A Very Needed Health Update - Kidney Issues | Let's Talk IBD 

Thank you so much for your support. Zak and I feel very loved ❤️

Maggie, we never get tired of hearing about your health problems. As a community of friends, we are here to share in your downs as well as your ups.

I started watching you when I first received my colostomy in July 2021. I woke up fine that morning, by the afternoon I was in incredible pain and the next day I woke up wearing a bag. You are the only channel about this I even watch anymore. You and Zach are the real deal. I love his genuine smile and I love to watch your wedding videos. He smiles and looks at you just like I hope someone looks at me one day. My self esteem took a big nose dive when this all happened and when I watch you, I see now it could be much worse. You handle yourself so well and you seem to be so comfortable with your own body. Thanks to you, I'm getting there. Thank you for taking the time to make us all a part of your lives. I feel like you two are family. (and the way you treat your dogs, I just know you are both awesome!!!)

Maggie and Zak, someone once said “it takes all kinds of people to make the world and there are none missing”, you guys are awesome so hang in there. 🤞🏻👍🏻🎯😎

Yes, mention the symptoms because (a) your viewers care and (b) your experience can help others pay attention to things they might otherwise ignore. You may literally change, even save someone’s life. Haven’t commented in a long while, but I have recovered from the changed intro 😹You kept the sweetest moment, Zak’s kiss on the top of your head. I am so sorry things are so hard!

Maggie, call your GI doctor’s office back and tell them that you need to see the doctor SOON. March 17, 2023 is not acceptable! Just be polite and firm. If the scheduler isn’t helpful ask to speak to their supervisor and/or the doctor. At least leave him/her a message.

Omg! This is awful! Nobody should ever have to go through small town garbage. But just hang in there. It will go away eventually. And glad your doctor has scheduled a lot of work ups to find out what’s wrong---you are in a lot of pain!!!!! You are doing everything you can do. Just keep saying to yourself that all will be ok. I have to do the same thing to myself when days are difficult. Keep us posted. Sending prayers.

Maggie Maggie Maggie - you have to be Irish because you are a born storyteller. I could listen to you talk about grass growing or paint drying. I love that you can tell us about your health concerns. And being an older version of you with lots of the same chronic illnesses I promise you that you’ll get better. Sometimes I felt like crap for literal years! Then long wonderful stretches of feeling great. It balances out. And thank goodness for antidepressants and anti anxiety meds. What blessings they are! I’m praying your good years are right around the corner. As for the crazy neighbors, they are everywhere. Ignore as best you can and keep your sense of humor. All the best to you and Zac, sweet girl. Keeps those posts coming! ❤️

Maggie you are so inspiring. I have been following you for a couple of years. I love your honesty and how you cope and your great attitude. You always say "I'm going to get through this"! Love you both.

Some people just can’t bear to see others happy and successful. It’s so sad. You 2 are just great!!

I live relatively close to you and have thought about finding your place. Then I realize I’m a kind, considerate human being who would never intrude on your privacy. But you’re absolutely correct. Some people just flat out suck.

I can’t begin to imagine how hard all this must have been on top of all of your health stresses. I’m so glad that you and Zak have each other - fingers crossed things get easier soon!

So sorry you and Zak have had all of this happen. Some people have no sense of decency or privacy. You must take care of yourself first. Sending a hug and prayers for you both.

Absolutely cannot understand how anyone can take against such sweet people as you and Zak. I hope that sharing things a little more can be cathartic and helps your overall health even a little. Wishing you a speedy recovery through this latest setback xx

I can’t imagine people not being nice to you and Zack. Just hang in there and I will be praying for you guys. Y’all are very special!

Hi Maggie you are such an inspiration and part of a smaller world than you think. My dear wife (aged 70 now) has an ostomy (since 2008) but with a cancerous inoperable slow growing cyst which has been filling the void left by the removed colon. The cyst is crushing the tubes leading from the kidneys to the bladder. She has two stents in righty (two tubes that side) and a stent and nephrostomy in lefty. So we can so identify with your pain and discomfort. We are considerably blessed in England by (still) same week appointments with our doctor if needed. I have been following your story for some time and wonder in awe at your approach to life. My brother has for decades been afflicted by the same approach to everything he does on his farm from his surrounding neighbours so same here as for you. They even tried to run him down in their car on his land! Small world with the same troubles. Hang on in there. Feel blessed by those who love you.

Some people hate to see other people succeed or do better than they are doing. It's jealousy, fear, and the thought of you having more than they do. I work in a zoning office You wouldn't believe the things some people will do to try to stop someone from using their own property.

I am so sorry you have had such a bad time but don’t ever give up stay strong and support each other and prayer has seen me through 94 years of ups and downs you helped me through an osteomyelitis 2 years ago and have helped many many more. Stay strong and bless you. 🙏🏻

Goodness me! Come move to Australia Maggie. Free health care and friendly people galore. We would love to have you and Zac! 😉

Time to get another very large rescue guard dog.! With my 85 lb cattle dog-lab mix, nobody is peeking in my windows!

My daughter has a chronic illness and it’s comforting to hear from another woman who has struggles

Maggie hang in there! There is a world of trolls out there! Whether online or in the real world! I have Lupus, Sjögrens, Giant Cell Arteritis, Eosoniphilic Duodenitis, Gastric Dumping, Fecal Incontinence (TMI), Neuropathy, Diabetes, Hypertension, Migraines, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Anxiety Disorder, and a few more things. Just had surgery on my elbow for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment. Was loosing the use of my right hand. On so many medications and MRIs, scans, blood work, doctor visits, which I may add I am very thankful for all of them!! But my point is I understand your frustration because it seems like you get one thing cleared up and then here comes something else. And when you have immune system disorders it is usually chronic! Most people do not understand that. Stress is not our friend!!! God bless and keep you and your husband!

Maggie, as someone who also has a chronic autoimmune disease and a chronic pain disorder I 100% understand your feelings about talking about all your possible symptoms or what could be wrong. I feel like I always just feel like I’m complaining or that I sound like a hypochondriac. And the number of times I’ve been medically gaslit or medical people blame everything on my conditions. It took me 15 years to finally convince people to give me the right tests to get diagnosed with a heart condition and sleep apnea. I hope that you can get things cleared up quickly. Living with pain plus everything else is awful. I don’t know if my brain will ever stop hoping that I will someday get ‘fixed’. Even though I know its not possible. The reality of knowing I will have to manage my broken body for the rest of my life is so hard.

Oh Maggie I understand your struggles. I too have several autoimmune diseases. I look perfectly normal and am always smiling so no one understands what I go thru. You are such a beautiful inspiration to so many people. Stay strong and I will continue to pray for you and Zack.❤️🙏🏻

This wait of over a month or more seems to be the new norm for a first appointment with so many Doctors! It was like this for my first GI from the Hospital even! 3 months to get into the Endocrinologist for me BUT, now to March is CRAZY!

You are an amazing strong person. I fell upon one of your your tunes, and I have multiple autoimmune diseases. I dont share your issues. But I get very down, I hate going to lab work bc im always like now what's wrong with me. But I watch all your videos are so positive about everything it amazes me. You make be feel positive when im feel im at my worst. I want to wish you the best of luck!! Keep on rocking on! ❤🥰

Just ignore the mean people and think positive.usually the angry mean people are mostly just having issues them self and aren’t happy in life, so they lash out on other people. Hope you get well soon and stay positive. Best wishes!

Maggie you and Zac are really good people I'm sorry you're having problems with issues I'm sorry you're having some kidney associated issues don't let those people get you down you have such a sweet heart Maggie you and Zac are awsome people💜

I am so sorry! People are going crazy. I'm 85 with a colostomy. You are a very nice person Andi appreciate you help. I will pray for you.

Prayers for anxiety relief and improved everything. Your health issues are very much a challenge. I admire your courage and optimism as you take on each new challenge. Please , Lord send help to this dear young woman.

I hope the pain goes away soon and that you don't have to have another surgery! 🙏💕

The whole HOA thing is whole phenomena in human craziness - I saw this when putting solar panels on my roof. One neighbor in the neighborhood could see some corners of the panels through the trees if they stood in the back corner of their backyard. The effort by the HOA to block the solar panel installation was insane when our state law prohibited HOAs from doing so (+ the neighbor next to me didn't care), + there were far worse violations unaddressed. I got a lawyer, and in the end the HOA got hit with high legal fees, the board all resigned + the HOA mgr was fired.

I'm sorry to hear that you're a wonderful person you teach a lot of good stuff I enjoy listening to you

I'm sorry people have been so awful to you and Zak, no one deserves to be treated like you both have. Some people are so hateful and mean. I've heard that when people treat others badly its because they are jealous of your life and or what you are building. Don't let them get to you, just ignore them and take care of yourself Praying you feel better real soon 🙏

I hit some hard medical stuff this year, and I didn't realize it but watching your videos in previous years had put an image in my mind of your practical approach to life and medical stuff. I subconsciously used you as a role model! So I'm back to catch up. :)

I’m praying for you, Maggie!❤️

Maggie, you need to get on the waiting list . If an appointment opens up, you can get in sooner. Talk to the doctor or the PA. Hope things get better for you. My wife Sandy and I had weird things happening in our front yard. Items being messed with or stolen. We installed cameras and those events stopped. People are really weird. Hang in there. I'm having a Crohns flare now. Back in October 2010 I had open abdominal surgery for Crohns. The surgeon removed 3.5 feet of small Bowel and .5 feet of the Colon. Before that I had very severe seasonal allergies. After surgery the allergies disappeared. Nobody could explain that. Now I'm having this current flare and allergies are back. Have you ran across this before? Thanks for your help and positive attitude.

Wishing you and Zak the best Maggie. Hurts to see you in pain. Hope you get these issues resolved soon. Stay hydrated ☺️

Good God. I can't imagine why anyone would object to your barn. It's beautiful. And especially, how could they object to YOU? You are so sweet and open and cute and funny and happy....what in the world is there to object to? What's wrong with them?

Bless your’s and Zac’s hearts. I really feel for you Maggie concerning your health issues on top of the anxiety and stress issues. It’s a vicious circle. Never feel like your taking up to much time talking about these things. We understand the relief that venting can bring. When I get hit with one thing after another, I have learned to enjoy the times I feel good no matter how short that may last. It gives me strength to get through the next wave, knowing that feeling better is on the way. Also, crying is a big stress reliever as well. Holding it in just makes things worse. So let it out! As for people being inconsiderate, think the word Mercy. This will help you keep your sanity and will keep you from thinking anymore about what others do with their time. You said it yourself…..you and Zac are not them. Shame on them. You two keep moving forward and don’t look back. Much Iove to you and Zac.💞

I'm so sorry people and life has been so rough on you! I sincerely hope things start turning around for you and you get some relief in all aspects. We all love you and Zak and even if it is as small as encouraging words on here, we'll be here for you guys!

So sorry you and Zac have been having a hard time. My workplace is very toxic and as a result I've developed IBS. Unfortunately I've let it change me. I'm in therapy to hopefully change that. Stay being you guys. Also....... Your channel is about your health so if anyone has a problem with you saying anything about your health........ They have the right to click off

Despite it all, you still you look wonderful and still have a sense of humor. Hope your dr's appt goes well & everything clears up asap. You're always doing the best you can. :)

You are the bravest! It's easy to see why Zak loves you! You are not a pity party. No whining. Nor complaining. "Just the facts, ma'am, nothing but the facts." :) :) :) Always with warmth. And a sense of humor. And a down-to-earth sweetness. It's hard to imagine people - anyone - trying to rain on your and Zak's parade. I trust if there is an answer - police, court, edict for strangers to come no closer than 1,000 yards of your property - you'll find it. Something. I hope something can be done to insure the peace of mind and quality of life everyone deserves. You are a special couple. I continue to wish you all the best!

Just make sure to keep hydrated, I got Norovirus in 2017 and I almost died from the dehydration. I never knew I could have diarrhea with an ileostomy, now I know you can!

😎Ileostomy since 2005 , diabetic and on dialysis with half of my right foot amputated ! Ain't life grand ! 71 years old ,oh well , FUCK IT !!👍

Zak and you are the best! I hope that you are feeling better soon💕

You and Zak are amazing people. Love, gentle hugs, and prayers.

I hope that you feel better really soon. Don’t let other people get you down. I hope that you are able to get your wedding barn business up and running. It really sounds nice. If you want to host family events for your family I wish you all the luck in the world feel better take care of yourself. I hope everything works out healthwise and business wise.

You are so brave Maggie with all the things that have happened to you over the years. I’m a Diabetic and have had a colon resection and yes I know how it can get old with people. I also suffer from anxiety and sometimes can go into a real meltdown. I get so scared of everything that is involved with my health. Keep your chin up and know that people love you and Zac.

Like what you guys are enduring with your health and barn aren’t enough, you have to have these crazies creepily invading your boundaries. I’m sorry this is happening to you guys, I hope it stops. Soon and forever. It’s just not ok. By the way, for the record, hearing about your health struggles does not get old, I care about you and want to know. I have such empathy for you. Also, it, no doubt, also helps others who go through it, to know they’re not alone in suffering health issues. So, please don’t worry about your sharing with us “getting old:” if anyone made you feel that way, maybe some of the creepy crazies, just think about those of us who care respect your boundaries, care about you and want to hear what’s going on with you. Who agrees with me?

Hope that you gets things figured out with your kidney, and for a quick return to good health for you, physically and mentally

Sending you all the positive vibes Maggie! ❤️ Gotta love the ebb and flows of life. I hope exposing some of these harassing moments brings closure and peace. It’s just so hard to believe that people can be so nasty to complete strangers. I do hope you feel better and take it easy!

Hang in there. You got this. ❤️ I love your videos and your candor about your life, and I can’t imagine why anyone would ever give you two a hard time. People are crazy these days, and I’m sorry for the negativity you’ve gotten. I learn so much from your videos. You’ve helped so many people. Hugs!

I'm so sorry that you go through so much. You still look beautiful. People can be cruel. They have nothing better to do. Good luck with your health issues. Hi Zak!

I was so excited to see you post a new video!! I've been thinking of you and missed you. So sorry to hear things have been so hard and praying things get better. I definitely get where you are coming from healthwise. I'm only 30 but have so many random health things come up-thyroid, nail infection, migraines, stomach. It seems like things come up one after another and it's exhausting taking care of it all. I always remind myself my health is the most important thing, and there have been/will be better days. For you, time in the garden, with Zak, gathered with loved ones. You got this!

Oh Maggie!! I’m so sorry to hear about all you’ve been going through!! Some people have really become so mean spirited it’s truly unbelievable. They just look for anything and everything to make trouble. It’s honestly disgusting!! I’m so proud and happy to hear you say you will not let their behavior change your kind ways. It makes me so sad to see the lack of kindness and so much hurt in our world today. I’m praying for you that your physical health improves very soon and once you’re feeling better you and Zak can move forward with your dream of having many happy get togethers at your beautiful barn that you both put such love and effort into. You are a strong, loving and beautiful couple and nobody can ever take that away from you Maggie!!! Sending love, healing wishes and positive thoughts to you and Zak. ❤🙏🙏💪💪❤

You are doing so much for people sharing your health issues especially around colostomy for us. You are the sweetest and caring person. So sorry you are going thru this with people. 🙏🏻

Keep on being you! Don’t let others get you down! Hope you get better soon!

Sorry for your health problems. Hope you get well soon. I have heath issues recovery from stage3 colorectal cancer. I also had major bs from evil hoa we lost our house. Thankfully we got back on our feet no thanks 2 evil hoa. We now live in small condo with no hoa. With cancer loss of home and mothers passing it was pure he'll. Long story short you will get through this nitemare. You and Zak are such good people. All the best.

So sorry you've had to deal with all of this from people. Sending love and hugs

I live in a county north of where you live. Since this post is almost 2 years old, I hope the " neighbor issue" has been resolved.---- "Gold Shaw Farm" as seen on FB, had issuescwith his neighbors. One bizzare issue was they were up in arms that he used his camera on his phone to video life on HIS OWN FARM. Also, neighbors stated they were permitted to come onto his property whenever they felt like it. There was a town meeting about these two issues. The owner of Gold Shaw Farm filmed this meeting. The towns people were like ferral animals in their hatred of a man standing up for his property that he owned.

Maggie I'm so sorry you and Zack are going through all this crap with nasty neighbors. You both deserve much more respect than that. I also wish for you to have some better health update soon. You have been through so much already. God bless you both and the puppies too!

I can completely relate to needing the rest and crashing. I’ve always needed to nap about noon, it’s even scheduled into my day. My health has been in a steep decline since May, I’ve been very sick and I get better and something else goes wrong. I don’t have an autoimmune disease but I’m severely chronically ill. This summer has been a shit show for me. My autistic niece (I’m also autistic but she is a lot more sever than me) her camp tor the summer was canceled due to staffing issues. I’ve had her full-time. With my health in this decline and my niece when I haven’t been able to work in 5yrs but I’ve had my 6yr old niece over summer. I had a mental and physical breakdown last weekend. I had to be hospitalized due to lung issues, I only have 32% lung function, my stomach is paralyzed and now my intestines are failing. With all that’s happened over the summer I’ve gone from sleeping from 11:30pm to 9:00am and 12:00pm to 2:00pm now I’m sleeping 10:00pm to 9:00am then 12:00pm to 3/4:00pm it’s awful! I feel so lazy with needing to sleep more and the slightest thing feels stressful, I’m 27 but live with my mom, she keeps telling me now to feel lazy and I need the rest, my health twin sister (nieces mom) has also been helping with little things even though she had to take the week off work, in Canada school doesn’t start until after Labour Day. I’m a hot mess! I can relate 🥰

I am so sorry you’re experiencing all the health issues in addition to the the vicious people in your area. Why don’t they just mind they’re own business. You’ve endured so much. I really hope that you’ll get some answers and some relief with the kidney. And I’d call that GI’s office and tell them that appointment in March is totally unacceptable. Good luck with everything!

Praying for you! My daughter has stage 5 kidney failure and she sleeps a lot so please stay on your doctor's about your health which you already do

I am so sorry you guys are going through this. Keep your chins up. We love you guys. I look forward to your videos.

Im fairly new so I have no idea what you are referring to when it comes to your property problem. But good luck none the less.

Hang in there Maggie and know you are a beautiful person. You are so raw/honest about your health issues and it has helped me very much to cope with my own issues..... so thanks!! Hope everything goes well with kidney issue and know we are all praying for you and wishing you the best with everything.

Maggie, trust that your online community is supportive and behind you!!!

Sound matched voice. No problem! Best wishes always! :)

I found you a few years ago when I was being tested for IBD which came back clear. I have stuck by you as I have endometriosis and I am chronically ill and in pain all the time. I understand what you mean about getting fixed up and feeling human for a bit before crashing again 2 months down the line. I had my pcos diagnosis 2015 at 16, then endo in 2018. I felt good post surgery for 2 months and then suddenly I was more ill than before. I was so poorly I lost my job because I couldn't even sit at a desk and answer a phone because I felt so horrible. Turns out I had gallstones. It was missed because I was too young at 21 to suspect it. I had surgery last September and I'm now having investigations for abdominal pain so I'm guessing it's endo back and surgery is in my near future. People are so sick of me complaining but you make me feel safe xxx

I am sad that some people are numnuts, I always love seeing your videos and especially love seeing you and Zak together ❤ With love from Australia

People are so rude! Love you guys!! ❤️❤️❤️

You are a great inspiration to all Maggie, love your personality…, love all the time and effort you out into your videos…everyone has an opinion on here, and hide behind their screens…don’t let them get you down……cheers fromThe Maritimes…

when you said "maybe it gets old hearing all the symptoms" it does not! you know... i cannot really describe it but it helps just... hearing from you for people, not necessarily self diagnosing but raising awarenwss for being cautious and to keep in mind certain possibilities and what to look for especially for people with chronic illnesses. and if not all that above then connecting with you, not being alone...and i mean in both direction, you not being alone and us too. so i am not an english expert i have no idea if it came across what i wanted to say...but its not boring and not old for us i think.

Hang in there Maggie. You have both proven how much better you are. Its hard no doubt but your attitudes speak volumes as to the people you are. Keep smiling and enjoying life. I also hope you feel much better again soon. ❤️❤️

I'm so sorry there are such terrible people in this world! I will pray for you both in physical needs and that hateful people will leave you alone!

STAY PRAYED UP it keeps the energy around you positive, and helps you and your household stay strong and healthy. I don't like to give energy to negativity, so I don't speak of it because there is a war between the two, mad things are out of control all-around the world . I've been a subscriber about 4yrs. My Granddaughter has uc and had to have her colon removed, it all happened so fast we were so shocked. I found you and others on you tube. your over all energy, attitude , and infro. Has helped me greatly. Please Don't WAIT help you first. Have faith in Prayer for difficult things

Maggie, I am so sorry that you have been having all of these issues lately with your property and barn. Really just the nerve of some people, just makes me so sad. I want to say, you’re amazing! With everything that you have going on you still manage everything with grace and dignity. Please take care❤️❤️😘😘😘

I am so sorry for your bad experiences with your lovely barn as I thought it was beautiful on what I did get to see that you sheared...my prayers for you and your family. Please get better soon....

Maggie I am so sorry you are going on such a rough time. I will keep you in my prayers. People can just be so evil. Many times they are just jealous. You take care of yourself.

People are jealous don’t forget the saying “misery loves company “ that’s what you have going on. Just continue on your journey and don’t let others bring you down!!!

I’m so sorry you are not feeling well. I hope you get on the road to recovery soon and start to feel better soon. As far as others go, I’m happy to hear you are not letting the negativity get to you.♥️

People suck!! Been dealing with a few crazies myself. Hang in there!! Praying you feel better soon!!

Many hugs to both you and Zak! I'm sorry that things are so hard with your health and with the barn (I feel that, both my health and work are kicking my butt right now), but we'll get through this!

There's a quote that I think fits well here: Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. (Eleanor Roosevelt) Stay strong and stand up for yourselves. I'm sorry for what you are going through with your project and especially the health issues that keep making life difficult. You're such an upbeat person despite everything. I wish you well and hope you can catch a break soon. xx

Maggie, honestly, it warms the heart to see that you and Zak stay loyal to your values despite all the nasty things some are doing around you. Don't ever give up, beautiful souls, you are very loved and appreciated 💗💗💗💖

I'm sorry you had to deal with all of this. Sending love and huga.

I love your videos -- you are genuine, and sharing this information helps a lot of people who are also struggling. I don't have GI issues, but I've struggled with mental health anxiety. Hearing how you are working through and overcoming anxiety is helpful and inspiring. It sucks that you and Zac have to deal with weirdos. If you want to try a new city, I live in Seattle, Washington, and the people in my neighborhood are respectful, well-educated, and kind people. I've found the environment here with the close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, mountains for hiking, and bicycle trails has really helped reduce my anxiety. I love the outdoors :)

It’s so awesome you’re having a barn. Best wishes. I hope you ignore the weirdos and report the crazies to the police 👮‍♀️ please don’t let stupid people stress you out🌻 Best wishes for your health

Maggie, you are #1. Do not pay attention to ignorance and people who are mental and just want to lash out. So sorry for the hatefulness! Get better. Tell that Dr. You need an appointment STAT.

I have Common Variable immuno deficiency (immune disease). I understand the frustration of having so many related medical issues, from stomach, intestines, kidneys, infection, etc.. Sometimes I feel like all I do is talk about my medical issues. Nice to know I’m not the only one 😉🙂

Maggie, you and zak have been an inspiration to me as a former ostamate and current cronie. I am in a small percentage of folks that have a j pouch because I was originally diagnosed with UC. Stay strong!

Your a sweet soul ✨ your husband is lucky to have you. Please keep fighting 🙏

Don't worry about what people are saying I have GI disease myself I am inspired by your journey in dealing with your illness it helps me with my GI problems thanks for sharing your journey with us

Hang in there, Maggie. All will work out in due time. It’s all in God’s hands; just keep the faith. Love you and Zak. Praying for you both.

I'm an older person and the word I use for this generation is HYPER•CRITICAL. I feel blessed, while some of my peers are complaining about seemingly everything. You'd think by our age you'd figure out how much we have had to be thankful for. But no.. Maybe its because I'm religious that I have a different outlook than many...? I have also heard that the people who complain about what other people are doing are usually people who are accomplishing nothing themselves.

Every neighborhood has a stinker or two, sadly too common a story. Keep your goals in focus and don't be detracted by clueless, bitter people with too much time on their hands. Stay focused, stay positive dear Maggie ⚘ good things come to people like you and Zak and good karma will prevail😻

You two have to not let these folks affect you! Try to stay in n your happy place. I know it’s hard, but give it a go! We all care about you guys and wish you nothing but the best in your lives! X🥰