Tanya Bardsley has undergone a hysterectomy after years of debilitating pelvic pain, the Real Housewives of Cheshire star said, adding that the operation forced her to miss the National Television Awards.
Bardsley, 44, announced the surgery on Instagram on Thursday, saying she had opted for a hysterectomy to stop the pain she has endured while awaiting a diagnosis. She described swapping a "posh frock" for a "hospital frock" and wrote that she "couldn't take the pain anymore."
Bardsley said she had been diagnosed with adenomyosis and fibroids after pressing for further investigation. Adenomyosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus and can cause heavy bleeding and intense pain. She credited a specialist, writing that the consultant diagnosed the conditions after previous doctors told her tests were normal.
In her Instagram post, she thanked her uterus for allowing her to have her children and said it was "time for it to go." She shared a short video of herself on morphine and joked about diagnosing others, while thanking followers for their messages of support.
Bardsley has previously spoken publicly about the severity of her symptoms. In June she told panellists on the ITV talk show Loose Women that the pain had been "more agonising than labour" and described episodes of constant pain and heavy bleeding that disrupted her daily life. She said the symptoms worsened as she entered the perimenopause and followed an earlier diagnosis of ADHD.
The reality star has also said the condition affected her mood and relationships. In interviews she described experiencing severe hormonal swings and a level of anger she likened to an "ogre," and told The Sun she had feared her husband, former Sunderland footballer Phil Bardsley, might leave because of the toll the illness took on their marriage. She praised him for staying with her, saying it showed "what kind of man he is."
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus and can be offered to women with adenomyosis and fibroids who have not responded to other treatments or who want a permanent solution to chronic pain and bleeding. Doctors typically discuss the range of options, risks and recovery expectations with patients before surgery.
Bardsley told followers she had previously been told by some doctors that her symptoms were normal and that she had been advised to use a contraceptive coil. She urged other women who are in pain to continue seeking answers if they are told their scans or tests are clear.
Her announcement drew messages of support from fans and peers. Bardsley has four children and has been a public figure since joining the cast of Real Housewives of Cheshire. She has used interviews and social media to raise awareness of her health struggles in recent months.
Representatives for Bardsley did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.