Made In Chelsea star Louise Thompson has revealed she has had a stoma bag fitted after months of health problems.
The reality TV star shared a short video on social media, introducing her 1.4 million followers on Instagram to “the grey bag that may well have saved my life”.
Thompson said the news was “not exactly a glamorous announcement but not something I want to have to keep hidden forever”.
The 34-year-old started her post by writing: “HOW DO I DISCLOSE THIS SORT OF NEWS?”
She then went on to say: “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.”
Thompson shared this image from her hospital bed earlier this year. Pic: @louise.thompson
Thompson suffers from ulcerative colitis, a chronic bowel condition leading to parts of the gut becoming swollen, inflamed, and ulcerated.
The condition can sometimes be treated with medication, but if this is not effective at controlling symptoms or quality of life is significantly affected, surgery to remove some or all of the bowel (colon) is offered as an option, the NHS says.
During surgery, the small intestine can be diverted out of an opening in the abdomen known as a stoma.
Earlier this year, Thompson shared an update on her health problems and thanked the NHS and medical staff for their support.
Thompson shared this image from her hospital bed earlier this year. Pic: @louise.thompson
‘Good riddance to that nasty menacing colon’
She went on to say in her latest post: “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!”
The star finished by asking followers to “be kind”.
Thompson appeared in Made In Chelsea’s first series in 2011, progressing to become one of the E4 show’s main characters.
Her partner Ryan Libbey joined the cast in 2016 during filming in the south of France, and the couple got engaged in 2018. Their son Leo was born in 2021, but Thompson suffered PTSD in the aftermath after becoming seriously ill during his birth.
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Sharing her video, Libbey said: “This breaks my heart, whilst filling it with love. This woman is so much tougher than I am – what an inspiration.”
Her brother Sam Thompson, a TV presenter who also appeared in Made In Chelsea, also shared the clip, writing: “My sister, ladies and gentleman. My hero always.”
Celebrities including Love Island star Montana Brown, former Made In Chelsea star Ashley James, and TV presenter Stacey Dooley were among the tens of thousands of Instagram users responding with messages of support.
“Le bum bag will inspire so many others,” wrote James. “Sending you love.”