ostomate

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.

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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.

Listen to More Episodes:

• Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.

Follow The Beautiful Bag Podcast:

• Instagram: Podcast Instagram 

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Beautiful Bag Podcast with your host, LeeAnne Hayden. In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with a remarkable guest, Taylor Mitchell. Taylor's journey through health challenges is anything but typical, and her resilience and determination are truly inspiring. Join us as we delve into Taylor's unique story and learn about her experiences and her life-changing journey.

Episode Highlights:

• LeeAnne introduces her guest, Taylor Mitchell, and shares how she came across Taylor's story on Instagram.

• Taylor reflects on her health before her journey began, describing herself as a relatively healthy child who rarely visited the doctor.

• At the age of 20, Taylor experienced a sudden health crisis, including nausea, stomach pain, and exhaustion. She recounts a frightening episode where she temporarily lost her vision, which led her to seek medical attention.

• Taylor describes her initial misdiagnosis and struggles with doctors who couldn't pinpoint the cause of her symptoms.

• Over the course of several years, Taylor's health deteriorated, leading her to see specialists for various systems in her body. She was put on multiple medications to manage her symptoms.

• Taylor discusses the emotional toll her health issues took on her, as well as the impact on her college and work life.

• Taylor shares her journey of finding the right medical care, including visiting the Mayo Clinic, where she received a diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic constipation.

• The importance of pelvic floor therapy in Taylor's recovery and how it helped her regain control over her muscles and alleviate incontinence.

• Taylor's decision to undergo a loop ileostomy surgery after years of suffering from chronic constipation and other symptoms.

• How Taylor's Instagram journey began as she sought information and resources for managing her ostomy. She realized there was a lack of education and decided to share her experiences with others.

• The positive impact Taylor's Instagram presence had on people who were struggling with ostomies and gastrointestinal issues. She provided support and advice to those in need.

• Taylor's reflection on the improvements in her overall health and quality of life following her ileostomy surgery.

• Her decision to keep her ileostomy due to unresolved rectal issues and her optimism for the future.

• Taylor's gratitude for the support of her husband, who also has Crohn's disease and an ostomy, and how they've navigated their health journeys together.

 Join us in applauding Taylor Mitchell's incredible resilience and determination in the face of health challenges. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of seeking the right medical care. If you or someone you know is dealing with similar health issues, Taylor's story may provide guidance, hope, and a sense of community. Thank you for tuning in to The Beautiful Bag Podcast. Stay connected for more inspiring stories and conversations.

Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on Apple Podcasts and share it with friends and family who may benefit from these uplifting and informative discussions.

Connect with Us:

• Follow The Beautiful Bag Podcast on Instagram: @thebeautifulbagpodcast
• Visit the website:https://leeannehayden.com/
• Hollister Incorporated Hydration Video  

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and treatment options.

In this episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast," LeeAnne is joined by a special guest, Tina, known as "Own Your Crohn's" on Instagram. Tina shares her inspiring and deeply personal journey of living with Crohn's disease and undergoing an ostomy procedure. Her story is one of resilience, breaking cultural stigmas, and finding strength in adversity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Tina's Crohn's Journey: Tina was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis over 17 years ago, and her disease progressed from mild to severe. She faced challenges with limited treatment options and cultural stigma.

2. Biological Therapies: Tina tried various advanced therapies and biologics, but they did not provide relief, leading her to consider surgery.

3. Facing Surgery: At the age of 24, Tina was confronted with the prospect of surgery. She underwent a J pouch surgery, but it didn't work out due to the development of complications related to Crohn's disease.

4. Cultural Stigma: Tina highlights the cultural taboos and stigma associated with ostomies in certain communities. She shares how these stigmas can affect marriage, temple visits, and daily life.

5. Mental Health Challenges: Tina discusses the mental and emotional toll of living with an ostomy and how societal pressures can impact one's self-esteem and mental well-being.

6. Overcoming Stigmas: Tina emphasizes the importance of breaking through these stigmas and advocating for acceptance and inclusion in all communities, regardless of health conditions.

7. Sexual Health: The podcast delves into the topic of how ostomies and fistulas can affect sexual health. Tina and LeeAnne share their personal experiences and offer insights into maintaining a fulfilling sex life.

8. Quality of Life with an Ostomy: Tina shares how her ostomy has improved her quality of life, allowing her to enjoy activities and experiences she couldn't before.

9. Marriage and Acceptance: Tina discusses the complexities of marriage in the context of chronic illness and how open communication is essential for understanding and acceptance within relationships.

Tina's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and self-acceptance. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has embraced her ostomy and become an advocate for breaking the taboos surrounding ostomies and chronic illnesses.

Connect with Us:

• Link to Hollister Video - How to Manage Emotions 
• Follow "The Beautiful Bag Podcast" on Instagram @thebeautifulbagpodcast.
• Connect with Tina on Instagram @ownyourcrohns.
• Visit Tina's blog and advocacy work for more information on living with Crohn's disease and ostomies.

Introduction:
In this episode, host LeeAnne Hayden is joined by special guest Dr. John Heryer, a colorectal surgeon and an ostomate. Dr. Heryer shares his inspiring journey and insights into living with an ostomy, as well as discussing the topic of hernias and their prevention.

Discussion Highlights:

• Dr. John Heryer's background as a colorectal surgeon and an ostomate.
• The importance of embracing your new life and appreciating good health.
• The challenges and complications related to hernias in ostomates.
• Strategies for preventing hernias, including avoiding abdominal straining and strengthening the abdominal core.
• The significance of pelvic tilts and core-strengthening exercises for post-surgery recovery.
• The unique perspective of a surgeon turned ostomate in understanding the patient experience.
• The use of support belts for added security and comfort.
• Dr. Heryer's personal experience with prednisone and his advice for tapering it gradually to mitigate side effects.
• The value of seeking objective opinions and advice from healthcare professionals.
• Life after ostomy surgery and the pursuit of strength and fitness goals.
• Dr. Heryer's transition to options trading and the flexibility it offers.
• Connecting with Dr. Heryer via email for further questions and potential presentations.

Conclusion: Dr. John Heryer's remarkable journey from being a colorectal surgeon to an ostomate highlights the importance of embracing life's changes and appreciating good health. This episode provides valuable insights into preventing hernias, managing prednisone tapering, and seeking objective advice. Dr. Heryer's positive outlook on life post-surgery serves as an inspiration to all ostomates.

For more information or to contact Dr. John Heryer, please email him at John.Heryer@gmail.com.

Connect with LeeAnne at HERE

 In the fourth and final episode of this special series featuring Josh Nelson, he shares his perspective on resources for ostomates. Josh also discusses which specific resources were helpful to him on his journey.  

Guest bio: Josh was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in November 2017.  He was evaluated by Inflammatory Bowel Disease experts from Rochester Mayo Clinic and University of Minnesota Medical Center.  After failing maximum medical therapies, it was determined to surgically remove his colon in November 2018.  In February 2019, the final surgery was completed making his ileostomy permanent.  Since the decision to remove his colon, his health has returned, requires zero medication, no specialized diet, and no further complications from Ulcerative Colitis. He is a member of the United Ostomy Association of America and the Ostomy Association of the Minneapolis Area.  He participated in the 2019 Ostomy Awareness Day 5K hosted by Coloplast and has participated in Coloplast sponsored events.    

Information from Coloplast® Care is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations.

Visit  Coloplastprofessional for more offerings! 

In this episode of "The Beautiful Bag" podcast, host LeeAnne Hayden interviews LaTesha Harrison, a Crohn's disease advocate, about her journey with the disease. LaTesha shares her experience with an ostomy since the age of 14 and the lack of education and information about Crohn's disease, especially for people of color. The speakers also discuss their previous work with Hollister and how they finally connected after 18 months. Letisha talks about her traumatic experiences and how she has learned to cope with them. The conversation ends with a message of self-advocacy and self-love, urging listeners to be their own best friend and not settle for anything subpar, especially when it comes to their health.

Connect with LaTesha on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/queeningwithcrohns/

Connect with LeeAnne at https://leeannehayden.com , Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leeannehayden/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/leeannehayden07/

In this podcast episode, LeeAnne Hayden, host of The Beautiful Bag podcast, discusses the importance of finding support in the ostomy community.

She shares her experience of attending a charity event for the IBD community, organized by an ostomate named Keyla, and emphasizes the importance of community in understanding and supporting each other through the challenges of living with an ostomy.

LeeAnne also talks about her own journey of finding a community and encourages listeners to seek out a community and not feel alone in their journey. She offers herself as a resource and mentions upcoming events where ostomy patients can gather and support each other.

Connect with LeeAnne:

• On Website https://leeannehayden.com 
• On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leeannehayden/
• On FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/leeannehayden07/

Other places to connect with other Ostomates

• https://www.ostomy.org
• Hollister Secure Start

The podcast episode features an interview with Jessica Miles, a photographer, registered nurse, and ostomy advocate who shares her journey with a connective tissue disorder and multiple surgeries that led to her having a colostomy. Jessica talks about her experiences with doctors and surgeries, her positive attitude despite her health challenges, and how she copes with her chronic illness through self-portrait photography and birth photography. She emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and setting boundaries, as well as the need for greater awareness and education around ostomies and chronic illnesses. Jessica's story serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges.

Connect with LeeAnne on Instagram @leeannehayden and @ www.leeannehayden.com

I just got back from Honduras while on a mission trip.  We brought doctors, a dentist, clothing and medications to the villages of Honduras.   

In this episode I talk about:

what the experience was like

the people we served

What it was like with limited water

Sharing the stories

and much more

For those of you who want to contribute to Dr. Paz and the windows for the church my Venmo is @LeeAnne-Hayden  I am matching all contributions and 100% of the proceeds are going directly to finishing the church windows.  

Connect with me over on Instagram @leeannehayden or reach me at https://www.leeannehayden.com

Have a great day! 

LeeAnne 

In part three of Josh Nelson's journey, he shares with Coloplast employee Sara Wharmby how he began to live an active life now that he has a permanent ostomy.

Guest bio: Josh was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in November 2017.  He was evaluated by Inflammatory Bowel Disease experts from Rochester Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota Medical Center.  After failing maximum medical therapies, it was determined to surgically remove his colon in November 2018.  In February 2019, the final surgery was completed making his ileostomy permanent.  Since the decision to remove his colon, his health has returned, requires zero medication, no specialized diet, and no further complications from Ulcerative Colitis. He is a member of the United Ostomy Association of America and the Ostomy Association of the Minneapolis Area.  He participated in the 2019 Ostomy Awareness Day 5K hosted by Coloplast and has participated in Coloplast-sponsored events.   

Visit  coloplastprofessional.us for more offerings! 

I am so glad you are joining me this week on my walk.  In this week's episode, I discuss all the new things I have been learning when it comes t our health and longevity.   Listen in to learn more.

Listen in to discover what I saw, what went on and how I traveled. 

In todays episode I talk about how I packed! Listen in and I hope you all enjoy the next few weeks traveling with me! 

In the second part of Josh Nelson's journey, he shares with Coloplast employee Sara Wharmby how he began to navigate life now that he has a permanent ostomy.

Guest bio: Josh was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in November 2017.  He was evaluated by Inflammatory Bowel Disease experts from Rochester Mayo Clinic and University of Minnesota Medical Center.  After failing maximum medical therapies, it was determined to surgically remove his colon in November 2018.  In February 2019, the final surgery was completed making his ileostomy permanent.  Since the decision to remove is colon, his health has returned, requires zero medication, no specialized diet, and no further complications from Ulcerative Colitis. He is a member of the United Ostomy Association of America and the Ostomy Association of the Minneapolis Area.  He participated in the 2019 Ostomy Awareness Day 5K hosted by Coloplast and has participated in Coloplast sponsored events.    

 Visit https://www.coloplast.us/professional/ for more educational offerings.

Intro  (0:00)

• This week’s guest is Chium and we met on Instagram. 
• She was out there with her Ostomy working out, doing all that fun stuff I love and I just needed to know her because she is such an inspiration out there!

Start Of Her Story (00:55)

• Had her Ostomy due to an emergency situation in 2018. 
• In and out of the hospital dealing with her Crohn’s and flare-ups.
• Not in a great place at all.
• During a routine colonoscopy, they found a perforation in my colon which led to having the Ostomy put in. 
• Have had it since then, and now she is able to live a much better quality of life than she had before and what she thought she was capable of. 
• A blessing in disguise.
• Ileostomy - not yet permanent. Still remains to be seen.
• At the time of the surgery, it was the idea of being temporary because of the issues that popped up. 
• Still need to go through the procedure and have it assessed to see if it can be reversed.
• Right now it will be there for a bit.
• Was a complete surprise when coming out of the procedure. 
• Knew it could have been a possibility, but never expected it to become a reality.
• She was doing very poorly and what was happening with her bowels, was a thought that was in the back of her mind that it could happen. 
• Not having time to research and understand what it was and how it could benefit held her back at first. 

Experiences Post Surgery (4:34)

• Was a lot of mental processing afterward because it was a shock.
• Her body changing so drastically and something synthetic is now a part of you with this taboo topic and stigma of POOP!
• The mental hurdle you have to get over is that this is not taking away from you and making you less of who you are. 
• A huge wall was put up. Attractiveness, sex appeal, her pride, all took a huge hit.
• At first, I did not do much to get through that. 
• Sat in self-pity and feeling bad.
• Got to a point where it became such an effortless process that somehow it clicked that it is not a big deal!
• Not sure when or what happened, but somehow clicked.
• The first part of getting over the hit her pride took.
• Decided she has been dealt this card and she can either choose to sit and wallow or do something. 
• Didn’t want her children to constantly see her like that either.

Coming Out And Being Social After (9:12)

• When did you start going on social media and saying WOAH there are a bunch of people out there going through what you did. 
• Before this was not active on social media at all.
• Facebook was for family and the extent of social media.
• Felt so isolated and did have that click, I knew that I wasn’t the only one going through this. There are more people out there.
• Wanted someone else in this situation to maybe avoid a little bit of what I went through.
• This is why I started on Instagram to post anything I could. 
• Discovered other individuals.
• 750,000 to 1 million people in the US with Ostomies
• Though it was a smaller community and no one likes to talk about this. 
• Remember seeing something and being blown away by the number of people living with this. 
• Was a sad moment because so many people living with this and it's so hidden. 
• Part of the stigma is just older people who deal with this and this adds to the shame when you are younger. 
• Someone else’s journey helped you, now your journey is helping other people!

What Are You Doing On A Daily Basis To Work On Your Health, Your Messaging & Mental Health (15:00)

• There are days when you don’t want to do anything and veg out, and I think that helps my mental health, you do need those days. 
• Should have to be on the go and in a constant state of rush. 
• If I feel tired, I do a better job of listening to myself and telling myself to take a break. 
• Tried to be more self-reflective and take a hard look at myself. 
• Started in the hospital when recovering from surgery.
• Recognized I needed to change the way I was eating and approach food with a more open mindset. 
• Starting with food opened the door to educating myself on other things. 
• Exercise came next. 
• Realized I was not active which is probably playing a huge role in being over-stressed, inflamed, and other things. 
• Found out about the gym, different exercises.
• Understand what I am going to do. 
• Worked with a personal trainer to feel more comfortable.
• Didn’t want to do anything to hinder me because of the Ostomy.
• Trainer pushed me to get out of my corner, but kept it within a reasonable pace and allowed me to feel comfortable.
• Did end up with Peristomal Hernia in the long run because I went from being a sedentary person to trying to work out 5-6 times a week. 
• Recently I had surgery for that hernia.
• So that concern was big for me in the beginning but I didn't realize how easy it can pop up.
• When I started to really educate myself on nutrition and exercise and get into it, walking is better and really good for you.

Closing (24:50)

• If there was one thing you would want to say to the listeners, what would that thing be?
• Having an Ostomy is a way to get your life back under control. 
• It may not be what you thought or what you envisioned, but it definitely is a new door opening up to help you, not hinder you. 
• Find her on Instagram
• @Chium816

Intro  (0:00)

• Today’s guest is Amy Hart
• In an Ileostomy due to colon cancer
• Mom to 2 little girls. 
• She has an amazing story, going through Colon cancer THROUGH covid! 

The Beginning Of Amy’s Story And How It All Started (1:28)

• Diagnosed in November of 2019. 
• On the heels of my daughter's birthday. 
• Approaching her birthday, started having a lot of changes in bowel movements. 
• Was always a slow-moving human, but then it started moving fast and furious. 
• Started seeking therapy thinking it was something to do after having children. 
• Chalked it up to PPD or other things, but doctors didn’t think anything was wrong.
• Her body was speaking but did not know what it was saying.
• Intense abdominal pain and cramping. 
• Bleeding began in the stool and it was not just a little. Alternating with feeling sick and not being able to go to the bathroom fully. 
• Emptying bowels completely. 
• Knew something was not right.
• Listen to your family history. 
• Grandmother died of Colon Cancer
• Mother died of Uterine Cancer 
• No concept of genetic testing until was diagnosed with cancer. 
• Had to fight a doctor to give me a colonoscopy because I was so healthy. 
• When they did it, they found cancer immediately and said it was in later stages. 
• Has been a difficult process for her, and continues to be a big challenge for her.
• Knowing this information is so powerful because she will be forever monitoring her body. 
• Have now had other family members get checked because of what she has gone through to make sure they are safe. 

Looking Forward (10:25)

• Wanted to hide away forever after getting her Ostomy
• But THIS wasn’t who she was. How I found her on Instagram!
• A lot of people may not understand it, but they see us through it. 
• She has found confidence that she didn’t have before. 
• She was not easy on herself, she was mean to her and she did not need to be. 
• Didn’t pick this life, but you are doing it and you are owning it! 
• You are not alone doing this.

Surgery & Ostomy (12:18)

• Diagnosis November 2019 through colonoscopy. 
• Then MRI and CT and another colonoscopy afterward to biopsy the tissue to confirm Stage 3B Colorectal Cancer. 
• Genetic testing confirmed Lynch Syndrome
• Predisposition to multiple cancers. Colon, Uterine, Bladder, and Kidney.
• Marker from genetic testing came back at 80% Colon Cancer. So when the Surgeon got that they knew they should be as aggressive as possible. 
• 2 years out of surgery and numbers are still scary. 
• We should all know our genetic testing whether it's genetic testing or something else. 
• After Lynch Syndrome Diagnosis went in for Radiation for 6 weeks. December 9th - January 14th.
• I had a 6 week break then had surgery in March.
• Took the entire colon. - Ileostomy to get everything or less of a chance of coming back.
• Surgeon and Tumor board looked at the case and said to remove the entire colon and everything beneath it. 
• Total Proctocolectomy with an end Ileostomy and ATR reconstructions 
• BIG thing saying if you looked at the inside picture of a body, she would have nothing from the colon down. 
• Reason for that extreme version of surgery is because she is young and wanted to be there for her kids. 
• This is the best thing you can do to have one surgery and have it over with and give yourself the best chance. 
• At the end of the day, it came down to being done with it and not having to worry about all of the “What ifs”

Post Surgery (21:00)

• Came out of surgery and the minute woke up in the ICU would not let the nurse help her with that. 
• That was her way of dealing with it
• Researched how to take care of it and everything so she was ready! 
• Woke up and looked at it, puked then got to it. 
• Because of the lack of personal stuff with covid and not allowing any visitors, gave her a lot of time to get up close and personal with herself and have not spent a week alone in a long time. 
• Forced her to really say are you going to do this and get up or boohoo through this. 
• We all have a choice, everything in life is a choice and we all have these choices. The difference is getting better and getting louder.
• Do have these moments of why me and poor me, and any of us who have gone through something devastating in our life have these thoughts. 
• But LOVE to see the other side of it too. We are still all walking this path.

• “This is the life we have been given and I am going to do what I think is best.”
• Can say this is really hard, I don't want others to go through it, but you can have good days and enjoy life. You can live and walk with it.

Closing (33:00)

• Love the most that you shared about the mindset. The things you went through that it can be a dark path, but you chose not to go down that dark path.
• Live your life the best you can.  We are all doing it and trying to make sense of what our path is. 
• Your story is important so live it! We only get this one and when it's over that is it. 
• Look at it and say, it wasn’t perfect, but I showed up anyway and I had some fun. 
• Find Amy Hart on Instagram. @barefootprofessional @barefootostomate 
• I wish none of us had to go through this, but I am glad it has led us here. 

This podcast explores how a new ostomate adapts to a new diagnosis of living with an ostomy. Josh shares his experience in this first episode of a 4-part series.  

Guest bio: Josh was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in November 2017.  He was evaluated by Inflammatory Bowel Disease experts from Rochester Mayo Clinic and University of Minnesota Medical Center.  After failing maximum medical therapies, it was determined to surgically remove his colon in November 2018.  In February 2019, the final surgery was completed making his ileostomy permanent.  Since the decision to remove his colon, his health has returned, requires zero medication, no specialized diet, and no further complications from Ulcerative Colitis. He is a member of the United Ostomy Association of America and the Ostomy Association of the Minneapolis Area.  He participated in the 2019 Ostomy Awareness Day 5K hosted by Coloplast and has participated in Coloplast sponsored events.    

Visit https://www.coloplast.us/professional/ for more educational offerings.