Relationship with my Body: Living with Chronic Illness

[@dunteman_racing]

Hi Laura. I just wanted you to know that your videos made a world of difference for my father and our family as he struggled with his ostomy after fighting stage 4 colon cancer over the last 2 years. After multiple surgeries and close calls he made it, full remission. Your positivity and honesty about your condition has a real impact on people's lives. You're an amazing person. Thank you.

[@Ostomystory]

jdunteman oh my gosh, this made me cry. Thank you so much for sharing this. This is why I wanted to start this channel. I am SO happy to hear your dad is in remission! I wish you, your dad and family continued health!

[@Joshow313]

jdunteman Hi! May I ask what was it that kept your dad going? My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer this past Feb. Shes also had multiple surgeries (still recovering from a major surgery) and all of them almost cost her her life. Everyday is tough but some days are better - though the fatigue, pain, and depression never really goes away. She has been talking about ending her life due to how difficult her journey has been. The family is trying to keep hope alive. I was very moved and inspired by your comment and was hoping you can give me some insight. Thanks in advance!

[@dunteman_racing]

@@Joshow313 Hello, I am so sorry I never saw your post here. When I get home I'll try and get you the best answer I can give.

[@dunteman_racing]

@@Joshow313 My father says that he was ready to accept his fate, but he didnt want to give up. One of the major thing that kept him going was his grandkids and watching them grow. He says your Mom needs to find that small things that mean the world to her, and hold on tightly. I dont know your whole situation, but my father did not have the best of care during the first few surgeries and it caused horrible complications. Desperate and fustrated we got a second opinion from a university hospital. This decision saved his life. Changing doctors caused drama with the staff at the origional hospital, but the level of care at a university hospital was outstanding. At any time a team of doctors and students followed every detail of his case, and his main doctor was at his becon call. I canny stress enough this point. This is your moms life, if she or your family ever think something is wrong, make a change. Also, talk to survivors, they are very supportive. My father is a quiet man, but he was happy to answer a question like this and he wish your mother well. I'm sorry this took me so long to respond, I really wanted to have a conversation like this with him in person. Stay strong!

[@Joshow313]

jdunteman Thanks for your message! I believe my mother did hold on for my father and grandkids. Sadly, there were too many complications one after another. She passed away in December. With everything that has been happening with COVID-19, it was probably a blessing as she would’ve passed away alone and without a proper burial. I wish you and your father health and well wishes.

[@laliz2010]

I recently went to the doctor and they told me i most likely have inflammatory bowel disease. :( Its been so depressing being in so much pain and nobody understands. Something that is helping to brighten my mood was eliminating alot of the stressors in my life. You are so brave, please continue to make more videos!

[@LenkaSaratoga]

You are intelligent, well-spoken and genuine young lady. Thank you for being open and courageous.

[@maceemartinez]

I am so glad you’re back!! Everything you said I can relate to I constantly feel like my body is against me! I am also terrified of food that I know is good for me but I am just afraid it’s going to hurt later! Please continue to tell your story the good and the bad your journey has really helped me to not feel so alone in how my body feels!!

[@drmangers]

I'm 48, I was diagnose with ulcerative colitis at the age of 17. Had a W pouch at the age 24, ( nobody really gets W pouch's any more ). Then diagnose with crohn's at 44, now with an ostomy. I haven't trusted my body since the age of 22 lol. The two biggest thing's that help me deal with body image issues, trusting your body, is a sense of humor, and most importantly a support system. Watching your video's, and other's here on youtube are helpful, and it's nice to know others are struggling with the same things I go through, but with out family, and friends I would be in a different place. Sometimes you have to be vulnerable around the people who love you.

[@sallyomally132]

Yes, thank you for talking about such highly personal topics. You help people so much. Stay safe!

[@crabbygirluc9926]

You are a lovely lady. I had an ileostomy/j-pouch surgery at age 25 and was also fortunate enough to have it reversed. You are so right. Just because you have an organ removed, doesn’t mean the autoimmune disease has “left the building.” I was in denial about that for a long time. While I did well for many years, I am now on Remicade even after j-pouch surgery and struggle with chronic anemia. I also help people for a living. I know I’m late to the party but I love this idea for a series. I for one most DEFINITELY have a difficult time trusting my body, and yes, it often scares me. So impressed by you and would love to see more ❤️

[@musictomoveit]

We would love to see this series, mind and body. I think it could help a lot of people to hear and experience some of your journey while you are still navigating this topic! Not easy at all but it is important and I think many people will relate and be able to gain a lot from seeing the videos you’ve described here. Ty for coming back to yt, lovely to see you!

[@marcysheiner2152]

I really enjoyed this episode. You are so engaging, Laura, and eminently sane.

[@maczos707]

Thanks Laura for share your feelings many of us have the same experience , but because of your videos then I realized that's this not gonna let me down , I have three children and I will fight every day to do it better with their health with their bodies with the meals , etc. Keep share videos of you can , God bless you

[@theloveIychristine]

Hi Laura, your story really speaks out to me. I just want to give you a big hug and say "you've been doing so well." You're strong and it's admirable. If I ever become a nurse someday, I'll think of you when I care for people who are in similar situations like yours, and let them know that they can be strong because you exist! Lots of love and take care,

[@milanapolkovnikova7294]

You are amazing! Such a big topic you are raise! It is very important to people with chronic diseases. I had such disease too (oncology) and for me was very difficult to keep myself positive. I am a doctor and in my country people do not speak about such problems. I think it is not right and we must speak about them.Thank you a lot for your beautiful videos

[@Tiffairishgirl]

Yes most def And: Everyday life such as tasting (enjoying the food and taste of things you cannnn eat). Listening to music not just as a distraction which is good once in awhile but to “dance” to (even if I’m your bed... feeling the music with your whole body and soul). Touch and feel the things you see such as flowers, nature or just interesting cloths. Those are my big things especially the music!

[@Ostomystory]

Tiffany Powers these are such great ideas! I’ll definitely try these and include some in one of the upcoming videos!

[@Tiffairishgirl]

Hehe what’s great was this and a similar response to a similar question on Instagram made me realize how I was using these things more though I knew they were good for my mood and stuff but :) I realized that yes I’ve been doing that 🥰

[@GruntW0rk]

Hi, Welcome Back !! Im a long time Sub. I had an ostomy set up a while back and your videos helped me feel more normal about it. It really really helped me. Im so glad you are well. Keep doing you BoBo.

[@bigG88]

Your videos, especially early on, helped me soooooo much to process my emotions following my procedure. Keep on keeping on!

[@heidipetrowics2052]

Hi Laura, yes most definitely do more videos! Your videos got me through my total colectomy years ago. Recently has a bone marrow biopsy and I did not know that the UC is still in my system. Kind of a bummer but I also suspected as much. I totally understand what you were talking about, my head and mind are fine but the rest has it’s own way of doing things.

[@the.magnus]

Hi beautiful Laura, your videos give confidence and knowledge to so many people who have family or themselves going through this process. You have the most beautiful personality, and u look gorgeous too. Love your videos ❤️😀

[@ranjanandmicmicnepalphilip7696]

hi there. firstly, the video of u changing ur ostoma is beautiful. especially, the way u handled it with so much of positivity. im sure it required a lot of strength to be positive for someone who was germophobic at one point. I guess what matters much is to stay positive , which u are nailing at. And also, to know that life is what matters the most. Everything else, follows as long as we go on with our living. Even our body. I really like the part where u said that u feel detached from your body. I totally agree that our thoughts is what makes us an individual, body is however an important part of it that allows the thoughts to be possible. To be able to accept of whatever we have left of our body takes a lot of courage and i salute you for having a whole lot of it. I think u already know it all about how to deal with the chronic illnesses. We have to live with the knowledge that the suffering will always be there as long as we live and all we can do is learn to adapt to them. For me , it really helped to see u being so positive with ur illness in your other video. i like this video too coz u are so amazing at putting your feelings into words. i believe that its a blessing to be able to express yourself in a way others can relate to you. To answer ur question of what can help others deal with chronic illnesses, I guess the answer is, at times when you get frustrated and negativity starts to kick in, best thing you can do is to adapt to the positivity of others , specially those with similar or even more difficult case than what you have. im not sure if im making any sense at all. just wanted to comment though. :) Stay blessed laura. You are awesome. and also, it took me almost 45 minutes to write this comment. :D

[@chouhanbrothers212]

I really appreciate your positiveness. God bless you

[@jessicasopolis3904]

You are a warrior woman. You rock!!! Xoxo

[@JohnDoe-ll4sy]

I'm 35, and living with an ostomy. Hoping to get it reversed soon, but I'm very self conscious about it. Thanks for your videos, you're awesome.

[@user-gy9ne7ev1x]

We’ve missed you. Sending you love from London. England . ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@beautifulvibedynamic6155]

So beautiful! More videos plz!

[@handymancandoit562]

You look healthy and beautiful

[@marycookmoore3956]

I am just seeing this but been concerned about you. Did check from time to time to see if you had uploaded because KZbin doesn’t send notifications. Really relate to everything you said in video. Unfortunately I recently been diagnosed with breast cancer so right now I feel my body failed me. I have been tri e to be healthy don’t drink soda, worked out been vegan / vegetarian almost my entire life. At first I was concerned my diet caused th cancer (high levels of soy) but every doctor said that isn’t true. Congratulations on being professional therapist. I would love to see series on rebuilding trust with your body for all chronic illness. KZbin is always changing but right now seem like youtube and algorithm are pushing longer videos similar to podcast format or documentaries. Really hope you come back because your channel reached so many. I use to have channel but deleted it for various reason but security behind one. I have thought about documenting my journey with breast cancer because issues there isn’t ton of vlog coverage of breast journey and none with Crohn/ostomy. I have already had issues come up with my osotmy. Sorry my message is a late rambling. You are so well spoken and great representative for all of us. No matter what sending positive thoughts your way and hope you are ok,

[@drmangers]

Oh, yeah, I think videos like these are important.

[@burntcookies8133]

I understand you... I was diagnosed with CKD in 2016 and had to undergo a kidney transplant. I will keep all of you in my prayers.. I don't know how to put it in words... It's terrible... It's heartbreaking but we are all in this together

[@GruntW0rk]

Something that I still have trouble with... Being around people who do not know i have an Ostomy and i pass gas. If they are close enough they can tell it was from not far enough down. I don't mind telling people what the issue is. But sometime you just don't want to have to explain it. And far too often what I'm willing to say is something as blunt as, "I shit in a bag..." Which I have never had anyone ask for more details after being hit with that one. I try to find humor in everything about my life. And that one is always funny later on when the person is around other people who know. We have a good laugh because almost all of my friends have had the 'sh*t in a bag' story thrust upon them. So its kinda a right of passage. If ya know, you are my inner circle. If you don't..... Well.... A coworker of my wife had her father need an Ostomy. The hospital sent him home WITHOUT ANY SUPPLIES OR EVER HAVING SEEN A NURSE ! so when she talked to my wife she comes home and is like "where are you emergency supplies?" She filled me in and YOU where the 1st thing i thought about... I got online and searched for your channel and wrote it down. Had her tell her coworker that her Dad should watch your videos. So two days later she hears from the girl. Her Dad was doing good and had gotten squared away with a delivery company. She said he changed his set up and clipped a new bag on and went to bed. That morning he had a good bit of gas built up. So he opened it up and aired it out in the bathroom. So being told this i gasp and start laughing. My Wife informs me that he has learned to never do that inside ever again.

[@AgentOffice]

I feel you. During a flare i feel like i lost control of my body and i want to transcend

[@sherthetruth]

Hi i really love watching your videos. I feel like we could be friends in real life. Please keep posting. I dont have an ostomy but i have loved learning of your journey and stength. I relate to it in so many ways.

[@Ostomystory]

Sher The Truth thanks so much! Sending love ❤️

[@MyJourneyLivingwithUC]

Happy to hear that you are back! :-)

[@santemig]

I am happy that you are OK.

[@oliviawilliams275]

Hey thanks so much for making these videos I was wondering if there was a way to email you to ask you a few questions? Again these videos have inspired me and made feel less alone

[@cherlina8971]

I really love your video Keep fighting !!!

[@aestheticsoul2778]

Stay strong ❤

[@chiefnegronegaming2187]

I love you I love keep it up live as long as u can do not give up have fun I no you feel a lot of pain but make sure u have a lot of fun

[@MikeSmith-cy5ip]

I've been watching your videos for a while, I have digestive issues as well, and I'm hoping to treat my body better as well, I have bathroom anxiety and hate pooping in public places or around people I know, so I hurt my body by holding it in, do you suffer from this, do you have any advice to help. Thanks

[@chiefnegronegaming2187]

Omg I love seeing you

[@eduardojose8172]

You're so gorgeous!!

[@Stomanner]

Will you be making any new exciting KZbin videos each month? I'm interested to watch or comment to positive people with colostomy, crohn's disease, IBS etc. and enjoy sharing relevant videos into the community through my @Stomanner channel. With no need to subscribe, unless you'd like, I'm happy to receive yours or another relevant video link that you want to share and I'll watch it. I've recently started a new series of episodes each week for the best 5 chosen videos - who knows, it could be featured! Thank you.

[@sambhavanshivan5457]

I love you😘

[@kassideekrogh8120]

You should do more videos

[@catlove111]

If you don't mind me asking why did you have to have that done to you the colostomy bag

[@AgentOffice]

She has ulcerative colitis

[@AgentOffice]

Or chrons

[@dianasharon5647]

Laura, are you in a relationship? Perhaps that would help.

[@RC.41]

Diana Sharon I agree. She is a beautiful person

[@mdfoyezbhuain2797]

Hi 👋

[@chiefnegronegaming2187]

You r very beautiful

[@junochen5557]

Carnivore cures.

[@chiefnegronegaming2187]

Pls get a boy friend it help a lot make sure you r having sex not trying to be fun I think it helps

[@chiefnegronegaming2187]

Keep doing your videos it help out a lot of people I know it is hard but do it any way can you still have sex just asking sorry if I make u feel some type of way if I spell type wrong I can care less just like how you should be about hater