Davina McCall says there was a 'missing piece of me' during her brain surgery recovery
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Davina McCall has opened up about getting back to her normal life following brain surgery. The popular TV presenter discovered she had a rare 14-mm colloid cyst, which only affects three people out of every million, during an incidental health check in 2023.
Fortunately, the growth was benign and in 2024 Davina underwent successful removal by neurosurgeon Kevin O'Neill. Now sharing her story, she discussed the extended path to recovery and the time it took to resume her favourite activities.
In her latest chat, Davina disclosed the startling loss of four kilograms of muscle post-surgery but affirmed that it only reinforced her commitment to fitness. "I felt like my memory was coming back and I was feeling stronger in myself, in my mind," she told Women's Health.
"But working on my body was going to be the last bit of joy to come back to my life." Davina is currently engaged in a strength training regimen curated by Natalie Bhangal from Own Your Goals.
(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
The fitness strategy involves no more than four weekly workouts, each no longer than 30 minutes, along with a session of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise and two gentle walks. Despite seeming minimal, it is noted that intense workout regimes may not always benefit women over 30.
Davina added: "I felt like it was the missing piece of me." Earlier this year, together with her consultant neurosurgeon, she also underlined the grave nature of the operation to remove the cyst.
If the operation had been unsuccessful, Davina could have suffered a stroke or lost her ability to 'hold a short-term memory beyond five minutes', according to The Times. Yet, the potential consequences of being left undiagnosed were also dire. Davina could have passed away 'suddenly', leaving no opportunity for farewells to loved ones.
(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Consulting multiple doctors, Davina received different medical opinions on how to handle the cyst. The first specialist suggested endoscopic surgery, which would involve making 'small holes' in the skull.
However, Dr O'Neill, the second doctor she saw, recommended a more direct approach, believing it was 'better to open her head right up' to avoid damaging healthy brain tissue.
In a demanding five-hour operation, he performed a craniotomy 'from ear to ear', successfully removing a 14mm colloid cyst from the 'third ventricle', a deeply located part of the brain.
Talking to the publication, O'Neill said: "The operation was like a layer cake: scalp, then the skull, then the journey down into the centre of the brain.
"...Like defusing a bomb, you cut one wire, then down into the next bit, cut that wire, then you get to the last wire, the 14mm cyst, and you're thinking, 'S***!'"
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