I want to thank you Laura - my 16 year old son had an emergency loop ostomy after a perforated bowel < a month ago . He was so sick after 15 days in hospital ... he came home scared of his stoma and care. It was too a big of a hill for him to climb.... until we found your Ostomystory and he watched your videos. You helped him so much by normalizes it and being so real and genuine. Congratulations for your blooming career - you deserve all the good that come to you for all the good you have done
I'm so proud of you and the work you've been doing for Shield Healthcare! You've been, and will always be, an inspiration to me and many others! Good luck with your studies!
I'm so happy you are posting again. I do not have a uc or ostomy but found your story so inspiring and it helps me stay positive when life gets hard knowing how much you have overcome. I struggle with depression and anxiety and your videos make me remember how everyone has their own personal battles.
It's so nice to see a new video! You are such an inspiration to me. Whenever I meet someone new who is scared about surgery and getting an ostomy, I always refer them to your videos. Thank you for being a spokesperson for all of us, and for being willing to talk about a sometimes uncomfortable subject! Good luck with graduate school, and congratulations!
I was one of the folks that found you on your new channel and am happy for you! After a failed reconnect, and four major surgeries, I'm ostomy free. Thanks for helping when I was new to this and trying to learn to survive!
After being diagnosed with col-rectal cancer I had the ostomy surgery - which I would not have had if I had been aware of the painful recovery - I had questions about my ostomy care, etc. I found one of your first videos and watched it a few times. It helped, not only with ostomy care but with dealing with the PTSD associated with my 19 hour surgery and 4 week hosp stay. I told my wife she had to watch the video of this "adorable" girl who faced the challenge head on. Thanks Laura, you are an inspiration.
I've really missed your videos! It makes me feel less alone in this chronic illness journey. So excited for you to maybe try getting reconnected. Good luck on your graduate degree! Really inspiring to see someone that's gone through so much, as we all have, and is still staying so positive.
I just wanted to let you know your videos are what got me through my surgery. I have ulcerative colitis and had my total proctocolectomy on January 4th.
Good luck with all your endeavors! I found you while depressed while suffering from Ulcerative Colitis and you have helped me tremendously! Thank you so much for your sweet positive smile that is uplifting, but also thank you for the truth of your tears through your suffering. Praying for your ongoing happiness and healing xo
+Laura Michaels Thank you so much for sharing. I'm so happy I could help! I really try my best to be honest and not just talk about the good days, because although there are a lot, there are also bad days, and people need to know they're not alone, especially during the bad days! How are you doing now? I hope you're well!
+Ostomystory Thank you for replying, I know you are very busy these days. You are totally right, I believe in sharing in all the ups and downs of illness. I share publicly on my facebook page for that reason and it seems I get more people reaching out when I do that. It really helps them to feel they aren't alone, so I agree with you. My bleeding has subsided but I'm having frequency of running to the bathroom due to my Lialda and my rowasa enema. I finished my prednisone round over a week ago and still feeling very irritable and some mood swings maybe from that I'm thinking. I have so many ideas and energy in my mind but then I go to execute and ultimately end up hulled up in my house like a hermit and afraid to make commitments. I used to be so active, social, worked multiple jobs..and now I'm good if I can hold down one, right now none, due to flaring up within a short time every time I start. It is very hard to get back to some kind of life and your videos really do help me see there's a way. Thank you. My chickens and animals help, too! Having to care for them daily forces me to push through and by physically active and plan a schedule around them..It really helps me
Congrats! I remember finding you as a suggested post on FB through Shield. Following you still. I'm always thankful for finding your original channel. My fiancé has an ileostomy and I would use your advice from your videos to tackle his changes! I'm happy to say we now do weekly changes instead of hourly! 😮 Thank you!
I'm glad to see you doing so well. I have a colostomy right now. I have had it since December 1st of last year. I was actually searching for full colon removal videos and I cam across your story. It's uplifting to hear your story and how you've been able to have a somewhat normal life. Congrats on graduating and also the new job! I wish you well with everything and thanks for putting up videos about your experience. It's calmed me a bit as I have my surgery Monday morning, lol.
+Lunchbauks Thinking about you today while you're undergoing surgery! I'm sending you all sorts of healing and positive vibes! Let us know how it went!
Aww thank you so much! It went well! The Mayo Clinic was kicking butt this week. I'm actually already home as of this afternoon! I no longer have to deal with a colostomy as they were able to reconnect my small intestine with a portion of my sigmoid colon, but i have quite a bit of internal pain that's new that I have to deal with and other things my body is throwing at me. I'll keep you posted!
Hey girl hey! You have done an amazing job in the past four years through this channel AND on Ostomy Life. I wish you the best in your new adventures. :)
+BevsArtsandCrafts Thank you for saying this. I always need to hear that I should actually slow down and take some time for myself. I'm such a busy body, but we all know we need to take days off
Wow long time no see stranger..... I subed to you after I had diverticulitis. It was a hard transition for me. I have a lot of medical issues and felt like this was just another really bad stupid thing that would be keepin me from being functional. You really help me see that it wasnt a curse like my family (mother) thought it was at first. My wife had a very positive view of it like you did. Seeing someone else not viewing it as a discouraging condition help me see the enormous benefit this is for me. About a year after my surgery I ended up not being able to walk for a while and the ostomy was very useful for me as I didn't have to get up to use the bathroom or use a icky bedpan. I really couldn't imagine how much more of a struggle my life would be if I didn't have my Ostomy. Truly a blessing in disguise. Thank you for all you have done for me and my family. We wish you the very best. 👋
Im sure a bunch of us were worried! Glad you are doing well. I am in a similar position as you. I got my ostomy about a year an a half ago right after my undergraduate career. I am now im gradschool for chemistry managing everything! I unfortunately have to change my bag every other day and that can get annoying but I am really glad to aee you back! I hope we get to see more from you in the future.
it's so good to see you back here. It was your video that got me through my ostomy surgery. I constantly had a thought in my head that if Laura manage it so well i can do that too. Big thanks sincerely TJ from Norway
I have been following you for years now and I am glad u did an update.. Also with my battles I started my own channel no videos yet but I am getting to it.. Finally have some of my energy back, but turning 45 and going throw this I have noticed there aren't many older women who speak of this, I think it's cause of the way we were taught not to speak of it, well I am done with that now.... Once I get up and going I will inbox you with my new channel name... Glad you are getting to do so much for this cause xoxoxoxo
+Bella and Ditsy I am so looking forward to you doing videos! I absolutely agree! My mom and I have talked many times about the generational differences and how it affects how much people disclose and talk about their difficulties. Please keep me updated with your journey!
You look great and I'm glad you are doing well , after my surgeries your videos got me though so much! I had/have Ulcerative Colitis. I did get the reversal so I still have a little bit of the UC that holds the jpouch. That's not right but I think you know what I mean, sorry been a long day! I love your videos and hopefully you will do lots more! Always a fan!
+heidi petrowics I know exactly what you mean. I'm worried about pouchitis/cuffitis as well. I definitely already have some cuffitis even though I'm not reconnected yet. My rectum was always one of my worst parts of my large intestine. Are you being treated for your jpouch problems? I hope you're feeling well now!
It seems like one month or another I do have pouchitis and it becomes so tiresome! But my surgeon and GI doc are fantastic! I live in Houston,TX and our hospitals and medical staff are very good. When ever I have a flair I'm always thinking in my mind oh maybe I want a permanent ostomy, my quality of live was so much better when I had an ostomy but everyone is different don't let my situation discourage you if you decide on the reconnect.
Hey! So you're in Valencia right? I live out here and Shield is only a few miles am way. I no longer have my ostomy and working with my J Pouch. Shield still calls me for supply refills though haha.
+Diane Brill I work in Valencia, but live in NoHo! next time they call, speak to a representative and explain that you don't have a need for supplies anymore. If that doesn't work, I'll talk to the call center manager for you. :) Let me know!
my latest thing is battling e coli and an ongoing kidney disease. i have no idea how i contracted e coli, of all things! omg! ive been on Kefra which was 4 times daily for 2 weeks, and then cipro for several times a day for 2 weeks. but now i have to see my urologist to see what else i can do! pray for me, please!
+CHINKICHOU generally we are most gassy when we consume gassy foods (broccoli, soda, etc) or skip meals. Make sure you're eating something small every couple hours to keep gas to a minimum. You can also ask your doctor about taking something like GasX or Beano over the counter. :)
it sucks not being able to do a mundane thing like bending over from my wheelchair to pick something up offf the floor without my bag coming loose from the top. i had a real bad leak because of this, a couple days ago. yuck!!!!!!
I have been following you for years now and I am glad u did an update.. Also with my battles I started my own channel no videos yet but I am getting to it.. Finally have some of my energy back, but turning 45 and going throw this I have noticed there aren't many older women who speak of this, I think it's cause of the way we were taught not to speak of it, well I am done with that now.... Once I get up and going I will inbox you with my new channel name... Glad you are getting to do so much for this cause xoxoxoxo
Hi Bella I've just turned 44 and last year I have had a stoma (colostomy ) my stoma was done due to an emergency cerian section 18 years ago . My nerve endings where damaged and I was always dashing to the toilet for years my doctor kept saying it was ibs but I wasn't 100%sure it was. Good luck with your new channel and I will look out for you.
I want to thank you Laura - my 16 year old son had an emergency loop ostomy after a perforated bowel < a month ago . He was so sick after 15 days in hospital ... he came home scared of his stoma and care. It was too a big of a hill for him to climb.... until we found your Ostomystory and he watched your videos. You helped him so much by normalizes it and being so real and genuine. Congratulations for your blooming career - you deserve all the good that come to you for all the good you have done
I'm so proud of you and the work you've been doing for Shield Healthcare! You've been, and will always be, an inspiration to me and many others! Good luck with your studies!
+Vegan Ostomy You are such an inspiration to me! :) So happy to have gotten the chance to work with you a bit!
I'm so happy you are posting again. I do not have a uc or ostomy but found your story so inspiring and it helps me stay positive when life gets hard knowing how much you have overcome. I struggle with depression and anxiety and your videos make me remember how everyone has their own personal battles.
It's so nice to see a new video! You are such an inspiration to me. Whenever I meet someone new who is scared about surgery and getting an ostomy, I always refer them to your videos. Thank you for being a spokesperson for all of us, and for being willing to talk about a sometimes uncomfortable subject! Good luck with graduate school, and congratulations!
I was one of the folks that found you on your new channel and am happy for you!
After a failed reconnect, and four major surgeries, I'm ostomy free. Thanks for helping when I was new to this and trying to learn to survive!
After being diagnosed with col-rectal cancer I had the ostomy surgery - which I would not have had if I had been aware of the painful recovery - I had questions about my ostomy care, etc. I found one of your first videos and watched it a few times. It helped, not only with ostomy care but with dealing with the PTSD associated with my 19 hour surgery and 4 week hosp stay. I told my wife she had to watch the video of this "adorable" girl who faced the challenge head on. Thanks Laura, you are an inspiration.
You are a doll and have helped so many through tough times! So glad to have you back and hope you enjoy grad school.
I've really missed your videos! It makes me feel less alone in this chronic illness journey. So excited for you to maybe try getting reconnected. Good luck on your graduate degree! Really inspiring to see someone that's gone through so much, as we all have, and is still staying so positive.
+Nicole Ford Thanks so much! I try, but as you know, we all have our hard days! I hope you're doing well!
I just wanted to let you know your videos are what got me through my surgery. I have ulcerative colitis and had my total proctocolectomy on January 4th.
Good luck with all your endeavors! I found you while depressed while suffering from Ulcerative Colitis and you have helped me tremendously! Thank you so much for your sweet positive smile that is uplifting, but also thank you for the truth of your tears through your suffering. Praying for your ongoing happiness and healing xo
+Laura Michaels Thank you so much for sharing. I'm so happy I could help! I really try my best to be honest and not just talk about the good days, because although there are a lot, there are also bad days, and people need to know they're not alone, especially during the bad days! How are you doing now? I hope you're well!
+Ostomystory Thank you for replying, I know you are very busy these days. You are totally right, I believe in sharing in all the ups and downs of illness. I share publicly on my facebook page for that reason and it seems I get more people reaching out when I do that. It really helps them to feel they aren't alone, so I agree with you. My bleeding has subsided but I'm having frequency of running to the bathroom due to my Lialda and my rowasa enema. I finished my prednisone round over a week ago and still feeling very irritable and some mood swings maybe from that I'm thinking. I have so many ideas and energy in my mind but then I go to execute and ultimately end up hulled up in my house like a hermit and afraid to make commitments. I used to be so active, social, worked multiple jobs..and now I'm good if I can hold down one, right now none, due to flaring up within a short time every time I start. It is very hard to get back to some kind of life and your videos really do help me see there's a way. Thank you. My chickens and animals help, too! Having to care for them daily forces me to push through and by physically active and plan a schedule around them..It really helps me
You'r amazing, Laura I wish you all the best in anything you do. You inspire many thanks for the update and all your kind words. Bless you always!
I am so proud of you and so happy for you! Looking forward to whenever the next update is!
Congrats! I remember finding you as a suggested post on FB through Shield. Following you still. I'm always thankful for finding your original channel. My fiancé has an ileostomy and I would use your advice from your videos to tackle his changes! I'm happy to say we now do weekly changes instead of hourly! 😮 Thank you!
IVE MISSED YOU LAURA!!!!!! IM SO GLAD YOU ARE BACK
I'm glad to see you doing so well. I have a colostomy right now. I have had it since December 1st of last year. I was actually searching for full colon removal videos and I cam across your story. It's uplifting to hear your story and how you've been able to have a somewhat normal life. Congrats on graduating and also the new job! I wish you well with everything and thanks for putting up videos about your experience. It's calmed me a bit as I have my surgery Monday morning, lol.
+Lunchbauks Thinking about you today while you're undergoing surgery! I'm sending you all sorts of healing and positive vibes! Let us know how it went!
Aww thank you so much! It went well! The Mayo Clinic was kicking butt this week. I'm actually already home as of this afternoon! I no longer have to deal with a colostomy as they were able to reconnect my small intestine with a portion of my sigmoid colon, but i have quite a bit of internal pain that's new that I have to deal with and other things my body is throwing at me. I'll keep you posted!
Hey girl hey! You have done an amazing job in the past four years through this channel AND on Ostomy Life. I wish you the best in your new adventures. :)
How exciting! All of these amazing things you do. We are always here for you. Take time for yourself too Hun xxx
+BevsArtsandCrafts Thank you for saying this. I always need to hear that I should actually slow down and take some time for myself. I'm such a busy body, but we all know we need to take days off
Wow long time no see stranger..... I subed to you after I had diverticulitis. It was a hard transition for me. I have a lot of medical issues and felt like this was just another really bad stupid thing that would be keepin me from being functional. You really help me see that it wasnt a curse like my family (mother) thought it was at first. My wife had a very positive view of it like you did. Seeing someone else not viewing it as a discouraging condition help me see the enormous benefit this is for me. About a year after my surgery I ended up not being able to walk for a while and the ostomy was very useful for me as I didn't have to get up to use the bathroom or use a icky bedpan. I really couldn't imagine how much more of a struggle my life would be if I didn't have my Ostomy. Truly a blessing in disguise. Thank you for all you have done for me and my family. We wish you the very best. 👋
+GruntW0rk I'm so happy to hear that your ostomy was a blessing in disguise. It seems like for a lot of us, it truly is! I hope you're doing well now!
hi great to see you again Laura I missed watching your videos and wish you every success in your next journey in life.
Im sure a bunch of us were worried! Glad you are doing well. I am in a similar position as you. I got my ostomy about a year an a half ago right after my undergraduate career. I am now im gradschool for chemistry managing everything! I unfortunately have to change my bag every other day and that can get annoying but I am really glad to aee you back! I hope we get to see more from you in the future.
I totally understand, enjoy your life. You are so so special. 🌻
it's so good to see you back here. It was your video that got me through my ostomy surgery. I constantly had a thought in my head that if Laura manage it so well i can do that too. Big thanks sincerely TJ from Norway
+Trond O Jensen Thank you so much for sharing that with me! It means the world! Hope you're continually doing well!
Congrats, you are an inspiration to do many. You Rock!
That is fantastic! Glad to see you back!
+Thaila Skye Thanks! You're definitely one of my IBD Inspirations!
Congrats on your accomplishments. Hope you're feeling well.
Glad to hear you're doing good.
Nice to see you're doing well. Stay healthy
I have been following you for years now and I am glad u did an update.. Also with my battles I started my own channel no videos yet but I am getting to it.. Finally have some of my energy back, but turning 45 and going throw this I have noticed there aren't many older women who speak of this, I think it's cause of the way we were taught not to speak of it, well I am done with that now.... Once I get up and going I will inbox you with my new channel name... Glad you are getting to do so much for this cause xoxoxoxo
+Bella and Ditsy I am so looking forward to you doing videos! I absolutely agree! My mom and I have talked many times about the generational differences and how it affects how much people disclose and talk about their difficulties. Please keep me updated with your journey!
P.s. My surgery is coming up on the 10th March, your vids have been brilliant and as I've said, we are not going anywhere ;) xx
+BevsArtsandCrafts Oh my goodness! So soon! I hope you have a smooth and quick recovery! Keep us updated with your journey!
You are as gorgeous as ever. Best of luck in Chicago with your graduate studies.
You look great and I'm glad you are doing well , after my surgeries your videos got me though so much! I had/have Ulcerative Colitis. I did get the reversal so I still have a little bit of the UC that holds the jpouch. That's not right but I think you know what I mean, sorry been a long day! I love your videos and hopefully you will do lots more! Always a fan!
+heidi petrowics I know exactly what you mean. I'm worried about pouchitis/cuffitis as well. I definitely already have some cuffitis even though I'm not reconnected yet. My rectum was always one of my worst parts of my large intestine. Are you being treated for your jpouch problems? I hope you're feeling well now!
It seems like one month or another I do have pouchitis and it becomes so tiresome! But my surgeon and GI doc are fantastic! I live in Houston,TX and our hospitals and medical staff are very good. When ever I have a flair I'm always thinking in my mind oh maybe I want a permanent ostomy, my quality of live was so much better when I had an ostomy but everyone is different don't let my situation discourage you if you decide on the reconnect.
I'm new, been watching your posts, so its great you are back! Do you still have an ostomy as I know you were talking about reversals.
I've missed your videos!
+Samantha I've missed making them so much! Sorry this one was super boring blabbing about my own life ;) I'll get back to actual information soon!
You are an inspiration.
Hey! So you're in Valencia right? I live out here and Shield is only a few miles am way. I no longer have my ostomy and working with my J Pouch. Shield still calls me for supply refills though haha.
+Diane Brill I work in Valencia, but live in NoHo! next time they call, speak to a representative and explain that you don't have a need for supplies anymore. If that doesn't work, I'll talk to the call center manager for you. :) Let me know!
my latest thing is battling e coli and an ongoing kidney disease. i have no idea how i contracted e coli, of all things! omg! ive been on Kefra which was 4 times daily for 2 weeks, and then cipro for several times a day for 2 weeks. but now i have to see my urologist to see what else i can do! pray for me, please!
We miss you! :)
I'd love a video about how you travel so much with an ostomy! I have trouble doing simple things with mine.
+Lecia Willbanks I can definitely do a video on this!
did you get the reconnective surgery yet?
my stoma keeps making noises, is there any way I can stop it?
+CHINKICHOU generally we are most gassy when we consume gassy foods (broccoli, soda, etc) or skip meals. Make sure you're eating something small every couple hours to keep gas to a minimum. You can also ask your doctor about taking something like GasX or Beano over the counter. :)
Keep it up sweetie
+MrSpinteractive
Hi!
it sucks not being able to do a mundane thing like bending over from my wheelchair to pick something up offf the floor without my bag coming loose from the top. i had a real bad leak because of this, a couple days ago. yuck!!!!!!
Who are the 2 that gave this video a thumbs down
A CEO that watches Tosh.0? Don't tell Tosh! He'll get an even bigger head!
I have been following you for years now and I am glad u did an update.. Also with my battles I started my own channel no videos yet but I am getting to it.. Finally have some of my energy back, but turning 45 and going throw this I have noticed there aren't many older women who speak of this, I think it's cause of the way we were taught not to speak of it, well I am done with that now.... Once I get up and going I will inbox you with my new channel name... Glad you are getting to do so much for this cause xoxoxoxo
Hi Bella I've just turned 44 and last year I have had a stoma (colostomy ) my stoma was done due to an emergency cerian section 18 years ago . My nerve endings where damaged and I was always dashing to the toilet for years my doctor kept saying it was ibs but I wasn't 100%sure it was. Good luck with your new channel and I will look out for you.