Louise Thompson praised for bikini photos showing stoma bag as she urges 'be kind'
Louise Thompson has been praised for proudly showing her stoma bag in some inspiring new bikini photos. The mum-of-one, 35, revealed last year that she had been fitted with a stoma, which is a surgically-created opening made in the abdomen to divert the flow of body waste, after years of battling ulcerative colitis.
The former Made In Chelsea star, who is the sister of fellow reality star, Sam Thompson, has spoken openly about her health concerns after a traumatic birth with her son, Leo, who she shares with fiancé, Ryan Libbey, in 2021, in which she almost died.
After revealing she had a stoma fitted following numerous hospital appointments to treat her chronic bowel condition, Louise has now urged people to "be kind" after sharing snaps of herself sporting a yellow bikini in which her stoma bag, which she calls 'Winnie', can clearly be seen.
Captioning the photos in which she looks radiant in her two piece, on holiday, Louise admitted she doesn't usually wear a bikini, sharing: "I'm not a big bikini girl these days. I don't think it's a confidence issue, I just really enjoy the comfort of a swimsuit. It's very practical and dare I say it - when you reach your mid 30s I think practicality equates to sophistication.
"There's another thing I don't LOVE - people looking at me that much. Stoma or no stoma. It doesn't happen to me often now I'm a bit older and a mother (gone are the days of men checking me out on the tube or the beach), but regardless of circumstances - you definitely get more attention with a random black or grey bag glued to your abs. Unsurprising really."
Stating she feels "no shame" when she looks at her body, insisting it's a "privilege to exist", she continued: "I fancied giving my tummy a bit of tan time/vit d on holiday… so here she is.
"The old bod. Me and Winnie hanging out. Wearing her with pride. I think I've still got it. I feel good."
Asking people to "be kind", Louise continued: "I don't feel held back at all, but I know some do and I want to remind anyone out there that doesn't really understand what this is that lots of normal and nice people in the UK have them (100k) and to be kind.
"Don't judge. Let people wear what they want. Ask nice questions if you really can't help it. You might learn something cool. #stoma."
After sharing her positive post, Louise was flooded with praise, including from one follower, who said: "You look incredible, but even more than looking incredible, the way you speak about how things are for you will help so many people to get through their difficulties. If ever there was a inspirational woman, you are it for me."
Meanwhile, another said: "You're amazing, Louise" as another wrote: "Little black stoma bag, goes with everything" followed by a huge love heart emoji.
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