Former Emmerdale star Gemma Oaten has returned to social media to share a health update with her adoring fans after she was rushed to hospital with “excruciating pains” throughout her body.
On Saturday (April 16), the 37-year-old was rushed to A&E where she was diagnosed with milk alkali syndrome which can cause kidney failure and even “death” if not controlled.
In view of her 24,800 fans, the actress took to Instagram where she opened up about her “rare” illness as she recalled the life-changing experience online.
As the former Rachel Breckle star posted a picture of herself waving from her hospital bed as she explained how she has been inundated with cruel messages from trolls.
(Image: INSTAGRAM)
She wrote: “Hi everyone. I’m so sorry I’ve been quiet. I’ve been inundated with messages and tried to keep up, as have my parents, but we’ve hit a brick wall.
“I just thought it best to do an update for all you lovely people so our phones can cool down and we can get some rest at what’s been a really horrible time for us all and my close family and friends.”
Gemma went on to reveal that after arriving at hospital, things soon took a “turn for the worse” after she tested positive for Covid last week.
(Image: Instagram/ @gemma.oaten)
The actress went on: “As many know I tested positive for covid last Tuesday but woke early hours Saturday morning with excruciating chest, stomach and back pains.
“I called 111 for advice and they sent an ambulance and it’s all been a blur and very surreal, but too real as well if that makes sense?
“Long story short and I’ll explain more when I am ready and fully fit, but I was diagnosed with milk alkali syndrome which is rare and severe cases (like mine) leads to kidney failure or worse, death.”
(Image: Instagram/ @gemma.oaten)
She went on to thank her two close friends for urging her to see medical help and bringing in essential items while she gets the help she needs in hospital.
But Gemma hasn’t always been supported by her doting fans as she revealed that she’d been trolled for sharing her struggles on social media.
The soap star penned: “And to the trolls (swipe through_ for your messages…I don’t normally call out keyboard warriors but a lesson needed to be learned.
“I read these whilst wondering if I could make the night. Think before you type. Kindness means everything.”
(Image: Instagram/ @gemma.oaten)
Milk-alkali syndrome is caused by having high levels of calcium in the blood which can potentially cause damage to the kidneys.
Symptoms of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, headaches and hospitalisation is required for severe cases to manage the syndrome.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
