Reality television personality Louise Thompson has made a surprising and emotional discovery, finally locating her long-lost engagement ring after it went missing for over two years. The Made In Chelsea star, aged 36, shared this heartfelt moment with her partner, personal trainer Ryan Libbey, 35, during a recent episode of their joint podcast, He Said She Said.
Rediscovery Sparks Marriage Conversation
During the podcast recording, Louise excitedly revealed the found ring to Ryan, prompting an immediate discussion about their future wedding plans. She expressed both joy and remorse, stating, "I found my engagement ring! Guys, does this mean we need to get married? It has been missing for over two years." Louise went on to apologise to Ryan for losing the ring, acknowledging the symbolic importance of wearing it, especially during family holidays where its absence might lead to misunderstandings.
Background of the Engagement and Postponed Wedding
The couple got engaged in August 2018 and originally intended to marry the following year. However, they made the difficult decision to call off their wedding just six months before the scheduled date. This cancellation came two years after Louise faced a life-threatening situation while giving birth to their son, Leo, which significantly impacted their plans and personal lives.
Since then, marriage has taken a backseat as the pair navigated numerous challenges, including Louise's severe health struggles. She has been openly dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and is currently undergoing therapy to aid her recovery. Her health journey has been marked by significant medical interventions, including the removal of her colon and the fitting of a stoma bag in April 2024 after a traumatic trip to Antigua.
Emotional Health Update and Return to Antigua
In a separate but related development, Louise recently provided an emotional update on her health, highlighting a major milestone in her PTSD recovery. She returned to Antigua with her son Leo and partner Ryan, two years after being forced to cut short a previous visit due to a medical emergency that required her colon to be removed.
Louise described this return as "a beautiful opportunity to re-write those memories in better health." She shared that despite initial anxieties about travelling with PTSD, she has felt remarkably well during the almost two-week stay, noting, "I feel like I've turned a major corner in my recovery and I'm unimaginably happy about it."
Connection Between Physical and Mental Health
In her candid reflections, Louise emphasised the intricate link between physical and mental wellbeing, particularly focusing on gut health and serotonin production. She explained, "90-95% of serotonin is produced in the gut, so it's unsurprising that when I was physically unwell for all that time my mental state was absolutely cooked." This insight has led her to consider further research into the interconnectedness of SSRI medications, digestion, bleeding issues, and the nervous system.
To manage her health while travelling, Louise adopted practical measures, bringing an "armoury of lotions and potions," including probiotics, magnesium balm, and specialised creams, to create a sense of home and security abroad.
Stoma Bag Anniversary and Ongoing Journey
Last month, Louise marked the two-year anniversary of having her stoma bag fitted by sharing an emotional letter to the device, which she affectionately named "Winnie" after Winnie The Pooh. This life-saving procedure was necessitated by ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that causes ulcers in the colon and rectum lining.
A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that diverts body waste into a medical device, allowing individuals to manage their condition. Louise's public acknowledgment of both gratitude and resentment towards Winnie highlights the complex emotional landscape of living with such a device.
As Louise continues to navigate her recovery, the rediscovery of her engagement ring adds a new layer of hope and possibility to her personal narrative. The couple's open discussions on their podcast suggest that marriage plans may be revisited, blending this newfound symbol of commitment with their ongoing journey towards health and happiness.
