Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy

There is the version of surgery you are told about… and then there is the version you actually live. In this episode, I share what my recovery really looked like after bladder removal, including the complications no one prepared me for. From unexpected delays due to scar tissue, to an extended hospital stay with an NG tube, to hair loss and a UTI that nearly turned septic, this is the side of recovery that often goes unspoken. This is not about fear. It is about awareness. Because when you understand what can happen, you are better prepared to recognize it, respond to it, and move through it. If you are navigating this yourself, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a real-life look at what recovery can actually feel like beyond the expected timeline.

Mental health after bladder removal is something many people experience, but few fully understand until they are living it. In this episode, I share the emotional side of recovery. The anxiety, grief, body image shifts, and the quiet moments where everything feels heavier than expected. I talk about what it felt like to navigate those early days without the support I needed, and the isolation that came with trying to figure it all out in real time. This is not about the physical side of recovery. This is about the part that happens internally. The moments where you feel disconnected, exhausted, and unsure how to move forward. I also share what helped me begin to shift out of that space, including recognizing the signs of depression, allowing myself to meet myself where I was, and finding small ways to move forward without pressure. If you are preparing for surgery, newly navigating life with a urostomy, or finding yourself in that quiet, heavy space, this episode is for you. You can also find Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy: The Handbook and The Plot Twist Journal on Amazon. Together, they support those preparing for or living with a urostomy, as well as those supporting them.

Nighttime with a urostomy is its own learning curve. In this episode, we talk honestly about nighttime bags, leg bags, tubing, setup struggles, and the little things no one really explains when you first come home from surgery. From leg bags that feel like a necessary evil, to choosing between Bard and Coloplast nighttime systems, to figuring out what actually helps you sleep without constant worry, this episode is all about real-life experience and practical tips. We also talk about gas and the “morning surprise” ballooning effect in nighttime bags, how diet can play a role, and simple adjustments that can make nights more comfortable. If you have ever wondered if you are doing it right at night, or just want to feel more confident and less alone in the process, this one is for you. Because better nights really do lead to better days.

Life after bladder removal…what does that actually look like one year later? In this episode of Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy, I share a real and honest look at my first year living with a urostomy. From the chaos of surgery day to unexpected complications, from frustrating early recovery moments to small but powerful milestones, this episode walks through the full journey, including the “oops” moments we all experience. I talk about what recovery really looked like in those first few months, the milestones that made the biggest impact, how my mindset shifted over time, what my “new normal” actually means, and how I ultimately got my life back. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey, in the messy middle, or further along, this episode is a reminder that progress happens, confidence builds, and life can feel full again. Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy: The Handbook and My Plot Twist Journal are available on Amazon, with links in the show notes. And if you have a story to share, I would love to hear it. Your experience may be featured in an upcoming episode.

“Oops” moments happen…to all of us. In this episode of Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy Podcast, we are talking about how to turn those unexpected moments into manageable ones by building your everyday and travel urostomy toolkits. From must-have essentials to real-life tips that make a difference, this episode is all about helping you feel prepared, confident, and ready to handle whatever comes your way…whether you are running errands or heading out on an adventure. We also explore a helpful tool from En Route Living called the Change Frame, designed to give you more flexibility and confidence when you are in less-than-ideal situations. Because let’s face it…not all bathrooms are created equal.

In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind my book and the Plot Twist Journal, and why I created both for you. At one point, my bladder and I had a very serious conversation… and I finally said, “We’re done here.” This was not a surprise eviction. It was something I fought for, because the way I was living before…was not living. What followed was a whole new journey. One filled with unexpected challenges, a lot of learning, and more than a few moments where I had to stop and think, “Well…crap, what do I do now?” In this episode, I talk about how that journey led to writing Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy: The Handbook and creating My Plot Twist Journal. The handbook is designed to guide you through life after bladder removal, with practical tips, trick and tools like building your urostomy toolkit, managing leaks, recognizing UTI patterns, and navigating the emotional side of this experience, plus much more. The journal is your space. A place to track your own discoveries, reflect on what works and what doesn’t, and see just how far you’ve come. If you’re living with a urostomy, or navigating any major life shift, this episode is for you. You are not alone in this.

Why would someone need their bladder removed? It is not something anyone plans for, but for many people, it becomes part of their story due to serious health challenges like bladder cancer, interstitial cystitis, neurological conditions, or other complications. In this episode of Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy, Dawn shares real-life perspective on the reasons behind bladder removal and what that reality looks like on the other side. This is not about medical explanations. It is about understanding the human side of the journey and what leads people here. Whether you are preparing for surgery, adjusting to life with a urostomy or neobladder, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers honesty, reassurance, and a reminder that you are not alone. Dawn also shares the story behind her upcoming book, Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy: The Handbook, created after searching for answers and finding very little real-world guidance. Tune in for a real conversation about why bladder removal happens and how life continues forward.

Why would someone need their bladder removed? It is not something anyone plans for, but for many people, it becomes part of their story due to serious health challenges like bladder cancer, interstitial cystitis, neurological conditions, or other complications. In this episode of Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy, Dawn shares real-life perspective on the reasons behind bladder removal and what that reality looks like on the other side. This is not about medical explanations. It is about understanding the human side of the journey and what leads people here. Whether you are preparing for surgery, adjusting to life with a urostomy or neobladder, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers honesty, reassurance, and a reminder that you are not alone. Dawn also shares the story behind her upcoming book, Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy: The Handbook, created after searching for answers and finding very little real-world guidance. Tune in for a real conversation about why bladder removal happens and how life continues forward.

The Other Side of Bladder Removal: Alex’s Neobladder Story What is life really like after bladder removal surgery? In this episode of Leaks, Laughs & Life with a Urostomy, I sit down with Alex to talk about life on the other side of surgery and his experience living with a neobladder. Alex shares his journey from diagnosis to surgery, recovery, and the process of learning how to live with a completely new urinary system. He speaks candidly about the challenges, adjustments, and unexpected victories that come with rebuilding life after such a major procedure. We talk about what recovery actually looks like, the emotional resilience it takes, and the realities people don’t always hear when they’re facing bladder removal. Alex’s story offers honest insight, encouragement, and a powerful reminder that life after surgery can still be active, fulfilling, and full of possibility. Whether you are preparing for bladder removal, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand what life with a neobladder is really like, this conversation offers real-world perspective and hope from someone who has lived it. Because this journey is full of leaks, plenty of laughs, and a whole lot of life.

Urinary tract infections can look and feel different after bladder removal surgery, and they do not always show up the way you expect. In this episode, I provide a practical overview of common symptoms in urostomy and neobladder patients, risk factors to be aware of, and the early warning signs that should prompt a call to your medical team. We discuss hydration, hygiene considerations, prevention strategies, supplements, and what surprised me most along my own journey, including odor changes, cloudy urine, and why drinking water like it is your new full-time job may save you a whole lot of trouble. The goal is to help you feel informed, prepared, and proactive, because sometimes the real danger is not the leak. It is ignoring the warning signs.

Getting dressed after urostomy surgery can feel like a whole new sport. In this episode, we talk practical clothing hacks that work, from waistbands that cooperate, to layering tricks, swimwear solutions, and pajamas that let you sleep without stressing about your setup. We break down how fabric, fit, and garment structure affect pouch support, concealment, and overall comfort, using real-life experience, not fashion theory. Because you deserve to feel secure, functional, and fully yourself again, even if your plumbing has been rerouted.

This episode provides a practical, in depth look at urostomy pouch styles, including one piece vs two piece systems, adhesive barriers, convex vs flat options, drainage designs, and major brand differences. If you are selecting or reconsidering your pouching system, this guide walks you through the key decision factors and technical features that impact comfort, fit, and reliability. Learn how to evaluate function and lifestyle needs so you can choose the right system with confidence.

Episode 3: Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before Surgery In this episode, Dawn shares the things she wishes someone had told her before bladder removal surgery. Not the pamphlet version. The real life version. From recovery timelines and emotional surprises to stoma placement, weight restrictions, supplies, wardrobe changes, and the mental toll no one prepares you for, this episode walks through what urostomy life actually looks like in the weeks and months after surgery. Dawn talks honestly about complications, fatigue, grief, adaptation, and learning to trust your body again, all with humor and heart. Whether you are preparing for surgery, newly living with a urostomy, supporting someone you love, or simply trying to understand what life after bladder removal involves, this episode offers practical insight, reassurance, and lived experience from someone who has walked it. This is not about fear. It is about information, patience, resilience, and knowing you are not alone as you find your new normal. Leaks happen. Laugh often.

Neobladder vs Urostomy Choosing a urinary diversion after bladder removal can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Dawn breaks down the differences between a neobladder and a urostomy, looking at both the medical basics and the real life experience that no one fully explains before surgery. Dawn shares her own journey living with a urostomy and her husband Alex’s experience with a neobladder, offering two honest perspectives on recovery, daily management, sleep, leaks, body image, and quality of life. Together, their stories highlight the pros, cons, challenges, and unexpected wins that come with each option. This episode covers how each surgery works, what recovery can look like, common complications, hydration, mucus, UTIs, and the emotional adjustments that come with learning a new normal. You will also hear practical insights on asking the right questions, finding support, and giving yourself grace during the transition. Whether you are preparing for bladder removal, supporting someone you love, or simply trying to understand your options, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and reassurance that there is no one right choice, only the choice that fits your body and your life. Leaks happen. Laugh often.

In this first episode, Dawn shares how she and her husband Alex each found themselves living bladder free, one with a urostomy and one with a neobladder. It is an honest, human look at fear, relief, leaks, laughter, and the real work of learning how to live fully in a body that had to be replumbed.