What is ulcerative colitis? Louise Thompson reveals she has stoma bag
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Former Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson has revealed that she has had a stoma bag fitted.
A stoma bag is the result of a colostomy, which the NHS says in an operation that diverts one end of the colon to an opening through the stomach to collect any excrements.
“Introducing the grey bag that may well have saved my life,” the 34-year-old captioned a video she posted on Instagram.
“Not exactly a glamorous announcement but not something I want to have to keep hidden forever.
“So I guess I’ll just stand here. Proud in stature. With my new friend. Le bum bag that represents life. And hopefully a better one. Isn’t it bizarre that this little grey pouch is the price I pay for good health! I say good riddance to that nasty menacing colon!”
Thompson was previously diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, and spent two weeks in hospital earlier this year after facing a flare-up.
What is ulcerative colitis?
According to Crohn’s and Colitis UK, ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) where part of the colon becomes inflamed, swollen, and ulcerated.
It is a long-term condition that affects around every one in 227 people in the UK, or 296,000 people.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis
Primary symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:
Recurrent diarrhoea which can contain blood, mucus, or pus
Frequent urge to poo
Stomach pain
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Fatigue
Symptom severity can vary, but often people with the condition can have ‘flare-ups’, which means that the symptoms are particularly bad.
During flare-ups, symptoms can extend to other parts of the body and include irritated eyes, swollen or painful joints, and mouth ulcers.
If you have any of these symptoms, or any of the primary symptoms, make an appointment with your GP.
Ulcerative colitis causes
It is believed to be an autoimmune condition, which the NHS says means that something in the body’s immune system goes awry and begins to attack healthy tissue.
However, the exact cause is unclear and it is thought to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
The condition is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 25 years old.
How to treat ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is most commonly treated during a flare-up so as to prevent symptoms from returning and for people with the condition to remain in remission – which means free from flare-ups.
Common treatments include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants.
If medicines don’t treat the flare-ups, this is when surgery is considered to remove part of your colon, or a stoma bag is considered. Stoma bags can be permanent or temporary, and removed once the bowel is healed.
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