This Morning's Dr Zoe Williams Shares Recovery Update After Major Spinal Surgery
ITV's This Morning star Dr Zoe Williams has issued a detailed health update from hospital following major spinal surgery that forced her to temporarily step back from the popular daytime show. The 45-year-old television doctor underwent the significant operation just days ago after enduring months of debilitating back problems that ultimately required surgical intervention.
Post-Surgery Recovery Journey Documented
Following her procedure, Dr Williams took to Instagram to share her recovery progress with concerned fans and followers. In an initial video update, she appeared remarkably upbeat and in positive spirits as she enjoyed her first post-operation meal. The medical professional later shared another clip showing her getting up for the first time since surgery, where a noticeable creaking sound could be heard.
Rather than expressing concern about the noise, Dr Williams humorously attributed it to her knees, quipping: "They always do that." She further documented her recovery by sharing a video of the bandage at the base of her spine, captioning the post with important medical advice: "Dressed. No bending, twisting, lifting for six weeks."
Medical Details of the Procedure
Despite her cheerful disposition during recovery, Dr Williams revealed that her surgeon described the operation as "really tight" at one critical point during the procedure. The medical professional explained that the surgery went well overall, but noted that the nerve canal - which should normally be circular - had flattened significantly, resulting in nerves becoming "really compressed."
Dr Williams had previously informed fans about her diagnosis of severe spinal stenosis, which necessitated a lumbar decompression procedure. She explained at the time: "The surgeon will be removing overgrown ligaments and bone which are a result of degenerative changes to my spine." The television doctor clarified that spinal stenosis differs from sciatica, noting that while sciatica often resolves itself over time, her condition required surgical correction.
Impact on Work and Previous Treatments
During her final appearance on This Morning before the surgery, Dr Williams discussed with hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard how her back issues were affecting her professional commitments. Ben Shephard initiated the conversation by addressing her health situation directly: "We're going to start with your health headline, Zoe, because personally, your back issue, which you've had for many years, you've finally decided to go for surgery."
Dr Williams confirmed that her surgery was scheduled for the following Tuesday, revealing: "I've been reassured by my surgeon that I'll walk in, have my operation, and walk out the same day." She expressed hope about minimizing her time away from work, stating: "I am hoping to not take too much time off – maybe four weeks off work and then be up and about again."
The doctor elaborated on her long-standing struggle with the condition: "I have been struggling with this back issue for some time. I have tried everything you could to be strong and done physio. But it has come to a point now where I've been assured that surgery is the only option."
Underlying Causes and Current Status
Dr Williams provided further insight into her physical challenges, explaining: "I struggle to be up straight. If I'm sitting down, I'm ok, but I can't straighten my spine a lot of the time." She revealed that medical professionals had suggested her active lifestyle might have contributed to her condition, marking the first time she'd been told that her physical activity could have been detrimental.
"It's the first time in my life that I've been told being so active might have not helped me," she confessed, "because I played rugby and did a lot of high-intensity sport, combined with my genetics. This is a condition that people usually get in their 60s, I've got it really young."
Following the successful surgery and initial hospital recovery, Dr Williams - who had previously undergone a procedure to have a spacer inserted - is now recuperating at home. Her positive updates suggest a steady recovery process as she follows medical advice during this crucial six-week rehabilitation period.
