Six years following her life-altering ulcerative colitis diagnosis, Louise Thompson has given her fans a subsequent health update and asked online trolls to 'be kind'.
The Made in Chelsea star has been very open about her various ailments during her time in the spotlight.
In 2021, after giving birth to her and fiance Ryan Libbey's first child - a son named Leo - the 33-year-old battled severe life-threatening issues and complications that left her hospitalised for several weeks.
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Following her traumatic labour, Louise was also diagnosed with mental health difficulties including PTSD, and has shared milestones in her emotional recovery ever since.
All the while, the reality favourite has been battling Lupus - which she discovered after suffering from 'really, really intolerable joint pain' - since 2022, and has also endured the agony of ulcerative colitis since 2018.
For those unfamiliar with the long-term condition, it describes the inflammation of the colon and rectum, during which small ulcers can develop on the colon's lining, and can bleed and produce pus.
This particular illness can cause its patients to suffer with extreme weight loss, leading Louise to later share a video showing her weighing herself and revealing she weighs 7st 12.5lbs [110.5lbs], admitting she checks her weight regularly out of fear of losing any.
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Earlier this year, the star took a break from her regular social media use, leading fans to express their concern over her health.
Her long-term partner Ryan - a fellow MIC co-star and personal trainer - later shared the news that she'd been hospitalised following a painful colitis flare-up whilst on holiday with her son, 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."
The 33-year-old then shared a picture of himself and Leo, adding: "We're missing mummy everyday."
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And last night, Louise finally cleared up speculation over her wellbeing, revealing 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!
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"Hey look i’m having a boy… Hey look i’ve got a stoma!"
The television star 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!"
Louise finished her statement by imploring with her followers to 'please be kind'.
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Thankfully, the Chelsea star was inundated with a flood of well wish messages from her Instagram followers, including several famous faces.
Love Island star Zara McDermott - who is also the girlfriend of Louise's brother Sam Thompson - lovingly penned: "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".
This Morning's resident medic Dr Zoe Williams went on: "You’re an inspiration and le bum bag looks good on you babe. Sending love to you. Xxx"
EastEnders actress Billie Mucklow added, 'Very inspiring and brave!', whilst TOWIE's Georgia Kounsoulou noted, 'You are amazing'.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@louise.thompsonTopics: Made In Chelsea, Celebrity, Health