Gemma Numan's Devastating Paralysis After Routine Spinal Operation
Gemma Numan, wife of iconic musician Gary Numan, has disclosed a harrowing health crisis that has left her with paralysis in her left arm following what was intended to be a routine surgical procedure. The 57-year-old shared this deeply personal update on Instagram, revealing the operation took place in December last year and has resulted in a life-altering complication.
Surgical Procedure Leads to Unexpected Paralysis
Gemma underwent a multi-level discectomy on her cervical spine on December 11th to address a herniated disc. In a candid social media post, she explained that the paralysis occurred immediately after the operation. "Paralysed left arm straight away! It's one of the sad things that can happen," she wrote, acknowledging this rare but known surgical risk when procedures occur near the spinal cord or nerve roots.
The situation has been particularly challenging for Gemma as she is left-handed, making everyday tasks extraordinarily difficult. She described attempting to use a travel paint kit she purchased to lift her spirits, only to break down in tears when she realized she couldn't manipulate it properly. "So I tried by turning the paper round all the time! It's s*** but that's with my lead hand which is now not really working with any control," she shared with raw honesty.
Extended Recovery and Separation from Home
Gemma's recovery has been prolonged and complicated, forcing her to remain in the United Kingdom rather than returning to the couple's home in California. She hasn't been home since September 9th and expressed profound sadness about being separated from her animals. "I miss my animals so much it makes feel sick!" she wrote, adding that Gary has been caring for her throughout this challenging period in the UK.
Adding to her distress, Gemma revealed she faces yet another operation - her third since August. She expressed frustration about the non-glamorous reality of her health struggles, stating: "No one can ever understand how sh*t it is and not glamorous plus my health shit my animals have lost months with me!"
Compounding Family Tragedy
The health crisis comes amid profound personal loss for the Numan family. Gary Numan's younger brother, John, died suddenly in November at just 60 years old. The tragedy occurred after the brothers had spent an evening together at Gary's Telekon show in Leeds, catching up and sharing stories.
Gary received the devastating news while on stage during his tour and initially considered canceling remaining shows. In an emotional Instagram post, he described the moment: "I hugged him at the door of our tour bus... I watched him walk away. Sadly he never made it to his car, betrayed by his own heart." John collapsed in the street shortly after their farewell and passed away in hospital hours later.
Gary Numan's Heartbreaking Tribute
The 67-year-old music veteran described the loss as "the worst moment of my life" and admitted to being "drifting, broken, shell shocked." He explained his decision to continue the tour came at the urging of his father and John's wife, who believed it was what John would have wanted.
"This tour is no longer a celebration of an album, it's a tribute to John, my brother, the best brother a man could ever have," Gary wrote, transforming the musical performances into a memorial for his sibling. The couple, married since 1997, now faces the dual challenges of Gemma's ongoing medical recovery and profound family grief.
Gemma's openness about her paralysis provides rare insight into the serious risks associated with spinal surgeries, while the family's simultaneous mourning highlights how personal tragedies can compound during already difficult times. The Numans' experience underscores the unpredictable nature of medical procedures and the resilience required when facing multiple life-altering events simultaneously.
