Navigating life after 3 ostomies with guest Ann Marie

The Beautiful Bag

• 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.