Former EastEnders star Rita Simons has provided her first detailed health update to social media followers after undergoing breast reduction surgery to address a debilitating spinal condition. The 49-year-old actress, who announced her surgical plans in March, underwent the procedure as part of her ongoing battle with scoliosis, a condition diagnosed during her teenage years.
Surgical Journey and Recovery Details
Simons took to Instagram on Wednesday to share that she remains bedridden but is "feeling fine" following her breast reduction surgery performed by plastic surgeon Nigel Mabvuure at Manchester's Christie Hospital. "My first post op update," she wrote. "I haven't felt like moving much until today, so bear with me... I'm very tired, but pain-wise I feel fine... little uncomfortable but really not a problem. More discomfort than anything... mainly just exhausted."
Addressing Spinal Issues Through Alternative Treatment
The actress explained that conventional back surgery was not an option for her particular scoliosis case, which involves a sideways, three-dimensional curvature of the spinal cord. Instead, she opted for breast reduction to alleviate the strain on her back. "I already know my back is going to love me for this," Simons revealed. "The amount of weight that's come off the front is insane."
Simons had previously made significant lifestyle changes to manage her condition, including eliminating alcohol, sugar, cigarettes, and vaping from her routine. She confirmed she had quit vaping in preparation for the surgery, stating, "The pain they cause my back just isn't necessary anymore. This chapter seems to be about getting rid of everything that doesn't serve me... so let's do the boobs too. The boobs definitely do not serve me."
Visual Evidence and Personal Reflections
The actress shared pre-surgery photographs showing the contour of her breasts while wearing a loose-fitting sweater, noting these images were taken "WITH a minimiser bra" for context. She expressed amazement at the transformation, writing, "I actually can't believe when I look down I don't have these huge boulders attached to me anymore... I can already tell I'm SO happy with the result... and that's while I'm still swollen and unhealed."
Understanding Scoliosis and Its Impact
Scoliosis involves an abnormal S-shaped curvature of the spine that can cause visible spinal curves, uneven shoulders or hips, ill-fitting clothing, and back pain. While the cause is often unknown, it can result from conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. In the United Kingdom, scoliosis affects three to four children per thousand, with approximately 70 percent of adults over 65 experiencing some degree of curvature.
Simons has been particularly vocal about raising awareness of adult scoliosis, sharing in March an X-ray image of her curved spine alongside her surgical announcement. "It's finally time to say goodbye to my massively annoying boobs," she declared at the time. "I'm sharing this because adult scoliosis isn't talked about enough - and this is just one of the many curveballs women with scoliosis can experience."
Long-Term Management and Personal Struggles
The actress, who is mother to 20-year-old twin daughters Jaimee and Maiya with ex-husband Theo Silverston, has documented her scoliosis journey extensively. In February 2021, she described being in a "whole world of pain" as her condition worsened. "I hate my scoliosis with a passion," she confessed. "It's definitely getting worse and it makes everything I wear weird. I had an X-ray not that long ago and my spine is a big old S now, and I'm in a whole world of pain most of the time."
Despite the challenges, Simons maintains a rigorous fitness regimen to manage her symptoms. "I work out everyday and I'm so grateful I have a gym at home," she explained. "It's so important to keep training when you have scoliosis - but in the right way. I do loads of strengthening and physio for the curve in my spine and it keeps me out of pain when I'm strict with my training."
Looking toward her recovery, Simons expressed optimism about both pain relief and aesthetic improvements. "I can't lie... pain relief aside, I'm also looking forward to not having the rib hump at the back and the two mountains at the front. Let's lose those mountains," she shared. The actress concluded her update by thanking followers for their supportive messages while acknowledging her continued craving for vaping, though she remains committed to her recovery process.
