How to deal with blockages with an Ostomy

12/13/23 • 17 min

Hello, beautiful souls! I'm LeeAnne Hayden, your host, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to another inspiring episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast." Whether you're tuning in during your morning coffee or unwinding at night, I want to express my deepest gratitude for being a part of our amazing community.

Episode Highlights:

A Personal Journey: In this episode, I wanted to share my own journey dealing with blockages and how it has affected my life. For those who might not know my story, let me give you a glimpse into my world.
Life Before My Ostomy: At 39 years old, I was deeply immersed in corporate America that turned into a successful run in network marketing.
The Unexpected Turn: Despite my commitment to a healthy lifestyle, I started experiencing discomfort and growth in my abdomen, leading to an unexpected diagnosis of a rare sarcoma tumor.
The Ostomy Surgery: After two surgeries and the removal of the tumor, I was left with an ostomy, which I've now had for nearly 8 years. This marked a significant change in my life, but it also allowed me to continue pursuing my passions.
The Battle with Blockages: Over the years, I've had to navigate the challenges of ostomy life, including dealing with blockages caused by adhesions. I've learned some valuable lessons on how to manage these situations.
Tips for Coping: In this episode, I shared tips for dealing with blockages and abdominal discomfort. One surprising remedy is sipping on Coca-Cola, which can help alleviate symptoms. I also emphasized the importance of hydration and listening to your body's signals.

Conclusion: Living with an ostomy is a journey filled with ups and downs, but it's essential to stay informed and proactive about our health. Remember, your body is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to pay attention to your body's signals, hydrate, and seek medical advice when needed.

Thank you for being part of "The Beautiful Bag" community, and if you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it on social media and tagging me @LeeAnneHayden on Instagram

Episode Highlights:

A Personal Journey: In this episode, I wanted to share my own journey dealing with blockages and how it has affected my life. For those who might not know my story, let me give you a glimpse into my world.
Life Before My Ostomy: At 39 years old, I was deeply immersed in corporate America that turned into a successful run in network marketing.
The Unexpected Turn: Despite my commitment to a healthy lifestyle, I started experiencing discomfort and growth in my abdomen, leading to an unexpected diagnosis of a rare sarcoma tumor.
The Ostomy Surgery: After two surgeries and the removal of the tumor, I was left with an ostomy, which I've now had for nearly 8 years. This marked a significant change in my life, but it also allowed me to continue pursuing my passions.
The Battle with Blockages: Over the years, I've had to navigate the challenges of ostomy life, including dealing with blockages caused by adhesions. I've learned some valuable lessons on how to manage these situations.
Tips for Coping: In this episode, I shared tips for dealing with blockages and abdominal discomfort. One surprising remedy is sipping on Coca-Cola, which can help alleviate symptoms. I also emphasized the importance of hydration and listening to your body's signals.

Thank you for being part of "The Beautiful Bag" community, and if you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it on social media and tagging me @LeeAnneHayden on Instagram

Previous Episode

Triumph Over Adversity: Crystal's Journey as a Double Ostomate

LeeAnne Hayden, host of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast," welcomes listeners to Episode 118, expressing gratitude for their continual support and encouraging them to share the podcast on social media.
Reminder: LeeAnne encourages listeners on Apple Podcasts to leave ratings and reviews to help promote the show.

Guest Introduction:

Crystal, a double ostomate, sarcoma cancer survivor, and Crohn's disease fighter, shares her compelling journey.
The episode focuses on her diagnosis, the challenges she faced, and her resilience in overcoming adversity.

Crystal’s Journey:

Diagnosed in February 2022 after a severe bladder issue, leading to an ER visit and subsequent discovery of her condition.
Underwent multiple treatments and surgeries, including chemotherapy and a complex procedure resulting in a colostomy, urostomy, and partial hysterectomy.
Emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, as Crystal pushed for a CT scan against initial medical advice.

Challenges and Recovery:

Discusses the mental and physical challenges post-surgery, including adapting to life with ostomy bags and managing related complications.
Shares strategies for coping with mental health issues, including finding comfort in ASMR and Reiki videos.
Crystal highlights the value of the ostomy community on social media for support and advice.

Life After Surgery:

Returning to work and the accommodations made for her comfort and convenience.
Discusses her first vacation post-surgery, a cruise, addressing the challenges and adjustments required for traveling with an ostomy.
Shares a humorous story about managing her ostomy in an unexpected situation.

Final Thoughts:

Crystal’s advice to listeners: Take time with healing and don’t rush the recovery process.
LeeAnne discusses her own experiences with sarcoma, emphasizing the rarity and complexity of the condition.

Next Episode

Finding Faith, Hope, and Healing

Introduction

LeeAnne welcomes listeners to Episode 120 of the Beautiful Bag Podcast.
She acknowledges that it's a special solo episode and mentions that it's Christmas.
LeeAnne shares her recent 53rd birthday celebration and expresses gratitude for life.

Celebrating Christmas

LeeAnne talks about the significance of Christmas and her personal belief in Jesus.
She invites listeners to share their own beliefs and stories related to faith or encounters with God.

Faith Journey

LeeAnne discusses her Catholic upbringing and her evolving faith journey, including her practice of meditation.

Profound Meditation Experience

LeeAnne describes a transformative meditation experience where she felt guided on a spiritual journey, encountering various images and ultimately experiencing profound peace.

Meaning and Reflection

LeeAnne reflects on the significance of her meditation experience and the sense of peace it brought her.

Reading the Bible

LeeAnne fast-forwards a few years to when she decided to read the Bible for the first time, starting with the New Testament, coinciding with her cancer diagnosis.

Seeking Forgiveness and Understanding

LeeAnne shares her practice of writing a heartfelt letter to God, addressing past mistakes and seeking forgiveness.
She emphasizes her belief in God's unconditional love and forgiveness.

Surgery and Divine Comfort

LeeAnne recounts the day of her surgery and the profound sense of peace and comfort she felt before the procedure.
She discusses the positive impact her faith and experiences have had on her life.

Purpose and Gratitude

LeeAnne expresses gratitude for the Beautiful Bag Podcast and its journey, highlighting the importance of finding purpose in life.

Encouragement and Blessings

LeeAnne encourages listeners to embrace their unique journeys, seek answers, and find guidance in their faith.
She extends warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and shares love with people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Conclusion