Prince’s tragic last days – double hip replacement, ‘unbelievable pain’ and 8st weight

By now, most people know the tragic story of Purple Rain hitmaker Prince’s passing in April 2016.

The star, who was just 57 at the time of his death, died of an accidental opioid overdose after taking too much of the drug fentanyl, leaving behind a 40-year career in pop music.

But in the days and weeks before his death, the singer was in “unbelievable pain” after undergoing various surgeries. By the time of his death, Prince weighed just eight stone and had undergone a double hip replacement.

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He was also battling epilepsy and in the days leading to his death was forced to make an emergency landing in his private plane so he could be rushed to the emergency room.

Secret health battles

Prince first revealed that he was epileptic in 2009.

He revealed: “I’ve never spoken about this before but I was born epileptic. My mother and father didn’t know what to do or how to handle it but they did the best they could with what little they had.”

The singer added: “My mother told me one day I walked in to her and said ‘Mom, I’m not going to be sick anymore.’ And she said ‘Why?’ And I said ‘Because an angel told me so.’ Now, I don’t remember saying it, that’s just what she told me.”

Prince admitted he was teased over his condition at school, and “tried to compensate” by being “as flashy [and] as noisy as I could”.

And after years of dancing in high heeled boots on stage, Prince was in desperate need of a hip replacement for more than 10 years. But his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness wouldn’t allow him to receive blood transfusions, making the surgery difficult.

He was often spotted using a cane to get around in his later years.

In 2010, Prince reportedly underwent the double hip replacement but still struggled with pain in his ankles, which led to painkiller abuse.

Addiction struggle

Entertainment Tonight star Kevin Frazier revealed that some of Prince’s addiction issues stemmed from his joint pain, explaining: “People close to Prince tell me he struggled with painkillers due to his hip and ankle issues.

“[They] were a problem for him for so long, and for a man who loved to move and dance so much, it really bothered him.”

A pal said in 2009: “He’s in a lot of pain. He’s popping painkillers and hoping it will all go away.”

Prince’s autopsy revealed a devastating amount of fentanyl in his system, with the concentration in his blood at 67.8 micrograms per litre.

According to the statistics, 450 micrograms per kilogram were discovered in his liver, with liver concentrations greater than 69 micrograms per kilogram representing overdose or fatal toxicity cases.

After his death, authorities discovered pills stowed away all around the singer’s home.

Fatal flight

On April 15, Prince was flying home from a concert in Atlanta when his private plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Illinois.

Reports suggest that the star overdosed on Percocet and he was escorted off the plane by a bodyguard before being given a shot of anti-overdose medication.

Days later, the star was found unresponsive in an elevator at his home after overdosing again.

Mysterious scars

Measuring just 5 foot 3, Prince was much more than his stature throughout his life.

But the star was also underweight when his fragile body was examined after his death, weighing in at just 112 pounds (eight stone).

Moreover, his body was discovered with numerous scars across his skin, with his hips and lower legs riddled with mystery blemishes.

Reports at the time suggested some of these marks could have been down to Prince’s hip operations, and a post-mortem stated there were “no obvious signs of trauma” on his body.

Mental health issues

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It wasn’t just his physical health that proved a struggle for the tragic star. Prince was also trying desperately to hide his mental struggles.

Prince reportedly struggled with intense stage fright, along with requiring cortisone injections which led to debilitating insomnia.

The star also battled depression, and being catapulted to fame with his Purple Rain album in 1984 reportedly made his anxiety skyrocket too.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk