Denise Welch, well-known for her role as a panellist on Loose Women, 

recently opened up about a serious health scare that left her experiencing an unusual and unexpected side effect. 

During a discussion on the ITV daytime show, the 66-year-old television star detailed her battle with perforated diverticulitis, a condition that required intensive hospital treatment.

A Life-Threatening Health Condition

The conversation began when host Ruth Langsford brought attention to Denise’s recent health struggles. 

Noting that Denise had been unwell, Ruth asked about a strange reaction affecting her hands. “You had this thing on your hand? Your skin started peeling?” she inquired.

Denise responded with her usual candid humor but did not downplay the severity of the situation. “Yeah, yeah. If I did not know what this was, I would think I was probably going to pop my clogs,” she admitted. She then went on to reveal that she had been hospitalized three weeks prior due to a severe episode of perforated diverticulitis.

Perforated diverticulitis is a serious medical condition that occurs when a weakened section of the colon wall bursts, leading to bowel contents leaking into the abdominal cavity. This can cause infection and inflammation, and if left untreated, it can become life-threatening. According to the NHS, the condition requires immediate medical attention and, in severe cases, may even necessitate surgery.

Unusual Side Effects from Treatment

Denise explained that, in order to avoid undergoing surgery, doctors treated her with powerful antibiotics. While the medication helped her recover from the dangerous infection, it also led to an unusual side effect—her skin began peeling off in large patches.

“In order to avoid surgery, they had to pump me full of these high-grade antibiotics, and all of my skin on my hands and feet completely dried up to the point where I could barely move my hands,” she shared. However, despite how extreme it appeared, Denise reassured viewers that the reaction was not painful.

“It was a rash, but it wasn’t painful. So they said, ‘Could you just bear with it, because these antibiotics are really working?’” she recalled. To further illustrate her point, she held her hands up to the camera, showing how her skin was literally peeling away. “But they’re literally peeling off. And my feet… they’re worse,” she added.

Although the reaction was startling, Denise seemed to take it in stride, displaying her signature sense of humor and resilience.

Weight Loss and Sleep Apnoea Battle

In addition to her recent hospital stay, Denise has also been dealing with another significant health concern—sleep apnoea. During a separate episode of Loose Women, she revealed that she had been advised to lose weight to reduce her risk of severe complications associated with the condition.

“I recently had to lose a couple of stone because of sleep apnoea,” she shared. The condition, which affects breathing during sleep, can lead to serious health risks if left untreated.

Denise disclosed that medical professionals had warned her about the potential dangers of carrying excess weight. “I was told that if I didn’t [lose weight], I could be at risk of a heart attack or stroke within 10 years,” she said. The warning served as a wake-up call, prompting her to take action for her health.

Determined to make a change, Denise adopted a new approach to her diet and lifestyle. “I feel so much better having done it because I have learned how to change my relationship with food,” she said. However, she admitted that maintaining a healthy weight had been a challenge over the years.

“But what had happened was over the years, my weight had crept up again. I went back to the origins of what I used, the company that I used, and I lost it safely and effectively,” she explained.

A Candid and Inspiring Journey

Denise Welch has always been open about her personal struggles, and her latest health revelations are no exception. From overcoming a life-threatening condition to tackling sleep apnoea and making significant lifestyle changes, she continues to be an inspiration to many.

By sharing her experiences, Denise not only raises awareness about serious health conditions but also reminds viewers of the importance of taking control of their well-being. Her resilience, humor, and honesty serve as a testament to her strength, making her a beloved figure on Loose Women and beyond.

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