Leanne Watanabe shares her journey with ulcerative colitis and the decision to undergo surgery to remove her colon. She discusses her late discovery of fitness and her initial motivation to work out for weight loss. Leanne talks about her mentor who introduced her to marathon running and helped her believe in her abilities. She shares her experience training for her first marathon while dealing with GI issues. Leanne discusses the impact of stress and her dysfunctional upbringing on her health. She talks about her struggle to accept her diagnosis and the various treatments she tried before deciding on surgery. LeeAnne Hayden shares her experience living with ulcerative colitis and undergoing surgery to have an ostomy. She emphasizes that living with a chronic illness is never easy, but she is grateful for the chance to live a healthy life. Hayden encourages others to embrace their bodies and not let their diagnosis dictate how they live and thrive. She discusses the importance of therapy and setting boundaries in her healing journey. Hayden also talks about her experience competing in fitness competitions and how it has helped her change her relationship with dieting and exercise. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of self-love in achieving personal goals. Takeaways Fitness can be a powerful tool for building confidence and achieving goals, even for those with chronic illnesses. Stress and a dysfunctional upbringing can contribute to the development and exacerbation of health issues. It is important to be your own advocate and seek out the best medical care available, even if it means traveling to different locations. Surgery can be a life-changing decision for those with severe refractory ulcerative colitis, offering the possibility of improved quality of life. Alternative therapies may provide temporary relief, but it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and costs. Living with a chronic illness is never easy, but it is important to embrace the chance to live a healthy life. Therapy and setting boundaries are crucial in the healing journey. Competing in fitness competitions can help change one's relationship with dieting and exercise. Self-love is the foundation for achieving personal goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Summer Break Announcement 00:55 Leanne's Journey into Fitness 03:21 Navigating GI Issues While Training for a Marathon 08:06 The Role of Stress and Upbringing in Leanne's Health 14:11 Exploring Alternative Therapies for Ulcerative Colitis 27:46 Living with Ulcerative Colitis and Making the Decision for Surgery 29:13 Gratitude for a Chance at a Healthy Life 30:41 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Life 31:39 Living Beyond the Diagnosis 33:05 The Power of Self-Confidence and Body Acceptance 35:30 Therapy and Setting Boundaries in the Healing Journey 39:16 Changing the Relationship with Dieting and Exercise 44:00 The Importance of Self-Love in Achieving Personal Goals

In this episode, host LeeAnne Hayden interviews Raina about her journey with an ostomy and her book 'Bare'. Raina shares her experiences with ulcerative colitis, her decision to get an ileostomy, and her subsequent journey with a J-pouch. She discusses the role of social media in her life and how it has helped her connect with others. Raina also talks about the challenges of dating with an ostomy and the importance of being open and honest about her condition. In this part of the conversation, LeeAnne Hayden discusses her experiences with relationships after getting an ileostomy. She shares how her first relationship after the surgery helped her feel loved and accepted with her bag. She also talks about the challenges of dating and having to disclose her condition to potential partners. LeeAnne emphasizes the importance of self-love and acceptance in navigating relationships with an ostomy. She also discusses her transition from being a wellness coach to a life coach and the power of journaling in her healing journey.

Takeaways

• Raina's journey with ulcerative colitis led her to get an ileostomy and later a J-pouch.
• Social media has played a significant role in Raina's life, allowing her to connect with others and share her experiences.
• Dating with an ostomy can be challenging, but being open and honest about it is important.
• Raina's book 'Bare' is a candid and honest account of her journey with an ostomy. Having a supportive partner can help in feeling loved and accepted with an ostomy.
• Self-love and acceptance are crucial in navigating relationships with an ostomy.
• Disclosing one's condition to potential partners can be nerve-wracking, but it is important for open communication.
• Transitioning from a wellness coach to a life coach allowed LeeAnne to focus on deeper aspects of personal growth and mindset.
• Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, healing, and manifestation.

"I think my soul knew I needed that community and needed to have that as this like, you know, just this voice to like keep going, even when I didn't want to sometimes."

LeeAnne emphasizes that listeners should read this book, which you can find HERE

Connect with Raina on Instagram

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Chloe Moody shares her unique experience of living with an ostomy since birth due to necrotizing enterocolitis. She discusses her childhood, including multiple surgeries and hospitalizations, as well as the challenges she faced in school, such as bullying and feeling different. Chloe emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community, like the UOAA youth rally, and encourages parents to send their children to such events. She also talks about her journey of self-discovery, pursuing higher education, and her aspirations to teach and advocate for others with chronic illnesses. Chloe's story highlights the need for greater awareness and acceptance of ostomies.

"You're not alone. We have a whole community now to support and uplift this next generation."

"I've kind of been stifling my own voice a little bit because I've just had that messaging my whole life."

https://www.instagram.com/chloemmoody/

https://www.instagram.com/leeannehayden/

• LeeAnne introduces guest Ann Marie Lupacckino, who has had 3 ostomies.
• Ann Marie shares her journey, which began 18 years ago during pregnancy with a bowel perforation.
• Ann Marie underwent emergency surgery to remove her large intestine while pregnant.
• Despite challenges, Ann Marie gave birth full-term and underwent reversal surgery a year later.
• Ann Marie experienced complications, including severe anal fissures, leading to her decision for an ostomy last March.
• Complications post-surgery led to a second ostomy in October and a third surgery in February.
• Ann Marie emphasizes the impact of ostomies on her life and the importance of adaptation.
• Both LeeAnne and Ann Marie stress the supportive ostomy community and the resources available.
• Ann Marie looks forward to resuming her exercise routine once fully healed, highlighting the mental benefits.
• The conversation touches on the adjustments in diet and hydration with an ostomy.
• Ann Marie reflects on her journey, expressing gratitude for her surgeon and acceptance of her current situation.

In this episode I interview retire US navy man Dan Dry Dock Shockley.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Being in the Navy and learning perseverance
• Recovering from a surgery and needing to be back on assignment after 9/11
• Finding out about his rare genetic condition
• Living life in an ostomy
• His advocacy work
• How he lives by the 3 steps ADAPT, Improvise, Overcome

You can find Dan on Instagram, Twitter or email him @ dandrydock@gmail.comperseverance

Introduction:

LeeAnne expresses excitement for spring and its positive impact on wellness.

• Proper Hydration with an Iliostomy:
  • Importance of hydration, especially with an Iliostomy.
  • Tips for staying hydrated: carry water or herbal teas, use electrolytes.
  • LeeAnne's personal hydration routine: drinking a gallon of water daily.
  • Recommendations: Drink water before and after meals, monitor hydration levels.
• Exercise and Movement:
  • Importance of exercise for overall wellness and mental health.
  • LeeAnne's workout routine: daily walks, weightlifting, yoga.
  • Suggestions for finding suitable exercises: walking, running, yoga, Pilates.
  • Addressing concerns about hernias and stoma support belts.
• Stress Reduction and Self-Care:
  • Importance of stress management for mental well-being.
  • Strategies for stress reduction: journaling, taking baths, getting massages.
  • Suggestions for self-care practices: meditation, breathwork, listening to the body.
• Sleep and Rest:
  • Importance of quality sleep for physical and mental health.
  • Tips for improving sleep: maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed.
  • Suggestions for enhancing sleep quality: exposure to sunlight in the morning, creating a bedtime routine.

• Encouragement to prioritize self-care and wellness practices.
• Reminder to seek support from healthcare professionals and online resources like UOAA.

https://www.stealthbelt.com

• Introduction: LeeAnne Hayden welcomes listeners to the episode from her loft, introducing Cass Roberts as her guest. They met at the UAA convention in August and bonded over their shared experiences.

• Dancing and Transformative Power: Cass shares her love for dancing and how it has been transformative for her. She reflects on the immense joy she experienced at the UAA convention, being surrounded by people with ostomies like herself.

• Cass's Journey with Crohn's Disease: Cass opens up about her journey with Crohn's disease, starting from her diagnosis at age 11 in rural Mississippi. She details the challenges of misdiagnosis, extensive treatments, and the impact on her physical and emotional well-being.

• Experience with Ostomy Surgery: Cass describes her initial aversion to the idea of having an ostomy and the fears she had to overcome. She shares the circumstances that led to her first ostomy surgery in 2008 and the subsequent complications that necessitated a permanent ostomy in 2013.

• Life with an Ostomy: Despite initial struggles, Cass shares how her life has flourished since embracing her ostomy. She pursued diverse interests, including a career as a truck driver and owning a Princess Tea Party company. She also reflects on memorable moments, such as performing at children's parties despite wardrobe mishaps.

• Embracing Confidence: Cass emphasizes the importance of confidence and self-acceptance. She encourages listeners to celebrate their uniqueness and to recognize that they are more than their medical conditions.

• Building Community: LeeAnne and Cass discuss the power of community in overcoming challenges associated with ostomies. They reflect on the increasing visibility and support available for individuals with ostomies, both online and through in-person gatherings like conferences.

• Current Endeavors: Cass shares her current role as a developmental interventionist, working with children with disabilities. She emphasizes the significance of advocating for oneself and others in navigating health challenges.

• Final Thoughts: Cass leaves listeners with a message of self-love and respect, encouraging everyone to recognize their inherent worth beyond any physical differences.

• Conclusion: LeeAnne expresses gratitude to Cass for sharing her inspiring journey and vibrant spirit with listeners, highlighting her resilience and positivity.

Through their candid conversation, LeeAnne and Cass provide insight into the journey of living with an ostomy, emphasizing themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of community.