TV presenter Jenny Powell has spoken candidly about her hysterectomy, describing the relief of finally being free from the debilitating symptoms she endured for almost a decade. The former Wheel of Fortune star, 56, underwent a robotic hysterectomy in October after suffering from severe peri-menopausal symptoms, including heavy bleeding, constipation and a congested feeling in her lower abdomen.
Powell, who presents the weekend Breakfast Club show on Greatest Hits Radio, says the last two years were 'horrendous'. She told OK! magazine: 'I had terrible bleeding, really bad, to the point where I was changing four times a day and in a job like mine, that isn't good.' She also recalled being 'a bit of a joke' at yoga because she needed the loo three times during an hour-long class.
The symptoms were caused by fibroids, adenomyosis and full-on pelvic congestion. An MRI revealed her uterus was the size of a 16-week pregnancy, pressing on her intestines, bladder and kidneys. Powell says the problem was only spotted after paparazzi photos on holiday showed a bump in her lower abdomen.
Because of a five-year NHS waiting list, Powell opted for private care. After surgery, she shared a video from hospital that amassed 2.5 million views and helped grow her following from 40,000 to almost 200,000. She said she and her gynaecologist have found themselves at the centre of a community of women sharing their own experiences.
Powell, who has daughters Constance, 24, and Pollyanna, 16, said her partner of 12 years, Martin Lowe, has been a great support. She said she is proud of her scars and wore a bikini on holiday this year. 'They're part of me and part of my journey and my story,' she said. Powell began her TV career at 16 and has presented shows including Wheel of Fortune with Bradley Walsh.
