Louise Thompson
TV Personality and Author
Louise Thompson was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) six years ago. She talks about her journey and how to help others feel better and find the right support.
Ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, led Thompson to seek help with persistent diarrhoea with bleeding. She received a diagnosis of mild to moderate UC and initially pursued holistic management through diet and lifestyle. “I’ll just look after myself, and the problem will go away — it absolutely doesn’t work like that,” she recalls.
Finding the right ulcerative colitis treatment
Despite experiencing periods of remission with medication, she experienced several challenges, especially after childbirth. According to Crohn’s & Colitis UK, women with UC may have a higher risk of postpartum flare. Three months postpartum, Thompson experienced a lot of blood loss and diarrhoea. “The trauma of the birth and many other things contributed to it getting worse,” she says.
The relationship between mental and physical health became apparent as Thompson battled debilitating anxiety alongside her UC symptoms. “Mental health and physical health are so intertwined; you can’t really treat one without treating the other.”
Lease of life after stoma surgery
Despite multiple medication changes to manage the symptoms, Thompson’s condition deteriorated. After exhausting her options and seeking advice, she underwent stoma surgery.
In the UK, about 200,000 people are living with a stoma. “It feels like a small price to pay for health. I completely respect that some people don’t want to live with a stoma. It’s such a sensitive thing; waking up with a stoma is life-changing — it’s a body change.”
Ulcerative colitis is not reserved for
the elderly; it can happen to anybody.
Find the right support for ulcerative colitis
Beyond her personal journey, Thompson is committed to using her platform to raise awareness about UC and stomas. “We should be able to tell people, ‘This is my story. This is what I did.’ Hopefully, it gives people the confidence to do the same,” she says.
She also finds solace and support in her hospital patient group, recognising the invaluable role of shared experiences in navigating life with a chronic illness. Early diagnosis, self-advocacy and seeking support from trusted individuals are key, she says.
“People provide support in different ways. Not everybody is going to be able to give you exactly what you’re looking for,” she insists. “Find people who can help advocate for you. There have been times when I’ve been completely unable to advocate for myself because I was so unwell.”
Ulcerative colitis awareness and diagnosis
Ulcerative colitis is not reserved for the elderly; it can happen to anybody. “Awareness can help people take it more seriously,” she insists, advising people to speak up and trust their gut instinct.
“Don’t give up. If you’re rejected by the first doctor you speak to, keep going,” she insists. “If someone’s not listening, or someone’s not right for you, there are always more options. Find someone who will listen.”
