Gemma Collins feels like she's dying and struggles to breathe amid illness
Former The Only Way Is Essex star Gemma Collins has shared a health update amid her nearly month-long battle with viral Pneumonia - but she's adamant about sticking to her work commitments
Gemma Collins has said that she feels like she's 'dying' as her vital Pneumonia battle enters its fourth week. The former TOWIE star, 44, was struck down with the debilitating illness almost a month ago and has been struggling to breathe since.
On Wednesday, a bedridden Gemma took to Instagram to share an update about her health, revealing that she had been seriously unwell for a number of weeks. In her post, which included a photo of the reality TV star laying in bed, she wrote: "Hey guys sorry been quiet i have Pneumonia. I'm not as fast or on it as I usually am on the daily. I am still honouring my work commitments which is taking every bit of energy I have but will be back entertaining you all soon."
At the time, Gemma also shared a further update on her Instagram Story, showing that she was receiving treatment via a drip and had been seen by a doctor. The much-loved TV star was struck down with Pneumonia - an inflammation of the lungs typically caused by an infection. While most people recover within two to four weeks, infants, the elderly, and those with heart or lung conditions are at a higher risk of severe illness and may require hospitalisation.
Luckily, Gemma has not had to go to hospital, but speaking to The Mirror, she admitted that she feels as though 'she's dying'. "Because the Pneumonia is viral, no antibiotic is going to help me. I've been really short of breath and obviously I have work commitments that I would never not turn up to. I'm old-school, I would always fulfill my work commitments.
"It's shocking, I've had it now for over three weeks and I had steroids given to me by my doctor. It was DJ Fat Tony's wedding and I had to take them to get through that, but I'm off them now and the sickness is really kicking back in. It's so frustrating because I normally have so much energy and I'm always loving life, but now I get really breathless really quickly and I feel like I'm dying."
Thankfully, Gemma's doctor believes she's through the worst of it now as the GC revealed that she is having final chest scans this weekend. "The doctor is coming to my house and I'm praying that I'll be on the mend soon."
Throughout the duration of her debilitating health battle over the past month, Gemma has tried her best to slow down and rest - but admits that it's just not in her blood to do so. "I've got one more job to do this weekend and then I have two weeks off, so I'm praying in that time I will properly recover. But I can't take it easy. I'm just one of those people who has to always be doing something and I feel so guilty when I'm forced to stop working."
When Gemma announced her health woes earlier this week, fans and famous friends alike rushed to wish her well in the comment section. "You giving us all so much energy and good vibes! Get your rest! Wouldn't want anything to happen to you," X Factor legends Jedward told their close pal. EastEnders and Celebrity Big Brother star also shared her love by leaving Gemma a love-heart emoji under her post.
Even though her body needs all the rest that it can get, Gemma is pushing through for an exciting event that she's hosting alongside Trainline today at London's King's Cross station. The GC lis set to launch SlayStation - the glam stop of dreams to help fans get their journey for your Big Night Out off to a great start.
Whether you need a last-minute touch-up, a photo-ready refresh, or to simply get you in the mood, Trainline's SlayStation will be on hand before fans head out on their big nights out. There will be professional hair, makeup and glam artists available, accessories on hand to dial up looks and selfie opportunities with a backdrop made for the Instagram.
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