Charlotte Chilton, the 32-year-old reality star from BBC's The Traitors, has finally returned home after a gruelling 18-day hospital stay following emergency brain surgery. She was discharged on Sunday, allowing her to be reunited with her one-year-old daughter, Penelope.
A Battle With 'The Suicide Disease'
Chilton was rushed to A&E earlier this month after suffering what she described as a 'terrible' attack of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). This chronic condition causes sudden, excruciating facial pain, often likened to electric shocks. The pain was so severe that Charlotte branded it 'physical torture'.
Trigeminal neuralgia is sometimes referred to as 'the suicide disease' due to the devastating impact its severe, recurrent pain can have on a sufferer's mental health. The NHS states it can significantly affect quality of life, leading to problems like weight loss, isolation, and depression.
This was not Charlotte's first neurosurgery for the condition; she also underwent a procedure in her twenties. She has been vocal about her struggles, revealing last year that the pain had led her to consider taking her own life.
Recovery and a Long-Awaited Reunion
Sharing the news on her Instagram Stories, Charlotte posted a tired selfie from her bathroom, writing: 'After 18 days in hospital finally getting this bath I had dreamed about.' She added, 'Still a recovery to go but at least I'm with my little Penny again!'
Prior to the surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Charlotte had explained to her followers that the operation was necessary for long-term relief. 'Having surgery on your brain is always daunting, however this has long term relief and allows me to get on with my life,' she penned.
Ongoing Feud Amidst Health Crisis
While Charlotte focused on her health, her ongoing paternity dispute with singer Conor Maynard continued to play out publicly. Just hours before she revealed her surgery, Maynard posted a TikTok video seemingly referencing their feud with the line: 'Are you SURE you didn't sleep with anyone else?'
Charlotte has claimed Maynard is the father of her daughter, Penelope, despite two paternity tests reportedly stating otherwise. Last month, she vowed to step back from social media due to the mental toll of the saga, emphasising her focus was on her daughter's wellbeing.
As she continues her recovery at home, Charlotte's priority is now resting and spending precious time with her young daughter after an ordeal she described as 'hellish'.
