MADE In Chelsea star Louise Thompson was forced to spend Christmas Eve in hospital amid her ongoing health battle, she has revealed.
The reality star, 35, has faced several health challenges including ulcerative colitis, lupus, and PTSD after giving birth to her son, Leo.
She had to previously undergo the removal of her entire large intestine (colon) due to her inflammatory bowel condition, which resulted in her getting her life-saving stoma bag.
But on Christmas Eve, Louise revealed she had spent a large chunk of time in hospital having a procedure.
Louise underwent a proctoscopy, which, according to the NHS, is an examination where an endoscopist looks directly at the anal canal with a small rigid proctoscope.
Taking to her Instagram page to reveal her hospital visit and explain what she had done, Louise shared some snaps in a gown.
“Looks dramatic but it wasn’t. I had a proctoscopy today. It’s like a colonoscopy but not as invasive because I don’t have a colon so there isn’t very far the camera can go,” she penned over the first slide.
“Still bloody awkward and a tiny bit uncomfortable but fentanyl is a wonder drug,” she penned.
She then shared a photo of her with a nasal cannula on her face and inserted into her nostrils.
Louise went on to pen: “These appointments are so important and they managed to fit me in quite urgently so I jumped at the offering of a 24th December date, then when it came around I realised the magnitude of it being Christmas Eve.
“What it REALLY made me think was…
“Despite all the chaos of what I’ve been through, I still think we are incredibly lucky to have the NHS which NEVER clocks off in case of emergencies.”
She then added on the next slide: “The NHS never sleeps.
“I had a proctoscope today.
“A nice little Christmas Eve camera up my bum.
“The NHS was still running in full swing. Well not quite, but you know what I mean.
“It prompted me to say a big thank you to everyone that is working as part of the NHS over the bank holidays.”
She then concluded: “Thanks for keeping the country ticking along and for keeping our loved ones alive.”
Reasons for getting a proctoscopy include bleeding from your anus, pain in the lower abdomen (tummy), persistent diarrhoea or changes to your bowel habits.