solo episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast." As we journey through the heart of winter, LeeAnne shares eye-opening statistics that underscore the vastness and diversity of the global ostomy community. With insights gathered from a recent brand awareness consultation, this episode sheds light on the 13.5 million individuals worldwide living with an ostomy, revealing the balance between male and female ostomates and touching on the myriad reasons behind their ostomy surgeries. Tune in for a deep dive into the cultural, healthcare, and individual stories that make up our ostomy community.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Global Ostomy Community: Discover the staggering number of ostomates worldwide and the sense of belonging it brings.
• Gender Distribution: Uncover the nearly even split between male and female ostomates and what it signifies.
• Diverse Reasons for Ostomy: From cancer to IBD and accidents, the many paths leading to ostomy surgery.
• Cultural and Healthcare Variances: How different cultures and healthcare systems impact ostomy care and perception.
• Advocacy and Awareness: The importance of sharing personal stories and how you can contribute to global awareness.
• Resources and Support: A guide to international ostomy organizations offering support, education, and advocacy.

Resources Mentioned:

• United Ostomy Associations of America: ostomy.org
• Ostomy Canada Society: ostomycanada.ca
• International Ostomy Association: ostomyinternational.org
• Colostomy UK: colostomyuk.org
• European Ostomy Association: ostomyeurope.org
• Australian Council of Stoma Associations: australianstoma.com.au
• Friends of Ostomates Worldwide: fowusa.org

(Note: Replace "#" with the actual URLs)

Connect with LeeAnne Hayden:

• Website: leeannehayden.com
• Instagram: [@LeeAnneHayden]
• Twitter: [@LeeAnneHayden]

Subscribe and Review:

Don't forget to subscribe to "The Beautiful Bag Podcast" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Your reviews help spread awareness and connect us with more of the ostomy community.

Next Episode Teaser:

February's episodes will be all about love and relationships, just in time for Valentine's Day. Stay tuned for heartfelt stories, interviews, and LeeAnne's insights on navigating relationships with an ostomy.

In this solo episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast," host LeeAnne Hayden shares invaluable insights and personal experiences about traveling with an ostomy. From preparing for your journey, whether by plane, train, or automobile, to practical advice on managing your ostomy supplies, LeeAnne covers it all. Tune in to learn about handling airport security, adjusting to different time zones, and ensuring a comfortable travel experience.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Preparation for Travel: Tips for packing ostomy supplies, including flanges, bags, and emergency items.
• Air Travel with an Ostomy: Navigating airport security, managing in-flight needs, and TSA guidelines.
• Personal Stories: LeeAnne’s experiences in Honduras and tips learned from other ostomy patients.
• Hydration and Diet: The importance of staying hydrated during flights and adjusting to time zone changes.
• Ostomy-Friendly Accommodations: Advice for hotel stays and using disability bathrooms.

Resources Mentioned:

• April Wilson’s Ostomy Bag Covers and Travel Kits
• United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) Travel Certificate
• Link to UOAA website

Connect with LeeAnne:

• Website: LeeAnnehayden.com
• Instagram: @leeAnnehayden
• LinkedIn: LeeAnne's LinkedIn

Subscribe and Review:
Don’t forget to subscribe to "The Beautiful Bag Podcast" on your favorite podcast platform. Your reviews and feedback are invaluable and help reach new listeners.

Contact Us:
Share your own travel tips and stories related to living with an ostomy by emailing LeeAnne@leeannehayden.com

Acknowledgments:
A special thanks to our community for sharing their experiences and to April Wilson for her amazing ostomy travel kits.

In This Episode:

• Celebrating 4 Years: Reflecting on the journey of 'The Beautiful Bag Podcast' now entering its fourth year.
• Gratitude: A heartfelt thank you to listeners for tuning in weekly and sharing in the stories of resilience and inspiration.
• Surviving and Thriving: Emphasizing the importance of resilience and thriving despite life's obstacles.
• Building Community: Plans to create an online presence for listeners of the podcast.
• Personal Milestones: Celebrating LeeAnne's eighth anniversary of surviving cancer and having her stoma.
• Reflecting on Change: How LeeAnne’s life transformed post-cancer, including her career shift and embracing new challenges.
• The Power of Self-Appreciation: Discussing the importance of loving and appreciating your body, especially after major health changes.
• Journaling and Meditation: Tips on how to use journaling and meditation to cope with life’s challenges and improve mental health.
• Embracing Wellness: Encouraging listeners to embrace their bodies and wellness, with specific strategies and affirmations.
• Upcoming Speaking Engagement: LeeAnne shares her upcoming visit to Hollister’s manufacturing plant in Virginia.

Connect with LeeAnne:

• Website: LeeAnneHayden.com
• Instagram: @leeannehayden
• TikTok: @leeannehayden1
• Facebook: @leeannehayden07

Free Resources:

• Confidence Building Affirmations for Ostomates: Sign up and download affirmations designed for ostomates.
• Embracing Wellness Guide: A guide to help start the new year with wellness-focused practices.

Next Episode Preview: Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and empowering discussions in our next episode.

Remember to subscribe, share, and leave a review for 'The Beautiful Bag Podcast'!

In this episode, LeeAnne Hayden engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sara Levitt about her life with an ostomy. Sara shares her personal experiences, including her struggles and triumphs in dealing with Crohn's disease, her journey towards self-acceptance, and how she has become a source of inspiration for others.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to the episode and guests
• Sara's visibility on Instagram and how she captured attention
• Discussing Sara's lengthy journey with her health condition
• Sara's experiences with Crohn's disease and her surgeries
• The challenges of growing up with an ostomy and societal perceptions
• Sara's journey in overcoming stigma and building self-confidence
• The significance of community support and sharing experiences
• Sara's approach to coping with and accepting her ostomy
• The transition of her ostomy from temporary to permanent
• Strategies Sara employed for self-love and awareness
• Pivotal moments in Sara's journey of self-acceptance
• The impact of sharing her ostomy story on her relationships
• The role of social media in Sara's journey and its influence on others
• Sara's advice for listeners facing similar challenges
• Concluding thoughts and words of encouragement

Key Quotes:

• "My biggest fear became my greatest blessing." - Sara Levitt
• "Never compare yourself to others; compare yourself to a past version of you." - Sara Levitt
• "The ostomy gave me my life back." - Sara Levitt

Resources Mentioned:

• Uncover Ostomy by Jessica Grossman
• Social media platforms for community support (e.g., Instagram, TikTok)

Connect with Sara Levitt:

• Instagram:  Sara's Instagram 

Connect with LeeAnne Hayden:

• Instagram:  LeeAnne's Instagram
  

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Closing Remarks: Host LeeAnne Hayden concludes the episode by reflecting on Sara's powerful story, emphasizing the themes of courage, self-love, and the importance of community support.

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• Instagram: Podcast Instagram