Louise Thompson is celebrating a major win three months after having her stoma bag fitted.
The Made in Chelsea alum, 34, has been battling with her health over recent months, including a hospital dash in February, where she stayed for over two weeks.
Then, in February, Louise revealed that she had a ‘grey bag’ which ‘may well have saved [her] life’ in a candid Instagram video.
Since, Louise has been open about navigating life with a stoma, including how her two-year-old son reacted.
Taking to social media this weekend, the author and influencer marked a milestone following the procedure, as she submerged herself in water for the first time.
Louise beamed with joy as she larked around with her son on a water slide and dunked herself in the swimming pool, wearing a black swimsuit.
In her caption, Louise discussed rebuilding her confidence.
‘This is the first time I’ve fully submerged myself in water in over 3 months. That’s actually crazy. I can’t believe I’m saying that. No swims. No baths. No nothing,’ she penned.
‘I think I’ve adjusted to life with a stoma incredibly quickly (I know someone who wasn’t able to change their bag for several months post ‘ostomy’ surgery and had to get a family member to help)… zero judgment btw… it’s fairly hideous having to look at an organ with absolutely no desire to go into the medical field.
‘FYI I always thought that red funnel thing was a plastic tube and seeing it have ‘a life of its own’ was a bit of a rude awakening. But I think I’ve adjusted well. However, there are certain things that have taken a bit more time than others…
‘I was scared to get really soaked or have a bath in case I ‘hurt it’ or drowned it or water went inside it and flushed it out or in case I got an infection or some other weird horror story.
‘They don’t really seem to come with a manual. And even though people told me that I’d be ok I still thought that maybe I’d burn it in the bath?!?!? But in this instance I just had to get on with it. Less thinking, more doing. I couldn’t come to this magnificent hotel and NOT go in the infamous Sharky and George pool.
‘So I took the plunge. And there was only one way to do it… On a giant red slide, with my son, in the hope I’d see his eyes light up! Which they did. After the look of terror died dissipated. Then obviously came the “AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN”.’
She concluded: ‘Then I had a bath. Then I had another bath. Then I went to another pool yesterday. Can’t keep me away. Today I ate some lettuce too.’
Louise was inundated with messages of support from her millions of followers.
‘You look happier and healthier than you have in so long, and you also look so much more relaxed. I can only imagine what the last few years has been like, but now it’s time to put all that behind you and enjoy life again x’, wrote user booby_business.
‘This sounds like a massive step for you that took a lot of courage. Amazing! I hope you had the best time ❤️ x’, added allie_blackcatdance.
leandbondy wrote: ‘Your posts give me hope. I’m waiting surgery and I’m a nervous wreck. Well done you I just hope I can be as brave @louise.thompson xxx’
TV personality Ashley James commented: ‘So happy for you ❤️’
Louise has been suffering from ulcerative colitis, having been diagnosed in 2018.
As described by the NHS, ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed.
Small ulcers can develop on the colon’s lining and can bleed and produce pus.
The TV star has previously spoken about her ongoing struggles with the bowel condition, as well as the autoimmune disease lupus.
When she had her stoma fitted this year, it came after a flare-up, which happened during a holiday with her fiancé Ryan Libbey and their little boy Leo.
The fitness influencer almost died when giving birth in 2021, and was left with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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