Brown urged people, particularly men who are reluctant to visit doctors, to address little issues and look after themselves.
Health conditions
Brown said he was diagnosed with Dupuytren’s contracture, which is a hereditary and progressive hand condition where tissue thickens and scars.
The condition, sometimes referred to as Viking’s disease, was noticeably impacting his ability to cook.
In recent weeks, he underwent surgery, which left him with a lightning bolt-shaped scar.
“To get that surgery done was pretty amazing. They just block your arm; it’s a little bit like an epidural. I was awake while they did that, and I could watch.
“It looked like they were working on a mannequin’s arm. It didn’t feel like it was mine,” Brown said.
Al Brown says he has been diagnosed with Dupuytren’s, which is a progressive hand condition.
“It was like butterflying a prawn.”
Brown said it was a weird yet fascinating time, particularly because of his previous experiences in meat fabrication and fish cutting.
“There was music playing and everything, and being in theatre was fantastic.”
Brown shared a post after the procedure with an image of his “gnarly” scar during a cooking tutorial.
“I’m going to tell my grandchildren that I tried to catch some lightning. I think that’ll make a good story,” Brown joked in the video.
A commenter likened the scar to a “Harry Potter hand”.
Al Brown says he’s loving life and wants to make sure he has plenty more of it. Photo / Carson Bluck
Most recently, Brown underwent surgery on his ear.
He was diagnosed with aural exostoses, which is commonly known as surfer’s ear. The condition is caused by an abnormal growth of bone inside the ear canal.
Brown shared a post from his hospital bed yesterday after the procedure with his head bandaged up.
He wrote: “26 is my year of personal ‘panel beating’! First my hand, now my ear. This getting old s***, takes its toll.”
Brown had a similar operation 17 years ago for the condition.
“While it’s still pretty invasive, the surgery, they sort of cut the ear back right off and then get into the canal and stuff. Just doesn’t seem nearly as fraught as it was the first time.
“I wasn’t looking forward to it very much, but actually I’ve been pleasantly surprised,” he said.
Celebrity chef and restaurateur Al Brown has opened up about a series of recent health conditions.
He said getting these procedures done, as well as participating in a sleep documentary to help him overcome the sleep problems he has had his whole life, “had to be done, and it feels great”.
Brown thanked everyone, including the surgeons and nurses, who provided an “unbelievable” level of care and kindness.
“I have nothing but absolute admiration and respect for all of you. Your mahi is beyond reproach,” he said in a social media message to staff.