Louise Thompson’s Health Journey: Stoma, Net Worth & Life Now

When reality TV star Louise Thompson shared a hospital bed photo in April 2024, the photo wasn’t just a celebrity health update—it was the latest chapter in a story that began years earlier and nearly claimed her life, as Thompson has transformed from a reality TV personality into a health activist discussing stoma bags, birth trauma, and ulcerative colitis. Here’s what we actually know, what’s still unclear, and where she stands now in 2024.

Born: 26 March 1990 ·
Stoma since: 2023 (after emergency surgery) ·
Partner: Ryan Libbey (engaged 2021) ·
Instagram followers: 1.5 million

Here are the key facts about Louise Thompson:

What exactly happened to Louise Thompson?

Louise Thompson’s health crisis became public in February 2024 after she was rushed to hospital while on holiday in Antigua. Sky News (a leading UK news broadcaster) reported that she had fallen seriously ill while abroad, and ITV News (a major UK network) later revealed the severity: Thompson was losing “cupfuls of blood every 20 minutes.”

“I lost a cup of blood every 20 minutes.”

– Louise Thompson, via ITV News

The bleeding was connected to complications from ulcerative colitis, the chronic bowel condition she was diagnosed with in 2018 according to Women’s Health UK (a leading women’s health publication). The incident marked a turning point in her public health battle.

By April 2024, Thompson revealed in an Instagram post that she had been fitted with a stoma bag—a move she said “may well have saved my life” (Sky News). The announcement came after months of speculation triggered by her absence from public events.

Health crisis timeline

• 2021: Gives birth to son Leo via emergency c-section; complications lead to massive blood loss and PTSD (Women’s Health UK)
• 2023: Undergoes emergency colectomy and receives a stoma after months of escalating symptoms (Sky News)
• February 2024: Hospitalized in Antigua with severe health scare, losing “cupfuls of blood every 20 minutes” per ITV News (ITV News)
• April 2024: Goes public with stoma bag announcement, describing it as life-saving (Sky News)

What illness does Louise Thompson have?

Louise Thompson has ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Sky News (a leading UK broadcaster) described the condition as one Thompson has been managing since around 2018.

The condition is distinct from Crohn’s disease, though both are forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis specifically affects the large intestine and rectum, causing symptoms like bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. For Thompson, the condition escalated to the point where her colon needed to be removed surgically.

Ulcerative colitis diagnosis

• 2018: Thompson is diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (Women’s Health UK)
• 2023: Emergency colectomy becomes necessary after symptoms worsen
• 2024: Now has a permanent stoma after the surgery

Thompson has been open about how the diagnosis affected her mental health, particularly linking it to the PTSD she developed after her son’s traumatic birth in 2021 (Women’s Health UK).

Stoma and ostomy management

A stoma is an opening on the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body without passing through the digestive tract. Thompson’s stoma was created after her colectomy—the removal of her colon. She’s since become a vocal advocate for stoma awareness, normalizing what many still consider a taboo subject.

The trade-off: Thompson traded her diseased colon for a permanent bag, but the alternative—leaving her colon in place—risked what she described as life-threatening complications. For many with ulcerative colitis, the stoma represents not failure but relief.

Are Louise Thompson and Ryan still together?

Yes—Louise Thompson and Ryan Libbey are still together, engaged, and raising their son Leo. The couple got engaged in May 2021, and Thompson gave birth to their son later that year. Despite the enormous strain of Thompson’s health crises, including her hospitalizations and stoma surgery, the couple has remained together.

Sky News reported on Thompson’s health updates throughout 2024, frequently mentioning Libbey’s presence by her side. The couple has also been open about how the health scares tested their relationship.

Relationship timeline

• 2016: Thompson and Libbey meet and begin dating
• May 2021: Get engaged after five years together
• November 2021: Their son Leo is born
• 2023-24: Libbey supports Thompson through her health crises

The pattern: Thompson’s health crisis has coincided with a deepening of her relationship, with Libbey reportedly stepping up as a caregiver and support system.

How rich is Louise Thompson?

Louise Thompson’s net worth is estimated to be between £1 million and £2 million, though exact figures are not publicly confirmed and vary by source. This places her in a modest position compared to some of her Made in Chelsea co-stars.

Thompson’s income streams have included:

• Her salary from Made in Chelsea, which she starred in from 2011 to 2019 (Cosmopolitan UK (women’s lifestyle magazine))
• Brand partnerships and endorsements
• Her wellness app for women, which she co-founded
• Book and podcast ventures

The catch: Thompson’s health problems have likely affected her ability to work consistently, potentially impacting her earnings in recent years. Her wealth is not her most notable asset—her resilience is.

What was Louise Thompson’s birth trauma?

Louise Thompson has been open about the traumatic birth of her son Leo in 2021. Thompson’s birth experience was complicated by what Women’s Health UK described as a “traumatic birth” in November 2021.

Emergency c-section and birth complications

Thompson gave birth via emergency c-section, which she has described as a life-threatening experience. According to Sky News, she suffered massive blood loss and nearly died.

Postnatal PTSD

The birth trauma triggered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which Thompson has discussed openly. Her PTSD symptoms included flashbacks, anxiety, and hypervigilance—and later, a reluctance to discuss the possibility of more children.

Thompson’s recovery continues to be a journey shared publicly, with each step redefining her role as a health advocate.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Editor’s Note

This article was fact-checked using multiple Tier 2 sources, including Sky News, ITV News, Cosmopolitan UK, and Women’s Health UK. All health claims are sourced from these publications’ reporting on Thompson’s own public statements and announcements. Net worth figures are estimates and should be treated as such. Thompson’s health journey is ongoing, and future updates may change the facts reported here.