Storm Keating has revealed she underwent emergency spinal surgery after being diagnosed with rare spinal condition Cauda equina syndrome.
Taking to Instagram on Friday night where she shared a snap of her hand and hospital gown, she revealed that she had initially been rushed to hospital for a ‘very bad prolapsed disc’, which she said needed ‘surgical intervention’.
However, Ronan Keating’s wife, 39, revealed that things took a serious turn when it turned out she had Cauda Equina Compression/ Syndrome, which is a severe type of spinal stenosis that causes the nerves in the lower back to become severely compressed.
Emergency: Storm Keating has revealed she underwent emergency spinal surgery after being diagnosed with rare spinal condition Cauda equina syndrome
In a lengthy Instagram post, the mother-of-two told how it had been ‘most frightening week of my life’ and added that she ‘wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone.’
Beginning her message, she said: ‘It’s been a long and trialling week, the most frightening week of my life. But I feel so utterly grateful to Dr Syed Aftab and all the amazing specialists, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and aids at #CromwellHospital who have assisted me through this.
‘On Saturday I was rushed in with what we already knew was a very bad prolapsed disc, which had more recently escalated to the point where it needed surgical intervention.’
Hospital stay: Taking to Instagram on Friday night where she shared a snap of her hand and hospital gown, she revealed that she had initially been rushed to hospital for a ‘very bad prolapsed disc’, which she said needed ‘surgical intervention’
Detailing how her condition deteriorated, she continued: ‘Whilst stabilising in hospital however, this then escalated to Cauda Equina Compression/ Syndrome which required emergency spinal surgery to avoid permanent damage.
‘If it wasn’t for Dr Aftab and his acute diligence, care, attentiveness and skills, I would not be walking out of this hospital with the prospects of leading the normal life I had always envisioned I would.’
Cauda equina syndrome occurs when the roots of cauda equina (nerves at the end of the spine) are compressed, which can lead to a disruption of motor and sensory function to the bladder and bowels.
Shock: However, Ronan Keating’s wife, 39, revealed that things took a serious turn when it turned out she had Cauda Equina Compression/ Syndrome, which is a severe type of spinal stenosis that causes the nerves in the lower back to become severely compressed
If left untreated, it could lead to impaired bladder and/or bowel control, loss of sexual sensation and possible paralysis of the legs among other ailments.
Sharing her gratitude to the medical staff that helped her, Storm continued: ‘There are no words that will ever come close to describing my gratitude to you Syed, thank you.
‘And to Georgia and all the wonderful nurses and healthcare assistants who wiped my tears, comforted my fears, cleaned me up and allowed me to keep my dignity in moments where I thought I would lose it… you are amazing human beings to do what you do, thank you.’
Turning to her family, she said: ‘My little girl turns one year old tomorrow and I can’t wait to get home to her (just in time!) and to my amazing family who have been supporting each other and holding the fort together in my absence this last week.
‘It couldn’t have been easy and especially knowing the way my baby @rokeating worries! So baba, @jackrkeating and @missyykeating you are my heroes and I love you and I can’t wait to get home and see you!!!!’
The Australian fashion designer concluding her post, writing: ‘Finally I just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone for your well wishes this last week, they filled me with strength and courage. I hope that by sharing my story, it’s a small reminder for everyone to take care of your back!
‘Many of us take our spine for granted and often our health too… but sometimes the unexpected can throw a real curve ball if you’re not paying attention or if you’re ignoring your body.
‘I’m very lucky but I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone. We share our highs on Insta but sometimes it’s good to share our lows too. This has been one of mine ❤️.’
Ordeal: In a lengthy Instagram post, the mother-of-two told how it had been ‘most frightening week of my life’ and added that she ‘wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone’
Illness: Detailing how her condition deteriorated, she continued: ‘Whilst stabilising in hospital however, this then escalated to Cauda Equina Compression/ Syndrome which required emergency spinal surgery to avoid permanent damage
Storm gave birth to her daughter, Coco, in March last year and she also shares three-year-old son Cooper with Ronan.
The happy couple met in September 2012 while they were both working on The X Factor Australia.
They tied the knot in a romantic Scottish ceremony in 2015 before announcing in December 2016 that they were expecting their first child.
Ronan shares three other children with ex-wife Yvonne Connolly: daughters Missy, 19, and Ali, 15, and son Jack, 21.
Love: Turning to her family, she said: ‘My little girl turns one year old tomorrow and I can’t wait to get home to her (just in time!) and to my amazing family who have been supporting each other and holding the fort together in my absence this last week