Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 12, 2024 2:28 am GMT
Television presenter Vanessa Feltz has recently experienced a shocking medical emergency, ending up in the hospital for surgery after suffering from severe pain attributed to a kidney stone. In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, the 62-year-old star revealed that the pain was so intense, she described it as “worse than childbirth.”
A Sudden Turn of Events
Feltz took to social media on Monday to share her unexpected health scare, recounting how she went from enjoying a normal afternoon with her grandchildren to being doubled over in pain within a matter of hours. Just the day before, Feltz stated she felt completely fine, having hosted her grandchildren for lunch.
“Good morning from hospital, bit of a surprise,” she wrote. “Yesterday I was absolutely fine. There was nothing wrong with me at all, and then suddenly, I got this pain—it was extraordinary.”
Feltz elaborated that despite her history of enduring significant pain through childbirth, she had never experienced anything like this before. “I was in agony; I couldn’t sit down, I couldn’t lie down, I didn’t know what to do,” she shared.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Following her distressing turn of events, Feltz underwent a medical examination that revealed a 5mm kidney stone. This condition occurs when hard lumps form from waste products in the blood, often causing extreme discomfort and pain.
The timing of the symptoms was particularly alarming for her. By 2 PM, she was enjoying quality time with her grandchildren, and by 3 PM, she was in severe pain. “Scan showed big kidney stone,” she reported, expressing gratitude to her medical team for their swift response.
In her Instagram video, she stated, “OMG! Astoundingly painful. Rushed into theatre. Very grateful thanks to my daughters, nurses, porters, anaesthetist, and wonderful surgeon.”
Support and Recovery
Many of Feltz’s 392,000 followers expressed their concerns and well wishes in response to her post. Comments flooded in, with friends and fans alike wishing her a speedy recovery. Notably, Holly Willoughby’s sister and TV presenter Myleene Klass reached out to convey their support and admiration for her resilience during the harrowing ordeal.
Feltz’s health update comes after she openly shared her struggles with loneliness and the challenges of navigating single life following her split from partner Ben Ofoedu last year. The split, attributed to infidelity, has left her grappling with feelings of isolation, particularly after enjoying time with family.
Living with Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can impact anyone, with studies indicating that up to ten percent of Britons and Americans may experience this condition. Generally, kidney stones are hard lumps that can form when the body has a low fluid intake or certain medical conditions. Symptoms can include:
– Severe pain, often described as unmanageable
– Blood in urine
– High temperature in some cases
While smaller stones might pass naturally with increased fluid intake, larger stones often require medical intervention, as in Feltz’s case.
Feltz’s Route Back to Health
As Feltz recovers, she continues to engage openly with her audience about her experiences. She previously noted that despite feeling “poorly,” her determination to work remained strong, as evidenced by her recent roles on various television and radio programs.
It’s not uncommon for those with kidney stones to face recurring issues. Research indicates that up to half of all patients may experience another stone within five years. Therefore, monitoring one’s health and maintaining adequate hydration is crucial.
Moving forward, Vanessa has expressed her appreciation for the support she has received and the effective care provided by healthcare professionals. Her candidness about both her medical struggles and personal challenges resonates with many of her followers, helping to foster a sense of community and understanding.
Through this chapter of her journey, Vanessa Feltz’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of health and the importance of seeking help when necessary.
As she gets better, her fans are excited and hopeful that she will be back on screen soon, bringing her fun personality with her.
