Husband's Honest Thoughts About My Ostomy | Let's Talk IBD

Join my channel for behind-the-scenes footage and more!
/ @letstalkibd
Zak shares his honest thoughts about my ostomy, sharing details about when we first met and how we handle life today!
For business inquiries, please email me at [e-mail]!
Shop some of my favorite Amazon products: www.amazon.com/shop/letstalkibd
Links within this description may be affiliate/sponsored links in which I receive compensation from purchases made. Thank you for supporting my channel!
Our Mailing Address!
7790 Easton Road
PO Box # 483
Ottsville, PA 18942
Music and/or other elements of this video are licensed through Envato Elements, EnvatoElements.com
#ostomy #ibd #chronicillness
Having difficulties hearing this video? Please click the "CC" button on the bottom left of the video screen!
And as always, find me on...
KZbin (duh) / letstalkibd
Instagram / maggietretton
Facebook / letstalkibd

[@LetsTalkIBD]

If you have any specific video requests, please leave them as a comment to this! Thanks so much!

[@zanneb6854]

How do you stay positive when you've been in remission for awhile, feeling almost "normal" and then you get the first signs you are having a flare-up? Sometimes it's hard for me not to get depressed. That aspect of having a chronic illness is, I think, the hardest (including the people around you who can't.always understand why suddenly you can't always do what you had been doing while in remission

[@zanneb6854]

Actually I think what I'm curious about is your thoughts towards therapy. Do you think when people (especially kids) are diagnosed with a chronic illness that they should automatically be referred to a therapist as well?

[@JessicaAhearnTarot11]

Could you please maybe do a video about life expectancy when someone has serious crohn's disease and how your caregiver feels about that and how they handle the possibility of losing us so often. For example does zack get scared about your illness and how much does he worry about losing you and how does he handle it.

[@jamedlock83]

@@JessicaAhearnTarot11 It has no effect on life expectancy

[@pusparanabhat4990]

Sis yau have parmanat ostoma ? Iam nepali

[@TheNyah5]

"You just find someone who completes you...and it's easy"....there...right there....my heart just melted. You are a VERY lucky girl, Maggie!

[@greergorton5566]

I really like how Zack Says he doesn’t really think about it it’s just you are and he’s fine with it that’s a beautiful thing.

[@cockeyedoptimista]

And Zak is a very lucky guy. What a lovely couple. God bless you both. It's great to see a marriage of close friends like this.

[@70schick36]

Regarding vomiting….always, always, always carry an emesis bag. Had a lot of vomiting when I had a feeding tube. Weight loss surgery worked too well!

[@ozzythemozzi9427]

We need more Zaks in this world! What an amazing guy! Much love to you both

[@juliakerner1880]

I had a friend in high school who’s mom had IBD and an ostomy. She grew up calling the stoma “pinky” and when it made noise “pinky” was “talking”-the family talked about it like a pet lol. It made me think of an ostomy in such a positive way and stuck with me almost 20 years later.

[@cockeyedoptimista]

It is like a pet.

[@margarmargar1871]

Perfect

[@carlajoyswan]

Lol love it !!!

[@Cpik321]

Zack is amazing. His parents raised him well.

[@sallylloyd6614]

I loved how Zac said “it’s just part of US “

[@cindyrinaldi3064]

Zak is definitely a keeper!!! My husband has supported me through 18 major surgeries and these men are priceless. What gifts. So much for which to be thankful. ❤️

[@Lady_McSassy]

I honestly can’t picture a world where Maggie and Zak aren’t a thing💜

[@missiris1234]

Well said🙂

[@jerometsowinghuen]

Mr Zak really passed the Q&A about your ostomy with honesty, Miss Maggie.

[@ajm3821]

He is such a nice guy. All around trooper. Anyone would be so lucky to find someone like him.

[@tootsingtonfabulucy1050]

Zack is such a positive personality, a really likeable and authentic guy. He really brings the calm and balances the relationship out. I hope Zack has his time to shine.

[@rebekahkasper6126]

You guys are a precious couple. For all of your fire, passion, and sunshine, Zak is your match in gentleness, kindness, and patience. Also him taking the blame for your stoma noises is true love!

[@cockeyedoptimista]

That seems like a great description of those two. Beautifully said. And Zak taking the heat for the stoma noises: pure gallantry.

[@gemmi1]

Oh Zak you got me crying! Saying Maggie completes you ❤️❤️❤️

[@LetsTalkIBD]

He is the better half of us for sure!!

[@cockeyedoptimista]

@@LetsTalkIBD you are both fantastic.

[@leslieholland7843]

My late husbandand I meshed like this -- we were both disabled, plus I was his caregiver. You both do the very best that you can, and the outcome is a balanced and happy relationship. We know that we both had each others best interests at heart. When you love someone you make allowances, and what could be gross from any other person is ok when it is your spouse.

[@deirdremorris9234]

FACTS!!!

[@randinatkowitz2487]

Ok I am just going to say this and I mean it from the bottom of my heart. Every lady, myself included, needs a guy like Zak. Someone that is understanding, selfless, laid back, fun and so good natured!!! I may be 46 but I still want to meet someone like him!! Of course, Maggie, you are an incredible person and the two of you make the most adorable couple!!! ❤️

[@martinadefonthana2945]

And i believe you will... my husband was 54 when we met and we feel complete now. it is never too late or impossible ♡

[@randinatkowitz2487]

@@martinadefonthana2945 thank you so much… and I’m so happy that you met a wonderful man! ❤️

[@EmilyMineDesigns]

Age is just a number! He will find his way to you one day, I promise. My husband was 37 when we met.

[@randinatkowitz2487]

@@EmilyMineDesigns thank you 🙏

[@Silvercrypto-xk4zy]

as a single male with an ostomy i really appreciate this video. one of my concerns is acceptance

[@itsdiane2you11]

I hear ya. I'm a single older female with a new ostomy and I get it.

[@melodybollinger4747]

The right girl won't care. Please don't settle for less.

[@Danoz_die_wreckt]

My close friend surprised me a while back by telling me he had two bags. I had no idea. He had it from birth along with many other complications. He never lets a chance go by. Lived life to the full. Loved drinking smoking and partying. Didn’t mind a good scuffle too mind you. He taught me among other things that life is too short to hold a grudge. Let go. He is an incredible guy. Anyone facing getting this and stressing think of my friend (probably at the pub)and know that life goes on and people are more accepting than you might fear. And if they are not…tell ‘em to bash it, courtesy of my mate.

[@bereal6590]

Cool empathetic thoughtful comment, love it

[@corik1065]

My husband and I have made it a habit of asking do you need a solution or just someone to listen. It’s helps to ask to know what your partner is looking for because sometimes I don’t want a solution I just want to be heard or I know the solution I just want to be upset for a second and vice versa

[@gingerrogers5062]

Such an interesting idea. In thinking about it, I realize that so much of the time I have assumed a solution is desired/accepted. I’m going on rethink that.

[@Nelldivine]

I admire you Maggie and I’m glad you found a wonderful, compassionate, loving Zak. I have one named Tom and I feel so grateful. My husband has supported and loved by me through two cancers, several surgeries, treatments and urostomy.

[@zanneb6854]

Oh my gosh! I think everyone has had that accident experience where you have a leak (or more!) that you weren't prepared for and worried how others would react. It is one thing to know in the abstract.about.someone having an ostomy, but when they are confronted with it, not everyone can handle it. You are SO lucky to have Zak!

[@yorkiemom4498]

I received my first iliostomy when i was married 20 yrs. my husband was extremely helpful and knew the surgery was life saving. I received my permanently iliostomy 27 yrs into my marriage. Again my husband was there for me. He accepts this is a part of keeping me alive and is just grateful to have me around. Strangely i didn’t have a problem with crohns disease until 40. We had both children and were done so i dont have any advice on that.

[@bellem.8329]

I do love the way you look at each other in the eyes. It says a lot about your relationship.

[@OldrNwizr2]

If we all could have a Zak in our lives the world would be a much better place. And that segue from a twenty minute 'deep-and-meaningful' to 'where do the bugs go' is surely Classic Zak!

[@marsharowaihy6725]

Zak, seriously seems like a legitimate great guy. Seems very nice & easy to get along with.

[@copycatmadame7476]

Zak is definitely one in a quadrillion! You guys are relationship goals! I'm married myself and my hubby got to go to ostomy boot camp with me after my surgery. It's been a journey. Haha but like you said... you just find someone who completes you and it's easy ♡

[@theresahernandez2350]

He has the best attitude God bless him and he is good looking and she is a powerful girl with everything she went thru God bless the both of them

[@LaurieButts]

He passed with flying colors! You both are precious.

[@clbrad402]

You two seem perfectly compatible...so sweet. You are both so lucky to have found each other. 😍

[@richards1929]

Love the openness of this video, on the part about Zach telling people, I'd probably be the same.. "This is my girlfriend, she's not arsed"

[@dee_ewell_pierce]

Zach passed with flying colors! He is a Prince and you are a princess!

[@larryboysen5911]

You two are "soulmates"...and compliment each other! That is the foundation of a solid relationship!! God bless both of you on your journey through life!

[@ruthgoebel723]

Zak is a treasure! You are blessed!!!

[@triciaslater4783]

This was very helpful. Zac is a treasure and it’s great when you have a compassionate partner.

[@lanieleigh9970]

Yes Zak, you passed with flying colors!!! You guys are so great for each other! You both found a great one in terms of your relationship!

[@gigilala4440]

We’re so lucky Maggie my husbands just like Zak. He even helped me clean it in the beginning and was always there when I was crying. It’s so wonderful to have someone that doesn’t even pay attention to it. As long as you and I are okay. My mood swings are just ok with him. Love you guys. So cute together. Stay well. Love watching you. ❣️❣️

[@anthonyowsley8286]

Miss Maggie, I think I've said this before. But, It's worth repeating. You and your husband seem like GREAT people. And you both seem to really enjoy being around each other.

[@michellekiteflyer]

What a great guy Zak is, your very lucky Maggie, best couple match ever! 😀

[@maakatipa4613]

My Mum was one of the first women in New Zealand to have an ileostomy back around 1963. She passed july 2022 aged 88. She would always over exaggerate " if you only knew how I feel " whenever her bag started complaining.

[@DanniTheMagicJunkDrawer]

Zak is really a sweetheart. Glad you guys found each other ❤️

[@jeannettewalker3733]

You guys are so blessed to have each other. You both are amazing people and so lucky to have found each other.

[@annegreenwood3624]

zack is so sweet and kind love his shirt there true soulmates i got left because the other person didn’t want to deal with my chronic illness thanks for sharing it inspires so many

[@rosemaryphelps2733]

Zak is so much ‘a keeper’. It’s just part of us. ❤️

[@annafesta1169]

So happy you guys found each other ! Zac is a gem and so are you 💖

[@a_HUMAN_bEiNg]

Thank you so much for answering my question! I feel the same exact way when my loved one is so sick. It’s just so hard to come to the realization that there literally is nothing I can do. Makes me feel better to know I’m not alone in that realization. Love you guys!

[@PrinzessinMurx]

I am nearly crying. You are the most beautiful and perfect couple I have ever seen. This is so wonderful to watch. Just a perfect match

[@alejandradiazruiz16]

I really enjoy the adventure you both go on. From your videos it really feels like the ups and downs in life are going to be all right so long as you guys have each other. Love you both! Great video!!!

[@marvismatarozzo5119]

I think you compliment each other nicely. My hubby is like Zak, calm and level headed. I'm a dreamer so he holds the "string of my balloon" to keep me grounded.

[@iammellbell]

Thank you to the both of you for sharing this it helps me feel less alone. You are both so sweet

[@kathysteffek879]

You guys just are so good together. I wish you both nothing but a wonderful long happy life together. ❤

[@JessieI]

I have IBS and I've never minded sharing that with anyone, so my SO knew that about me long before we moved in together. One night I had an episode and I didn't wake up fast enough to make it to the bathroom, so yeah, diarrhea in the bed, trail of it to the bathroom. I sat on the toilet and cried at horrific embarrassment of it all. Then I washed up, cleaned the bathroom and came out. He had already stripped the bed and remade it with clean sheets and mopped the floor. I cried again. No one had ever done that for me. He pulled me in and told me, "it's not a big deal, you had an accident is all". "Do you want me to get you anything? Come to bed, let me hold you, we can wash the sheets tomorrow". My ex used to tell me to throw a towel over it, go back to sleep, and I could change the sheets after he went to work in the morning. Of course neither of us knew I had IBS until a year or two after we'd been together, so maybe I'm not what he signed up for. That's ok, he wasn't what I signed up for either 🤣🤣🤣.

[@karenshepler7128]

So good to see you both and it's so nice that you complete one another ❤ all the best!!!

[@jamespayette7574]

Maggie….you and Zak are perfect for one another. Zak said that you complete him, but the fact is you complete each other. Give each other…snd the pups…a hug!

[@cathydonnelly6113]

I met my husband playing football (soccer) too. I’ve just had surgery for an ileostomy after 15 years of marriage and we are learning to cope together .

[@barbaraadelman2391]

You guys are simply awesome, and deserve each other in the most positive of terms. The videos are inspirational and informative (and entertaining!) not only for those who have similar maladies, but for anyone, anywhere. At this time of Thanksgiving, thank you for what you bring to so many.

[@patmartens4751]

What a wonderful couple you are. Zap has a great character and few men would handle it without embarrassment. REAL love changes everything.

[@ritamozley5463]

Zak is a treasure Maggie! What a kind, caring, sweet, sweet man you have there! Y'all are such a special adorable couple. Have a happy, happy Thanksgiving! Much love & hugs to you both❤️

[@lindseyrauss9172]

You are such a beautiful, inspiring couple! Zak is a king! This was an enjoyable Q&A 😊 Have a great Thanksgiving!!!

[@quiltea56]

Zak you did amazing and you and Maggie are amazing together. Thank you for your honesty. ALways enjoy listening to you both. Hugs and blessings to you .

[@samii65]

Thank you Mag & Zak, I enjoyed watching you both doinb the questionnaire. Zak is so calm, and chill. You need to get his genes, more of us gurls need our own Zaks... lol love & blessings from Australia xx

[@rawr333r]

Omg I'm crying. You guys love each other so much. He loves you so much 😍

[@diansheffield6550]

That sweet man is definitely a keeper..yall are too cute together

[@ginybrown8738]

You two are the best. There is so much between you both. Was having a down day now I’m happy, bless you both.

[@jenniferthompson6280]

y'all are so precious together, zac has such a funn personality

[@kimmoyer2891]

You guys are characters...i live it. You are definately well matched ♥️♥️

[@melissawright4040]

Thank you for sharing. I have learned a lot from your channel. You are very lucky to have someone like your husband

[@mariebarnes416]

Maggie you are blessed to have such a supportive hubby. Zak you are blessed to have such a sweetie for your wife. You're perfect for each other.

[@teresajohnson8988]

Ya’ll definitely complete each other.The best example of true love!

[@yumihs2]

You're the sweetest couple, I'm so glad you found each other! ❤️

[@markhannam7144]

I have an Ostomy due to diverticulitis and culminated in peritonitis and a Hartmans op. My wife is a rock my soul mate and best friend. She’s always said it doesn’t bother me, I’m just glad to have you alive!

[@courtneykappel370]

You’re such a beautiful couple! Thanks for sharing your story. 💕

[@laurag5583]

You rocked it, Zak!

[@michaeldara271]

Hey Zach, you're a great guy, accepting and accommodating a person as is. God bless you both.

[@fiennesgirl9776]

Zak seems so sweet and he’s cute and has a nice voice! I’m glad that y’all have each other. You’re so perfect together it seems! Much happiness to you both! ❤

[@deirdremorris9234]

Support is EVERYTHING. For both partners! "Its a part of US". And there you have it!!💞🙏

[@debrarevay7493]

I can't hardly wait!

[@kraebat7]

You have helped me more than you know!! Im new and was embarrassed of the noises too. My son laughs and thinks their funny too. My son's humor is great tho', he told me, "Well the next time it goes off just say, oh excuse me, I have a text message"... LOL. It sure helped me lighten up about it, so when it does make noise unexpectedly. I tell that text message story, it gives us all a little chuckle lol .. And Zak... You Rock dude!!

[@menmykrazycat8129]

You guys are fantastic together, keep that love ❤️ & understanding, it’s all you need. 😊

[@jackmehoff6881]

What a great husband!Unfortunately my wife had a hard time dealing with my surgery and ileostomy and my 9 year relationship was over within a month of my surgery. If the roles were reversed I would never leave but she literally left when I needed her most! Your husband is an awesome man who loves you just the way you are, real love dgaf about an ostomy!!!-

[@georgiayoung9124]

Sooo sorry to hear this. Prayers for you personally.

[@dave6199]

Sorry mate, obviously she wasn't a keeper anyway

[@angiepangie989]

My ex was shit too, the best thing he ever did for me was to leave 😅

[@silvialynch3592]

Evidently, she would have left regardless. Your ostomy probably was just a welcomed excuse for her.

[@doloresnewman2983]

I have a friend who's husband left her because she got breast cancer, had to have a mastectomy and he just couldn't handle it!! So she went through her chemo and radiation alone while having to deal with him abandoning her and going through a divorce on top of it! Some people aren't human.

[@yesterdaydream]

Aw that was my comment about space during nausea; honored it made an appearance in this video, lol! The nonverbal car scenario is such a beautiful example of listening to each other and applying that listening as a caring action. Also, bringing the smallest bowl as a joke is hilarious (when the big bowl is nearby)! Love y'all

[@j.e.madrigal]

You both are great! Blessings Maggie!

[@sandraadams4940]

Have a very good Thanksgiving. Great to see you together

[@sharonwilliams5701]

You guys are the best!! Thanks for having this talk. I’m 68 years old and it’s like starting over in life with a bag on me. So now sex is rare but good 😊🌷 Stay safe and healthy. I watch your video almost everyday and I look forward to watching. God Bless🙏

[@grandmapamm]

You are blessed to have such a great husband. My husband had his bladder removed and required a bag to collect his urine and it was never a problem for me. Sadly my husband passed away from the bladder cancer he had when it went into his kidneys. At least you are healthy now and in a better place. Your husband is great I am so happy you have him.

[@lolly5453]

Great info, but gotta say the overarching take-away from this vid is that you two are just the cutest!! Congrats on finding each other, absolutely made for one another and it’s so sweet to see 🥰

[@carolyngrubb1524]

First time viewer. Zac is so cute and a "ginger". You won the prize with him!!!

[@jamiesingleton3909]

You can totally tell Zak is camera shy! Poor guy throwing him under the bus right off the bat! Thanks for being a good sport, Zak

[@LetsTalkIBD]

He was actually very excited to do this - no throwing him under the bus here.

[@gonnabeok.]

What a great guy. Perfect for you Maggie.....lucky couple to have found each other.

[@meluvfriends]

I loved hearing about Zak asking you to text him! I have slight memory problems so a lot of times if I think of something Ill ask my husband to quickly text it to me! I thought we were the only ones.

[@TraciWithAn-i]

What a wonderful guy! You’re so blessed

[@kathryncollins713]

I have only just started following you and oh my gosh you guys are such a lovely couple.

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

Zack. You did awesome. You are the best possible husband for Her! You are a dynamic duo!! Love you two..

[@tina9570]

You two are awesome! Love you two!

[@morgenmuffel5747]

We stan Zak; always so sweet

[@davidleslie1963]

You two are amazing...I am learning a lot!

[@mom5752]

Love this channel!!!! My whole life with digestion issues..diagnosed with diverticulitis 8 years ago and now can't find anything or diet that works....soooo frustrat3d but proud of you and thank you ❤️ ♥️

[@Astrid591000]

Thank you Maggi. And Zak. This was so interesting and. Relating to me xx

[@vzielomaria6778]

We love you guys, happy holidays ❤ 💙 ☃️

[@mariacawdron2488]

Yes Zak you passed, perfect ly in tune with your lovely Maggie xx

[@TraceyWallace-kc7si]

You Both are such an Amazing & Caring, Loving, Honest & Special Couple 💝💝

[@a626mazda]

you 2 are the sweetest!!