Denise Welch, a well-known panelist on Loose Women, recently shared details of a frightening health scare 

that saw her rushed to the hospital shortly after returning from a holiday in the Caribbean. 

The 66-year-old television star had barely settled back into her routine 

when she was faced with a serious medical emergency that left her hospitalized and receiving treatment on a drip.

During an episode of Loose Women, Denise opened up about her ordeal, explaining how her plans to show off her post-holiday glow were swiftly interrupted by a medical crisis. 

“I got back from a lovely holiday in the Caribbean last Saturday,” she shared with her co-hosts.

“All bronzed, looking forward to coming on here last week and showing off my sun tan, and then I got rushed into hospital on the Saturday with acute peritonitis – a perforated diverticulitis.”

Acute peritonitis is a serious infection of the abdominal lining, often caused by complications such as a burst stomach ulcer or diverticulitis. The condition can quickly become life-threatening if not treated immediately. Fortunately, Denise received prompt medical care, and doctors were able to manage the infection with antibiotics, preventing the need for surgery.

“I’ve been in hospital on a drip for a b***** week!” she exclaimed, reflecting on her hospitalization. Despite the severity of her condition, Denise expressed gratitude that surgery was avoided. She also injected some humor into the conversation, recalling her mother’s reaction to her illness: “As my mother said, ‘Take me to the knacker’s yard!’”

Peritonitis is a condition that requires urgent medical attention, as it can lead to severe complications such as sepsis if left untreated. Symptoms of the infection typically include severe stomach pain, fever, a rapid heartbeat, and digestive issues such as nausea and bloating. In some cases, the condition necessitates surgical intervention to drain any accumulated pus and prevent further complications.

Denise’s hospital experience was not without its frustrations, as she candidly revealed during the show. She recalled being kept in Accident & Emergency for 24 hours due to a lack of available hospital beds. “They kept saying, ‘There’s no bed for you,’” she said. Doctors wanted her to be transferred to a surgical ward, but space was limited.

However, Denise was shocked to find that as soon as her presence in the hospital was leaked to the press, her situation changed drastically. “Somebody had spotted me and phoned the press – and I was in a bed in 15 minutes,” she revealed. The incident highlighted ongoing issues within the healthcare system, where bed shortages can cause delays in critical care.

Despite the stressful circumstances, Denise managed to find humor in her situation. As she shared details of her recovery, she joked about how her digestive system was returning to normal. “I’m eating again, and believe you me, what’s going on down there – I’m a loose woman, believe me!” she quipped, eliciting laughter from her co-hosts.

The television star’s ordeal serves as an important reminder about the dangers of peritonitis and the need to seek immediate medical attention for abdominal pain or other concerning symptoms. Many people may overlook persistent stomach issues, attributing them to minor digestive discomfort, but conditions like diverticulitis can quickly escalate into serious infections if left untreated.

The NHS advises that anyone diagnosed with peritonitis will require hospital treatment to clear the infection, usually involving intravenous antibiotics. In severe cases, patients may need a feeding tube or even surgery to remove infected tissue. Those who undergo kidney dialysis may also need alternative methods of treatment while recovering.

Denise Welch has long been open about her health struggles, both physical and mental, using her platform to raise awareness about various issues. Her candid discussion on Loose Women not only shed light on the realities of her recent health scare but also highlighted the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking medical help when needed.

Now on the mend, Denise is focusing on her recovery and getting back to her usual vibrant self. As she returns to the Loose Women panel, fans can rest assured that her trademark humor and openness remain as strong as ever. Her experience is a testament to the importance of early intervention in medical emergencies and the resilience that has made her a beloved television personality.

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