Former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona has opened up about her distressing experience with NHS overcrowding after being diagnosed with a chronic bowel condition. The 45-year-old star shared an emotional health update from her hospital bed, revealing she spent hours on a bed in a corridor before being admitted to a ward.
Heartbreaking Hospital Experience
Katona described feeling "so sad" about the situation in what she called a "packed" hospital, where she witnessed elderly patients alongside her in the corridor. "I believe all the hospitals are like this," she told her followers. "It's really sad to see the old lady and the old man on the beds in the corridors. I was one of them."
Emotional Toll of Diagnosis
The mother of five revealed she had been "crying" constantly and had experienced no sleep during her hospital stay. "I know I look rough and tired but that's because I've been crying and I've had no sleep," she explained. "I just want to go home but I can't... I can't sleep because my mind is racing."
Chronic Health Condition Revealed
Katona disclosed she has been diagnosed with colitis, a long-term inflammatory bowel condition that affects the colon and rectum. "I have something called colitis - something to do with my bowel," she shared in a video update. "So it's been s*** - excuse the pun. I haven't slept since yesterday, the day before. I'm in the right place."
Understanding Colitis Symptoms
The NHS describes ulcerative colitis as a condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed, potentially causing:
- Recurring diarrhoea that may contain blood, mucus, or pus
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Frequent need to use the toilet
- Extreme fatigue and tiredness
- Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
Gratitude Amidst Difficulties
Despite her challenging circumstances, Katona took time to thank her fans for their messages of concern and support. Her candid sharing has highlighted the very real pressures facing NHS services and the human impact of hospital overcrowding on patients of all ages.
The celebrity's experience serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges within the healthcare system, particularly for those dealing with chronic conditions requiring hospital treatment and monitoring.
