Loose Women favourite Andrea McLean has bravely spoken out about a harrowing health ordeal that led to her being rushed to hospital after she collapsed at home. The 54-year-old, who bid farewell to the ITV chat show in 2020, disclosed that she was battling flu-like symptoms last December when her condition dramatically deteriorated. In a candid post on her blog, Andrea recounted how she initially brushed off her sickness as just another seasonal lurgy, expecting it to clear up within a week.
But after a week of unyielding fever, shivers, and chest discomfort, she spotted an alarming clue her urine had turned a dark shade of brown. Her situation escalated when she fainted in her bathroom and remained on the floor for an hour until her husband Nick Feeney discovered her, reports the Express. Heeding their GP's urgent advice, Andrea and Nick dialled 999, and paramedics swiftly made their way to their residence. She recounted: "The ambulance team were amazing. My blood pressure was so low I couldn't stand, and I was in a lot of pain. To be honest, I was barely aware of what was happening.".
Upon reaching the hospital, Andrea underwent a series of tests, including X-rays and CT scans, which exposed the gravity of her illness. She was struck with a diagnosis of severe pneumonia, acute kidney injury, and sepsis a trio of potentially fatal conditions that demanded immediate medical intervention. "Things happened quickly; drips, super-strong antibiotics via IV and orally, and I was transferred to the Emergency Assessment Ward," she detailed.
The TV host endured a harrowing few days in hospital, which she described as a "fraught" ordeal. She detailed the sensory assault from the distressing sounds of fellow patients, sleep-deprived nights, and the relentless agony she suffered. Her initial night in the respiratory ward was particularly harrowing. Andrea found herself in a bay with elderly patients, some battling dementia, and recounted a terrifying incident where one woman aggressively accosted her at night, tugging fiercely at the privacy curtain.
During her stay, Andrea grappled with fatigue, severe discomfort, and a diminished appetite. Her sense of taste became overly sensitive, rendering eating an unenjoyable experience. She was eventually prescribed stronger painkillers, which brought some solace. Desperate for a more tranquil recovery space, she fought to be allowed home. After discussions with medical staff, she secured permission to spend nights at home, while still attending the hospital daily for IV antibiotics and check-ups.
Reflecting on the experience, Andrea is profoundly thankful for her husband's steadfast support. She shared: "Nick's life stopped for the first few weeks of the new year too. He drove me to hospital every day, sat outside for hours, then drove me home, made dinner, and put me to bed. And then did it all again the next day.". Five weeks into her recovery, Andrea has confessed she's still on the mend and regaining her strength. Although the TV star hoped she'd bounce back swiftly, a joyful chuckle with Nick brought home just how far she's come.
