Andi Oliver has spoken about her recovery from the hysterectomy she underwent last year after doctors found fibroids in her womb that were so large it was “like I was five months pregnant”. The TV chef, 59, said she had first gone to the doctor after feeling unwell despite being generally healthy and active.
She explained: “Last year, despite exercising six times a week, I felt s**t* – something wasn’t right. My GP sent me for an ultrasound and a gynaecologist found 10 fibroids in my womb. They were so large it was like I was five months pregnant.”
Speaking to Women's Health UK, she added: “I’ve since had a full hysterectomy.” A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the womb (uterus).
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After the operation, Andi moved in with her daughter Miquita – also a television presenter – as she didn't feel well enough to be on her own, the Express reports. She said the move was a “lesson in surrendering” as she learnt she needed to give her body time to recover.
She explained: “I’m an energetic person, but after surgery, I didn’t have the extra reserves to draw from. It was a lesson in surrendering: you have to respect the time recovery takes and be patient. But it doesn’t come naturally to me.
“I moved in with [my daughter] Miquita for a period immediately after the procedure so she could look after me – it was a funny role reversal.”
Last year, Andi said she had to “slow down” after undergoing the “big operation”. In November, she told the Express that the tempo change was unusual for her, but she needed to look after her body.
She said: “I have actually slowed myself down a little bit this year because I have been in hospital, I had quite a big operation. I had a hysterectomy because I had really bad fibroids.
“So, I am taking it slowly this year, which is quite odd for me, but it’s important to look after your body and your mental health as much as it is to look after your career.
“But I am doing really great actually. I have to say, congratulations to my body. I am very proud of my body because I have recovered really quickly."
Andi added: “I am 60-years-old next year as well so I am quite impressed with how well I have recovered from quite a big operation.”
The presenter said she was following her doctor's advice despite joking that “following orders doesn't come naturally”.
Andi recently wrapped up filming for the next series of the BBC's Great British Menu and says her co-stars have been “great”. She said: “I’m great actually and all the people around me, Great British Menu is great to film because it is really familial and it’s a beautiful thing.”
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