Storm Keating had emergency spinal surgery after being diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome.
Storm and Ronan Keating
The 39-year-old wife of Ronan Keating revealed she suffered the "most frightening week" of her life when she was rushed to hospital with a prolapsed disc, which escalated to Cauda Equina Syndrome, a severe spinal stenosis that causes the nerves in the lower back to become severely compressed.
She wrote on Instagram: "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. 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. 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."
Storm - who has children Cooper and Coco with Ronan - added that her husband and stepkids had been holding down the fort while she was in hospital and she was eager to get home 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!!!! 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 (sic)."
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