Yesterday, much-loved reality star Louise Thompson provided fans with an important health update after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
The Made In Chelsea favourite was first diagnosed with the life-altering condition back in 2018, which is the inflammation of the colon and rectum.
The ailment also sees small ulcers developing on the colon's lining which can bleed and produce pus, causing agony to the patient.
This particular illness can cause its patients to suffer with extreme weight loss, leading 33-year-old Louise to share a video showing her weighing herself and revealing she weighs 7st 12.5lbs [110.5lbs] in 2023, admitting she checks her weight regularly out of fear of losing any.
Advert
And earlier this year, the star left her fans concerned for her wellbeing after taking an unexpected break from her regular social media usage.
Her long-term partner Ryan - a fellow MIC co-star and personal trainer - subsequently shared the news that the mother-of-one been hospitalised following a painful colitis flare-up whilst on holiday with their son Leo, two.
"Louise has been in hospital for 12 days now," he told his followers in February. "We don't know when she will be ready to come home yet. But thank you to everyone who has sent messages of love and support to our family. It does help."
Ryan, 33, then shared a picture of himself and Leo, adding: "We're missing mummy everyday."
Advert
And yesterday - after much speculation - Louise finally took to social media to reveal that she'd undergone a colostomy - an operation to divert 1 end of the colon through an opening in the tummy - and had a stoma bag fitted.
This pouch is placed over the stoma to collect stool and will be regularly changed.
Taking to Instagram in a courageous post, the mother-of-one made her announcement.
"HOW DO I DISCLOSE THIS SORT OF NEWS?" she asked in the caption of a video, demonstrating her new stoma bag. "It’s not exactly exciting like a big pregnancy or gender reveal announcement!
Advert
"Hey look i’m having a boy… Hey look i’ve got a stoma!"
The television star - who also has Lupus, as well as PTSD following the birth of her son - went on: "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! I say good riddance to that nasty menacing colon!"
Advert
Louise finished her statement by imploring with her followers to 'please be kind'.
And since then, Louise has been inundated with well wish messages from her followers, many of whom are heaping praise on her for her brave display.
"Courage looks good on you," one penned in the comments. "As a UC sufferer, i think what you just did there is your biggest professional accomplishment. X"
Another went on: "This is a very brave post & one which will empower a lot of other people living with a stoma. 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."
Advert
A third continued: "You’re an inspiration and le bum bag looks good on you babe. Sending love to you. Xxx"
Think of how many people you are helping by being so brave and showing it... Le bum bag has saved Leo’s Mummy , A fiance, sister, daughter and friend, life can begin again now xxx," gushed a fourth.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@louise.thompsonTopics: Made In Chelsea, Health, Celebrity