This Morning Star Michelle Elman Details Emergency Surgery and 19th Operation
This Morning panel expert Michelle Elman has disclosed that she was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery this week, marking her 19th operation overall. The 33-year-old TV life coach shared the news on her Instagram Stories, posting from her hospital bed with a candid update for her followers.
Social Media Revelations and Medical Journey
In her posts, Michelle wrote, 'Ended up needing emergency surgery. So much for Chinese New Year being a fresh start. Had surgery on the first day of the year and Chinese New Year.' She later added a light-hearted note about her priorities upon waking, joking about her tattoos after acquiring two new scars on her neck and collarbone.
Michelle reflected on her extensive medical history, stating, 'I think 19 surgeries is enough for a lifetime.' She shared a touching photo of a beaded bracelet made by her nephew that read 'Get better,' highlighting the personal support during her recovery.
Background on Complex Brain Conditions
The nature of the recent surgery remains unspecified, but it follows a major procedure Michelle underwent after a tube in her brain broke, causing her skull to fill with water. She has been open about her health struggles, including being born with Hydrocephalus—an excess of cerebrospinal fluid—and a brain tumour, managed by a magnet that controls fluid flow.
In November, Michelle revealed she needed another surgery due to a new brain cyst and a magnet replacement, describing it as a necessary but non-urgent procedure. She has faced multiple brain surgeries, with one high-risk operation involving a choice between options that could have left her with unnecessary scars.
Hospital Updates and Content Creation
While recovering, Michelle has continued to engage with fans, sharing images of herself with a bandaged head and discussing her experiences. She expressed frustration over being labeled a 'complex case' and humorously demanded to be called a 'medical miracle' instead. Despite physical limitations, such as being unable to lift her head due to drainage tubes, she remains committed to creating content about TV shows from her hospital bed.
Michelle admitted, 'My body might not be the sharpest right now, but my brain still works, and that has taken over a month to get to that point.' She emphasized her desire to focus on content rather than medical details, calling the latter 'boring' and 'depressing.'
Past Surgeries and Near-Death Experience
Michelle's medical journey includes 15 surgeries in her first 20 years, addressing issues like an obstructed bowel and punctured intestine. In a 2018 appearance on Loose Women, she shared a near-death experience after flat-lining during brain surgery at age 11, describing it as 'peaceful and calm.' She recalled floating above her bed, offering solace to others about the nature of death.
Despite the challenges, Michelle maintains a positive outlook, stating, 'I have lived a great life and really milked every moment I've had in this world so can't complain.' Her resilience continues to inspire fans as she navigates ongoing health battles while staying active in her career.
