Living Life with an Ostomy: Brianna's Story

02/12/25 • 22 min

In this episode of The Beautiful Bag podcast, host and guest Brianna share an insightful conversation about living with an ostomy, her journey with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and the importance of raising awareness about ostomies. Brianna discusses her initial struggles, the adjustments she made after surgery, and how her perspective on life with a stoma has evolved over the years. She emphasizes that having an ostomy is not as daunting as many believe and shares her experiences to help others understand and accept their own journeys.

Takeaways

Brianna has had her permanent ileostomy for over three years.

She was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, affecting her GI tract.

Adjusting to life with an ostomy took time and patience.

Brianna named her stoma Stella, which has become a part of her identity.

She emphasizes the importance of raising ostomy awareness.

Many people fear ostomies due to misconceptions about smell and lifestyle.

Brianna's recovery journey included multiple surgeries and challenges.

She has learned to navigate ostomy products and find what works best for her.

Brianna encourages others to share their stories and experiences.

Living with an ostomy can improve quality of life despite initial fears.

Takeaways

Brianna has had her permanent ileostomy for over three years.

She was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, affecting her GI tract.

Adjusting to life with an ostomy took time and patience.

Brianna named her stoma Stella, which has become a part of her identity.

She emphasizes the importance of raising ostomy awareness.

Many people fear ostomies due to misconceptions about smell and lifestyle.

Brianna's recovery journey included multiple surgeries and challenges.

She has learned to navigate ostomy products and find what works best for her.

Brianna encourages others to share their stories and experiences.

Living with an ostomy can improve quality of life despite initial fears.

Previous Episode

What can happen in a Marriage after an Ostomy

In this episode of the Beautiful Bag podcast, LeeAnne Hayden shares her personal journey through marriage, love, and the challenges she faced, including a cancer diagnosis and the impact it had on her relationship. She emphasizes the importance of communication, commitment, and resilience in navigating the ups and downs of marriage. LeeAnne reflects on her experiences, the lessons learned, and the significance of family and support in overcoming life's obstacles.

Takeaways:

February is often seen as the month of love, but love should be celebrated all year round.
Marriage is a commitment that requires work and dedication.
Facing challenges together can strengthen a relationship.
Cancer can be a life-altering experience, but there is hope and support available.
Adjusting to significant life changes, like a colostomy, requires open communication.
Financial struggles can put a strain on relationships, but they can also lead to growth.
Rebuilding a relationship often involves starting fresh and focusing on each other.
Communication is essential for a healthy marriage.
It's important to give each other space to grow and change.
True love is about supporting each other through thick and thin.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Episode

10:14 Navigating Challenges in Marriage

17:05 Adjusting to Life with a Colostomy

25:01 Rebuilding the Relationship in New York

Next Episode

Tom's Cancer and Ostomy Story

In this episode of The Beautiful Bag podcast, host Speaker interviews Tom, a rectal cancer survivor who shares his journey from diagnosis to recovery. Tom discusses the initial shock of his diagnosis, the challenges of chemotherapy and surgery, and the adjustments he has made to life with an ostomy. He emphasizes the importance of support from family and community, the dietary changes he has experienced, and the various ostomy products available. Tom's story is one of resilience, hope, and a desire to help others facing similar challenges.

Takeaways

Tom was healthy until he experienced sudden pain.

The importance of follow-up appointments cannot be overstated.

Chemotherapy and radiation were part of Tom's treatment plan.

Support from family was crucial during Tom's journey.

Dietary changes were significant after surgery.

Tom found strength in online communities.

It's essential to try different ostomy products.

There is a stigma around ostomies that needs to be addressed.

Tom encourages others to reach out for support.

You are not alone in your journey.