Overcoming Challenges: Living with an Ostomy After Conquering UC

The Beautiful Bag

In this heartfelt episode of "The Beautiful Bag Podcast," host LeeAnne Hayden welcomes guest Nadia Di Rienzo, who shares her remarkable journey of resilience, living with an ostomy, and beating cancer. Nadia's story is an inspiring testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of advocacy in the ostomy community.

Key Takeaways:

• Nadia's Health Journey: Nadia's journey begins with her diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) at the tender age of 15. Her story underscores the challenges of navigating chronic illness from a young age.
• Medical Trials and IBD Management: Nadia talks about her years of managing UC through medical trials, medications, and the ups and downs of the disease.
• Unexpected Discovery: In the midst of a clinical trial, Nadia experienced symptoms that led to an unexpected revelation—a diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
• The Surgery: Nadia's journey takes a dramatic turn as she undergoes a total proctocolectomy, resulting in an ileostomy. She discusses the shock and adjustments that came with the surgery.
• Post-Op Life: Nine months post-surgery, Nadia reflects on the challenges of adjusting to her new life with an ostomy. She shares insights about her sleep patterns and the adjustments she's made.
• Finding Strength in Exercise: Physical activity, a combination of weights and cardio, has been a crucial part of Nadia's post-op journey. She describes how she works with a physiotherapist to strengthen her abdomen safely.
• Dietary Adjustments: Nadia discusses the foods she can now enjoy and those she avoids to prevent blockages, including her love for grapefruit and cautiousness about sushi and certain vegetables.
• Wardrobe Choices: Clothing choices have been a part of her journey, and she details the adjustments she made in her post-op wardrobe.
• Advocacy and Breaking Stigmas: Nadia emphasizes the importance of sharing her journey on social media, normalizing ostomies, and raising awareness for IBD, colorectal cancer, and living with an ostomy.
• Facing Fears: Nadia opens up about the fears and anxieties she experienced regarding her children's understanding of her health challenges and how she managed to address them.
• A Message of Hope: Nadia's story is a testament to not fearing ostomies; she encourages those facing similar challenges to embrace their second chance at life and find positivity in the journey.

Connect with Us:

• Follow Nadia on social media and her blog: @gutsygirldiaries
  • • • https://gutsygirldiaries.com/
• Connect with LeeAnne Hayden on https://www.instagram.com/leeannehayden/
  • • • https://leeannehayden.com/