Ulrika Jonsson Shares Details of Varicose Vein Procedure and Recovery
Television personality Ulrika Jonsson has publicly disclosed that she is currently in the recovery phase following a medical procedure to address her varicose veins. The 58-year-old star utilized her Instagram platform last Friday to post photographs from the hospital, capturing herself in a medical gown and offering candid insights into the experience.
A Painful but Successful Treatment
In her social media update, Jonsson described the treatment as "painful, uncomfortable and not the sexiest thing in the world." She elaborated on the challenges faced during recovery, including issues with bleeding and the discomfort of wearing surgical compression stockings, which she humorously noted made her legs feel "suffocated." Despite these difficulties, she confirmed the procedure was ultimately successful.
Jonsson explained that this marks the third time she has undergone such a treatment for varicose veins, with her previous procedure occurring approximately twenty-one years ago. She wrote, "I'm somewhat of a veteran in this field - this was the third (and final) time." Reflecting on medical advancements, she added that modern techniques now involve methods like "microwave" and "foam" treatments, a contrast to older approaches.
Recovery Instructions and Personal Reflections
The television presenter revealed that her medical team has instructed her to rest and "take it easy" for the next eight days. She humorously mentioned the struggle of adhering to this advice, stating, "trying my hardest to sit on my fat ar5e and take it easy. Fat chance." Among the few comforts during her hospital stay was a simple pleasure: "having someone make me a cheese and ham toastie, was a bit of a treat."
Jonsson also provided additional context about her medical history, noting that in October she underwent a pioneering treatment aimed at reducing blood flow to her legs. This involved a procedure where a wire was passed through her jugular vein while she was awake to embolize veins in the pelvic area. She described this earlier intervention as "bonkers," highlighting the complexity of her ongoing vein issues.
Understanding Varicose Vein Treatments
Varicose vein removal typically involves closing or removing damaged veins through various medical techniques. Common methods include:
- Minimally invasive procedures such as radiofrequency or laser ablation, which use heat to seal veins.
- Sclerotherapy, involving injections of foam to collapse problematic veins.
- Traditional surgery like ligation and stripping for more severe cases, where veins are removed through small incisions.
- Phlebectomy, a technique for removing surface veins through tiny cuts.
The appropriate treatment depends on factors like vein size and symptom severity. Jonsson did not specify the exact method used in her latest procedure.
Broader Context: Jonsson's Personal Journey
This medical update follows a recent emotional revelation by Jonsson regarding her struggles with alcohol. Last month, she shared details of a harrowing phone conversation with her best friend, which she credits as a turning point in her addiction journey. During an appearance on Spencer Matthews' podcast UNTAPPED, she recounted how her friend confronted her about unintelligible speech due to intoxication, stating, "You have a problem and I can't help you."
Jonsson described this intervention as "so shaming" but acknowledged it was the moment she realized change was necessary. She has since been open about her path to sobriety, writing in a public letter that she has been alcohol-free for over a year. She characterized her past drinking as a means to cope with "crippling anxiety" and self-loathing, emphasizing how sobriety has positively transformed her life.
As she focuses on her current recovery from the vein procedure, Jonsson concluded her Instagram post with a light-hearted request for "healing vibes and baked goods," showcasing her resilient and candid approach to personal health challenges.
