On Monday, Michelle Elman, a presenter on ‘This Morning,’ shared a worrying health update, admitting she wasn’t sure about her future and suggesting that a long life isn’t always desirable.
The television personality and life coach shared last week that she underwent emergency surgery due to a health issue called Hydrocephalus.
Michelle was born with too much fluid around her brain, a condition doctors later determined was accompanied by a brain tumor.
Michelle recently revealed she’d had her 19th surgery and, in a post on Monday, shared that after five months of operations, she’s feeling overwhelmed and unsure if she can continue with further treatment.
She started by saying that simply living a long life isn‘t necessarily the most important thing. She admitted it might sound a bit gloomy, but after five months of surgeries, she’s realized that a long life isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be.
I’ve had a few close calls with serious illness and surgery. Each time, before going under, I’ve told the people with me – usually my dad, sister, or best friend – that if I couldn’t still enjoy the things I’m passionate about, I wouldn’t want to continue living.
As someone who really prioritizes well-being, I’ve always said it’s about quality of life, not just length. I want to be fully present and living – both mentally and physically. If it came to a point where I was confined to a hospital bed, unable to truly experience life, I wouldn’t want that. If my time is limited, I’d rather embrace it fully and be content with that, knowing I lived it on my own terms.
To be honest, I’ve been surprised to have so much time, as I didn’t expect to live past 21. Now that I’ve passed the five-month mark, I’m starting to worry I won’t recover.
Honestly, thinking about what really matters, I realized something huge. As someone who’s been plus-size pretty much my whole life, and who’s had to deal with people constantly predicting my early death – even though my health issues started when I was a baby! – I’ve come to understand that simply living a long time isn’t the point. It’s not about that at all.
Unfortunately, some people spend their lives focused on negativity, constantly judging and being unkind to others.
Some people put off living their lives, waiting for a specific event like losing weight or finding a partner before they believe they can truly begin.
Living a long life – even 90 years – doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve truly lived if you haven’t appreciated it. And that’s something I’ve always made sure to do. I’ve never wasted a single moment.
Michelle has shared that she had a near-death experience after her heart stopped briefly during brain surgery when she was eleven years old.
She paused, then shared, ‘I think it stems from when I was eleven and I briefly died – I had a flatline experience where I floated above my body. Ever since then, I’ve felt that death isn’t something to fear, but rather a peaceful transition.’
Dying is undoubtedly painful, but right as consciousness leaves the body, a profound sense of peace and relief washes over you. It’s a truly calming experience in those final moments.
Having thought about death my entire life, I’ve reached a place of acceptance regarding my own mortality over the past five months.
Okay, so if I’m being real, and things somehow ended here… honestly? It’s been an amazing ride. I’ve had such a full life, and being loved this much? It’s just… everything. It’s been a total honor, truly.
Honestly, I’m really hoping I can get through this. I’m going to try my absolute best, but the thought of struggling and fighting until the very last moment… it honestly fills me with dread. It’s not how I want things to end.
Sometimes, losing your drive isn’t a negative – it can simply make way for a sense of peace, calm, and acceptance.
Michelle shared that she required surgery last November because a new cyst was found on her brain, and an existing magnetic implant needed to be replaced.
Michelle was born with hydrocephalus, a condition where too much fluid surrounds the brain. Doctors later found she also had a brain tumor. A magnetic device is used to help manage the fluid flow.
The TV personality revealed on Instagram that she was hospitalized again after undergoing complicated surgery. She posted photos showing her head heavily bandaged.
While recovering in the hospital, Michelle shared that she recently had a risky surgery to repair a tube placed in her skull to manage fluid buildup.
And last week she revealed she had been rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.
Sharing a snap from her hospital bed, she wrote: ‘Ended up needing emergency surgery.
Chinese New Year didn’t bring a fresh start after all. I unexpectedly had surgery on the very first day of the year, coinciding with the Chinese New Year celebration.
Michelle later shared that the incident left her with two new scars on her neck and collarbone. She jokingly mentioned her first thought when she woke up was about the scars.
I got two new scars on my neck and collarbone, but honestly, my first thought when I woke up was just relief that my tattoos were still okay. That’s what really mattered.
She later shared a sweet photo of a beaded bracelet made by her nephew, which read: ‘Get better.’
Along with a heartwarming photo, Michelle shared an update on her health, explaining that she’s had 19 surgeries in total.
‘I think 19 surgeries is enough for a lifetime,’ she added.
It is currently unknown what kind of surgery Michelle underwent.
The news follows a revelation from the This Morning guest that she had emergency surgery after a tube in her brain ruptured, causing fluid to build up inside her skull.
The TV life coach took to social media to open up on the ‘complex’ medical issue.
The TV personality revealed on Instagram that she’d returned to the hospital after undergoing complicated surgery, posting photos showing her head bandaged.
While recovering in the hospital, Michelle explained she had a risky surgery to repair a tube placed inside her skull to manage fluid buildup.
She shared hospital photos with her fans and explained that doctors found a broken tube in her brain – surprisingly, it wasn’t the one they were originally trying to repair.
I’m still amazed I managed to write an entire book while dealing with a serious health issue for years! It’s incredible to think I’ve also been a guest on live television and radio shows multiple times.
‘Absolute madness. Might explain some of my other questionable life choices!’
Honestly, if another person tells me I’m a “complex case,” “extremely unique,” or “unheard of,” I think I’m going to lose it!
‘I’m only accepting the terms “medical miracle” from now on.’
I always go all in, and this time, it really worked out. Honestly, I’ve found something way more thrilling than gambling – it’s like spinning the roulette wheel with everything I have, and the rush is incredible!
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2026-02-24 15:40