TV star Ulrika Jonsson has shared a candid update from her hospital bed after undergoing her third varicose vein procedure, posting photos in surgical stockings as she recovers
The TV star, 58, took to Instagram to share photos from her hospital bed(Image: Instagram)
Ulrika Jonsson has offered followers a candid health update following yet another gruelling medical procedure – disclosing she was left bloodied and wrapped in compression stockings whilst recuperating in hospital.
The 58 year old presenter turned to Instagram on Friday (February 13) to post snaps from her hospital bed, clad in a medical gown and delivering a refreshingly honest take on what she characterised as a decidedly unglamorous ordeal.
Ulrika disclosed she’d had treatment to eliminate varicose veins, conceding the procedure was “painful, uncomfortable and not the sexiest thing in the world” – though ultimately worthwhile.
Captioning the photographs, Ulrika explained the operation represented her third bout with the treatment, positioning herself as something of an old hand.
Ulrika revealed she had undergone treatment to remove varicose veins(Image: Instagram)
Ulrika explained that the operation marked the third time she had undergone the treatment(Image: Instagram)
She penned: “Under strict instruction from my occasional therapist who told me I needed to get out of my comfort zone, I decided on a day out to get my varicose veins done.”
Ulrika went on: “I’m somewhat of a veteran in this field – this was the third (and final) time. Last visit was 21yrs ago. Nowadays they not only hook the swines out but ‘microwave’ and ‘foam’ the blighters.”
Notwithstanding the discomfort, she indicated the result had been encouraging, even if recuperation proved less than agreeable, reports the Express.
She elaborated: “It was complex but successful and aside from my legs being suffocated by surgical stockings and bleeding like vertical colanders, having someone make me a cheese and ham toastie, was a bit of a treat.”
Ulrika also commended the medical staff who cared for her, stating: “It’s painful, uncomfortable and not the sexiest thing in the world but grateful for my amazing Consultant, Mr Northeast.”
Describing earlier procedures, she continued: “Back in Oct I had a pioneering treatment to try to stem the flow of blood to the legs by going in through my jugular vein – whilst I was awake – and passing a wire down to the pelvic area to embolise the veins that are feeding the legs. Had this done 21yrs ago first time, too. Bonkers.”
The TV personality revealed she’d been told to rest for eight days after the operation, although she confessed keeping to that schedule might prove difficult.
“So that’s me for the next 8 days, strapped in blood soaked stockings and trying my hardest to sit on my fat ar5e and take it easy. Fat chance. Send healing vibes and baked goods,” she quipped.
The hospital admission follows just weeks after Ulrika discussed candidly a pivotal moment in her struggle with alcohol dependency. Speaking on Spencer Matthews ‘ podcast UNTAPPED, she remembered a heartbreaking telephone conversation with her closest friend that compelled her to face her drinking problem.
She recalled: “It was awful. My best friend phoned me on a Saturday morning… ‘I could understand a f***ing word you said. You have a problem and I can’t help you.'”.
Ulrika gave fans a health update after undergoing a painful medical procedure(Image: Getty)
Ulrika confessed the conversation left her profoundly affected, saying: “I still didn’t stop drinking… because that was so shaming.”
She has since credited that moment with saving her life. Now more than a year sober, Ulrika has spoken about how quitting alcohol transformed her wellbeing.
In a previous open letter, she wrote: “It was a hangover day… wrapped up in the blanket of shame, and something made me reach out for help.”
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