Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Television personality Mark Millar, known for BBC’s DIY SOS, has received an outpouring of supportive messages after sharing an update on his health just seven weeks following a triple heart bypass surgery. The 55-year-old TV presenter, who underwent the major open-heart procedure, issued a cautionary message to his followers on social media in a recent video. This update comes after the home improvement expert’s prior hospitalisation related to a cardiac event.
DIY SOS Star Mark Millar Updates on Recovery After Heart Surgery
Towards the close of last year, Millar experienced a heart attack while engaging in cold water swimming off the coast of Clevedon in North Somerset. He was swiftly transported to Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI). In a series of social media posts, Millar expressed that he has been “struggling mentally” yet is making positive strides in his recovery. In a recent update shared on Sunday, April 14th, the DIY SOS host revealed he had ventured into cold water swimming for the first time since his operation. However, this action prompted a reprimand from a concerned social media follower.
Early Return to Swimming Prompts Warning
Millar began his video message by stating: “Hello everyone. I posted something yesterday about my first swim post-operation. Actually, seven weeks post-op. And I really shouldn’t have done it. I’ve been told off by someone who follows me – who works in the cardiac unit – and I should be waiting 12 weeks until I’m fully healed. This is to ensure that I don’t re-injure my sternum, and also to prevent any potential infection.”
He continued with a word of caution: “So, please do not swim before 12 weeks following this type of surgery. I apologise for my earlier post. I’m now figuring out what kind of exercise I can do over the next few weeks… it looks like more walking.”
He captioned the video with: “I have been bad, Do not swim before 12 weeks after heart surgery. I jumped the gun and went too early.”
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Fans Offer Words of Encouragement
Loyal fans expressed their support, with one commenting: “Take it easy in the meantime Mark, 12 weeks will pass before you know it.”
Another fan added: “It’s common to feel like doing more than advised after any major surgery, particularly heart surgery. My son is the same after every procedure or heart operation! Give your body the necessary time to heal.”
A third follower suggested: “Go for a walk instead! Reflect on how fortunate you are to be alive… and appreciate all the medical professionals who helped you survive while you are out and about! Enjoy your recovery period!”
Surgical Scar Unveiled in Candid Video
Millar’s recent comments follow another open and honest video he posted a day prior, in which he displayed his surgical scar from the operation.
He described his return to cold water swimming and conveyed feeling “alive” as he resumed light physical activity.
Millar shared: “I’ve been a little quiet regarding my post-operative recovery, but I am progressing well and healing nicely. However, I have been struggling a bit mentally because I feel vulnerable.”
Expanding on his feelings, he said: “I’ve been opened up from here to the top of my stomach, so I do get a bit concerned about accidentally bumping it or someone else knocking it. I’m just about to go for my first swim, and I’m very excited.”
“Amazing, I am Alive”
Describing his experience back in the water, Millar exclaimed: “That was amazing! That was the first time I’ve been in the water since November. I’m seven weeks post-operation, I swam 10 lengths, and I’m feeling so energised – this is amazing, I am alive.”
Heart Attack During Open Water Swim
Millar suffered a heart attack while open water swimming. He previously recounted that once the chest pain began, the swim back to shore, even with the assistance of friends, felt “like a lifetime.”
Speaking to the BBC, he explained: “It felt like someone was tightening a belt around me. If it wasn’t for my friends and my £15 float, I’m not sure I would be here today.”
He further elaborated: “I was experiencing red flags, everything felt wrong. The water felt thick like treacle, and I felt absolutely dreadful.”