Episode 84 - Living Life Fully with an Ostomy
In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Julie Woon talks with Amy Hart, a Stage 3 colon cancer survivor and advocate living with an ostomy bag (a collection pouch used to collect stool or urine). Amy shares her journey of resilience from being diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer to the challenges of adjusting to a busy on-the-go life with an ostomy. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and community support for all people living with an ostomy. The conversation also touches on the representation of ostomates in the media and the impact of body image on identity. Amy highlights the need for advocacy and understanding in the healthcare community, encouraging others to embrace their journey and seek support.
Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
(00:54) Amy's Journey with Colorectal Cancer
(03:20) Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy
(07:14) Misconceptions About Ostomies
(09:19) Impact on Identity and Body Image
(12:24) Representation of Ostomates in Media
(16:29) Community and Support for Ostomates
(18:49) Embracing Life with an Ostomy
(20:38) Advice for New Ostomates
(22:35) Conclusion and Resources
Links:
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Learn more about this episode's guest, Amy Hart, on her blog, Life with an Ostomy here: https://barefootostomate.wordpress.com/
*Follow her on Instagram* @thebarefootostomate and on TikTok @barefootprofessional
Learn more about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host and Content Marketing Strategist, Julie Woon, here:
https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/julie-woon
Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com