Louise Thompson weeps profusely and becomes speechless due to an unexpected and agonizing stoma leak incident during a London excursion. The situation left her feeling severely incapacitated.
Rewritten Article:
Louise Thompson candidly shares her experience with a distressing stoma leak in central London, revealing the emotional toll it took on her.
The 30-year-old TV personality, who survived a near-death experience during childbirth in 2021, opened up about her stoma struggles last April, after battling ulcerative colitis for years. This inflammatory bowel condition causes the colon and rectum to become inflamed, and small ulcers to develop on the lining – often causing bleeding.
A stoma is a surgically-created opening on the abdomen that diverts body waste into a medical device. Since her diagnosis, Louise has courageously raised awareness and proudly showcased her stoma (nicknamed Winnie) on social media.
However, in a heartfelt Instagram post Wednesday, Louise shared her harrowing ordeal from the previous day. She headed to Marylebone with her fiancé Ryan on his motorbike, ready for an appointment, coffee, and a podcast recording. But suddenly, she noticed an unenviable leak, forcing her to rush to a nearby hospital for emergency supplies.
She wrote, "Yesterday I found myself in a really depressing situation... I had had the most horrendously debilitating stoma leak." Despite their bright start, Louise found herself 'covered in mess' and overcome with frustration. She detailed her struggle to find new supplies, as well as Ryan's compassionate assistance.
After securing new equipment, Louise painstakingly cut down and applied the new stoma bag, all while her small intestine was exposed. Prioritizing her mental wellbeing, she eventually had to call off her work commitments.
Reflecting on the experience, Louise expressed her frustration with her stoma and even entertained the idea of a reversal. But, as she relaxed in the sun and read a book, she realized the beauty of every cloud – in this case, the relief that antibiotics offer from any lingering odor.
In her latest Daily Mail column, Louise discusses her decision to get a stoma and the lead-up to her surgery. The ulcerative colitis symptoms had worsened to the point where she was pooing 15 times a day and bleeding heavily during a trip to the Alps and Antigua. During these trips, she continued to parent her son, put on a brave face, and endure the pain secretly.
Louise's new life began with her stoma, which she sees as an end to her suffering. Despite the initial shock, only her three-year-old son Leo has seen her stoma. Recovering at home was a relatively quick process, as her family expressed concern about her quality of life with the new addition. However, for Louise, it represented freedom and a new chapter.
What is a stoma?
A stoma is a surgically-created opening on the abdomen, primarily serving to divert either urine or feces. According to the NHS, this procedure may be necessary if an individual cannot pass stools through their anus, due to illness, injury, or problems with the digestive system. In the UK, it's estimated that one in 335 people have undergone this surgery. Stomas can be part of treatment for various illnesses, such as cancer, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, or any trauma to the abdomen.
The procedure will produce a stoma that generally appears pink, similar to the inner lining of our mouths. After surgery, the area may be swollen but will decrease in size over six to eight weeks. Touching a stoma offers no sensation as there are no nerves present. Different people may have stomas of varying sizes or shapes. It's also possible to have a temporary stoma, which can later be reversed if the affected area in the bowel needs time to heal.
There are three main types of stoma: colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy. A colostomy refers to an opening in the colon, while an ileostomy involves the small intestine (the ileum specifically). Both colostomy and ileostomy bags are used for drainage, and their frequency of emptying varies based on individual factors. A urostomy, specifically an opening for urine, is created by taking a piece of the small intestine and attaching it to the ureters, creating a passageway for urine to pass through. In this case, a urostomy bag, complete with a "bung or tap on the bottom," is used for regular draining.
Sources: Colostomy UK, NHS
- Louise Thompson, in her Daily Mail column, delves into her decision to get a stoma, a surgically-created opening on her abdomen, as a means to alleviate her ulcerative colitis symptoms.
- Louise, a TV personality, candidly shared her experience with a stoma leak, shedding light on the emotional toll it took on her mental health.
- In 2023, the health-and-wellness industry might find interesting subject matter in articles discussing skin care routines to maintain stoma bags and women's health topics related to stomas.
- Education and self-development platforms can provide courses on understanding and coping with stomas, helping individuals navigate their new reality.
- Louise's personal growth has been evident in her courage to openly discuss her struggles and raise awareness about stomas, inspiring others who face similar challenges.
- Science continues to investigate and improve treatments for conditions necessitating stomas, such as Crohn's disease and various intestinal cancers.
- As Louise recovers at home with her new stoma (nicknamed Winnie), she experiences relief in her quality of life, finding solace in the support of her loved ones and the advancements in health-and-wellness care.
