TV star Chris Packham, a beloved figure from Springwatch, has shared that went to hospital this week, which resulted in an invasive procedure to obtain a biopsy. This comes after a fellow star on the BBC confirmed a break.
The BBC presenter confessed that the health scare necessitated urgent checks, telling his followers that he had anticipated the situation would be "a bit unpleasant and uncomfortable".
Chris underwent both a gastroscopy and colonoscopy after finding a polyp, and he shared that the experience was far less daunting than he'd expected.
Speaking to his thousands of Instagram followers from the comfort of the hospital cafe, the environmentalist shared his experience online, admitting: "I got to watch it all... it was better than everything I saw on Netflix last night."
A gastroscopy, also known as an upper endoscopy, is a procedure in which a doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to inspect the upper part of your digestive system, including your oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
A colonoscopy, on the other hand, is a medical examination used to inspect the lining of the large intestine using a long, flexible tube with a camera, known as a colonoscope.
This procedure is carried out to investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain or bleeding, to screen for bowel cancer, or to monitor existing conditions.
Chris confirmed that doctors had removed a small polyp and that he is now awaiting the results of the biopsy, reports the Express.
Despite facing uncertainty, he stayed positive and took the opportunity to commend those who cared for him. "I just want to say a massive thank you to all of the staff and volunteers working at this hospital and, of course, to the NHS," he said
"Whatever happens going forward, we've got to protect our NHS."
However, the naturalist's time at the hospital took an unexpected turn when he encountered one of the hospital's most adorable guests, Tinker the poodle.
The delightful dog was visiting alongside charity volunteer Carmella, collecting donations for the Muscle Help Foundation.
The organisation delivers life-transforming "Muscle Dream Experiences" for youngsters affected by muscular dystrophy. Packham was deeply touched by their work and promised to publicise their fundraising page, encouraging anyone in a position to contribute.
"I know it's tough times," he said, "but anything you can afford would be most welcome."
He remarked that both visitors had been given a "fantastic welcome" at the hospital, before adding with humour: "What a place - sensational. And finishing off with a poodle... that's what you call service!"
This marks Packham's most recent health disclosure, with the broadcaster being remarkably candid about his wellbeing on social media, discussing in detail his experiences living with Asperger's Syndrome, which he was formally identified with at 40 following years of feeling disconnected from those around him