Ronan Keating’s wife Storm has emergency spinal surgery in ‘most frightening week of my life’

Storm Keating has undergone emergency spinal surgery after being diagnosed with a syndrome that can lead to permanent paralysis.

The 39-year-old, who is married to Ronan Keating, shared a picture from her hospital bed and explained that she had suffered ‘the most frightening week of my life’ after being diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome.

The Australian designer wrote: ‘On Saturday I was rushed in with what we already knew was a very bad prolapsed disc, which had more recently escalated to the point where it needed surgical intervention. 

‘Whilst stabilising in hospital however, this then escalated to Cauda Equina Compression/ Syndrome which required emergency spinal surgery to avoid permanent damage. If it wasn’t for Dr Aftab and his acute diligence, care, attentiveness and skills, I would not be walking out of this hospital with the prospects of leading the normal life I had always envisioned I would.’

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare and severe type of spinal stenosis where all of the nerves in the lower back suddenly become severely compressed.

Symptoms include sciatica, severe numbness or weakness in the legs or around the genitals or anus, and issues with urinating.

If untreated, it can lead to permanent paralysis and incontinence.

Storm continued to thank the staff at Cromwell Hospital, including Dr Syed Aftab, for keeping her safe,

She wrote: ‘There are no words that will ever come close to describing my gratitude to you Syed, thank you. And to Georgia and all the wonderful nurses and healthcare assistants who wiped my tears, comforted my fears, cleaned me up and allowed me to keep my dignity in moments where I thought I would lose it… you are amazing human beings to do what you do, thank you. 

‘My little girl turns one year old tomorrow and I can’t wait to get home to her (just in time!) and to my amazing family who have been supporting each other and holding the fort together in my absence this last week. It couldn’t have been easy and especially knowing the way my baby @rokeating worries! So baba, @jackrkeating and @missyykeating you are my heroes and I love you and I can’t wait to get home and see you!!!! 

‘Finally I just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone for your well wishes this last week, they filled me with strength and courage. I hope that by sharing my story, it’s a small reminder for everyone to take care of your back! Many of us take our spine for granted and often our health too… but sometimes the unexpected can throw a real curve ball if you’re not paying attention or if you’re ignoring your body. I’m very lucky but I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone. We share our highs on Insta but sometimes it’s good to share our lows too. This has been one of mine.’

Friends of the star shared their well wishes, including Ashley James, who wrote: ‘ Sending you so much love Storm. I’m so happy you were so well taken care of. Rest well Darling.’

Earlier in the week, Storm had shared a video of her three-year-old son Cooper showing off a get well soon card he made, with Ronan, 44, praising the band aid and glitter design.

Ronan and Storm today celebrate their daughter Coco Knox’s first birthday.

The couple met in 2010 when Ronan was a judge on The X Factor Australia and Storm worked on production, and married in 2015 after five years of dating.

Boyzone star Ronan is also dad to Jack, 22, Missy, 20, and Ali, 15, from his marriage to Yvonne Connolly. 

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