Louise Thompson, 34, reveals she has had 'lifesaving' stoma bag fitted amid health battle
Former Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson has revealed that she's had a stoma bag fitted amidst numerous health battles.
The 34 year old took to Instagram to share with her followers: "Isn't it bizarre that this little grey pouch is the price I pay for good health! I say good riddance to that nasty menacing colon!"
Louise, whose health complications have been ongoing since she first became a mum to son, Leo, in 2021, posted a video on her account showing off the newly-installed stoma bag, quipping in her caption: "HOW DO I DISCLOSE THIS SORT OF NEWS?"
She could be seen wearing a pair of blue jeans, unbuttoned, as she pulled up her grey top to expose her stomach. She then buttoned up the jeans to hide the bag as she showed off her outfit. The star looked stunning with a full face of makeup and elaborate pearl earrings.
She continued in her caption: "It's not exactly exciting like a big pregnancy or gender reveal announcement! Hey look i'm having a boy... Hey look i've got a stoma! So I guess i'll just stand here Proud in stature. With my new friend. Le bum bag that represents life And hopefully a better one. Isn't it bizarre that this little grey pouch is the price I pay for good health!".
In addition to her candid first-time-mum posts, Louise shared more serious news earlier this year when she was hospitalised and wrapped up her latest post by urging: "I say good riddance to that nasty menacing colon! Please be kind. [white love heart emoji] #ibd #ibdawareness #ibdwarrior #stoma #stomalife #autoimmunedisease."
Fans were quick to back the star, thanking her for using her platform to shed light on an often overlooked issue.
"This is a very brave post and one which will empower a lot of other people living with a stoma," one Instagram user began as they commented underneath Louise's post. "My 1 year old daughter had to get a stoma and we soon realised, even at that age, there was a lot of stigma surrounding one. She would have loved to have seen a post like this."
Another follower wrote: "Louise. You are wonderful for sharing this. You are truly inspirational raising awareness of this. Thank you."
Someone else added: "I'm so in awe of your honesty, please look after yourself. I know this lil grey bumbag is the start of a new journey, but you don't owe anyone an explanation. You're a mum and partner, daughter sister friend. I know all anyone wants for you is health and recovery. I'm proud of you for sticking you your advocacy in the hospital and making sure you had the correct treatment. Wishing you strength on your new health journey."
Zara McDermott, who is dating Louise's brother Sam Thompson, told her future sister-in-law: "When you think about it, it's a beautiful thing because it means less time in hospital, less time in pain, less time with a poison organ in your body! Now you are free my girl. Now it's time for YOU."
Louise has faced several health challenges since welcoming son Leo-Hunter into the world with fiance Ryan Libbey at the end of 2021. The 34 year old mum nearly lost her life during childbirth and was subsequently diagnosed with PTSD, lupus, and other conditions stemming from the harrowing experience.
The star and Ryan were over the moon to welcome their first "little miracle baby" in November 2021, but the birth was filled with drama, leaving both mum and baby "dancing with death". Despite giving birth in November, Louise almost didn't make it home for Christmas due to serious complications.
The reality TV veteran found herself wheelchair-bound and spent a month in hospital recovering. She kept her new arrival a secret for five weeks before opening up about her ordeal to her followers.
Doctors fought tirelessly to save Louise's life - with the star later expressing her deep gratitude, saying she doubts she'd be here today without the NHS. Just two days before Christmas 2021, Louise took to Instagram to reveal the birth of her son.
Louise's most recent health crisis came at the start of this year. Writing on Instagram in February, days after being discharged from hospital, she opened up about how her poor physical health was also impacting her mental wellbeing.
Louise, whose hospitalisation was first revealed by her fiance the week before her post in February, recounted to her Instagram audience how she fell sick while trying to create lasting memories with her son on their family holiday abroad, pushing aside her symptoms in hopes of starting the year positively.
The brave celeb opened up about the terrifying symptoms she faced, revealing that she was "losing cup fulls of blood" and had to rush to the loo every 20 minutes while on holiday. Louise, who's no stranger to health issues, realised it was serious, so she flew back to Blighty ASAP and dashed to A&E.
Louise chose not to share "some of the grittier details" with her followers but confessed that she's become "desensitised" to the constant pain, admitting that most people would've hightailed it to emergency services way earlier than she did.
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