PETER Andre’s wife Emily MacDonagh has revealed she’s been diagnosed with a painful health condition – and warned fans to watch out for the signs.
The NHS doctor, 36, opened up on her Instagram page in a video which saw her sitting at home and explaining her medical issue.
Emily, who shares three children with popstar Pete, said she had been diagnosed with shingles.
Wearing a pink jumper and perched on her carpet, she told her social media video: “A little health update, this week I was unexpectedly diagnosed with shingles.
“So I thought I’d do a quick video to explain what it is, in the hope it helps raise awareness for anyone who might not be familiar”.
She explained her symptoms and said: “I noticed a pain and just odd sensations under my arm here and then a couple of days later the rash appeared on my back on one side.
“It’s definitely not something I expected to be dealing with, but hopefully sharing this does raise some awareness”.
She added: “As for me, I’m kind of hoping to start feeling better soon and back to myself.
“I hope that is helpful, stay well everyone”.
Shingles is caused by an infection that re-triggers the varicella zoster virus (VZV).
VZV firsts infects the body when you get chickenpox, and the virus can remain inactive in nerve cells to reappear as shingles.
It is not fully understood what can trigger shingles, but old age, a poor immune system and having had chickenpox before 18-months are risk factors.
It can often be painful until after the rash has gone.
The medic has always been candid in opening up about her health, and recently told how she had experienced “low moments”.
She also opened up about finding confidence within herself.
She told us: “Even though I know I could go to the gym more often and that I’ve got a few more grey hairs and could be more toned, I know I’m alright.
“I’m happy with myself and that’s the key to self-confidence for me.
“I try not to be too critical or perfect, and I also try to accept other people, as well as myself”.
Pete has two children, Junior and Princess, from his previous marriage to Katie Price.
With Emily, Peter Andre has welcomed a further three children – Amelia, Theo and Arabella – taking his total kid number up to five.
The pair, who now live in Surrey, tied the knot in July 2015 with a ceremony in Exeter’s Mamhead House.
Peter said: “I couldn’t have wished for a better day. I’ve married the love of my life and I couldn’t be happier”.
