The Complications I Didn’t See Coming

Nobody Told Me About ...Returning to Work After Bladder Removal

Returning to work after bladder removal surgery is not just about physical recovery, it is a full adjustment in energy, confidence, routine, and how you move through your day. In this episode of the Nobody Told Me… series, I talk about what it was really like going back to work with a urostomy. From fatigue and stamina to practical challenges and emotional shifts, this is the side of recovery that does not always get discussed. Because nobody told me this part would take this much adjustment.

Nobody Told Me About...Hernias

Kicking off the Nobody Told Me… series with a topic most people don’t hear enough about before or after bladder removal surgery: hernias. In this episode, I share what hernias are, why they can happen after a urostomy, what to watch for, and the small everyday things that can make a difference in recovery. This is real-life conversation about healing, movement, and learning how to protect your body after major surgery. Because nobody really tells you this part… until you’re living it.

My Secret Weapons for Summer Heat

Summer brings its own challenges when you're living with a urostomy. In this episode, I share a few of my secret weapons for staying cool…what's worked for me when it comes to swimming, summer clothing, managing sweat, dealing with pouch ballooning, and staying comfortable in the heat. From swimwear solutions to one surprisingly simple hack that made a huge difference, we're talking real-life tips for enjoying summer with confidence.

Why is My Pee Purple?!?

Have you ever looked at your pouch and thought, "Well... that's not a color I was expecting today?" This week on Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy, we're talking about something every urostomate sees every day... urine. More specifically, what the color of your urine might be trying to tell you. From hydration and vitamins to medications, infections, and some surprising causes you may have never heard of, your urine can provide important clues about what's happening inside your body. Join me as we explore the rainbow of colors that can show up in your pouch and why paying attention to them may be one of the easiest ways to monitor your health.

Mind the Gap: What Doctors Don’t Always See

This week on Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy, we’re talking about the gap between what doctors know medically and what patients learn by actually living with a urostomy every single day. Doctors understand surgery, anatomy, labs, and complications. But patients learn the real-life side of this journey through experience... the leaks, skin irritation, product failures, anxiety before appointments, travel stress, and all the small details that never seem to make it into a chart. In this episode, I share my thoughts on self-advocacy, journaling, communicating with providers, and why lived experience matters in healthcare conversations. I also share a moment with my surgeon after she flipped through my book Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy: The Handbook and realized there were still things about daily urostomy life she had never considered before. This is not about “patients versus doctors.” It is about bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and real-life experience so patients feel more seen, heard, and understood. You can find my book, journal, podcast episodes, and additional resources at LeaksLaughsLife.com.