BBC Springwatch star Chris Packham has disclosed that he was admitted to hospital after noticing a worrying symptom, which led to an invasive procedure to obtain a biopsy.
The BBC presenter confessed that the health scare necessitated urgent examinations, informing his fans that he had anticipated the situation would be "a bit unpleasant and uncomfortable".
Chris underwent both a gastroscopy and colonoscopy after identifying a polyp, and shared that the experience was far less daunting than he'd initially thought. Speaking to his multitude of Instagram followers from the comfort of the hospital cafe, the environmentalist shared his experience online.
He candidly admitted: "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 utilises a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera to inspect the upper part of your digestive system, including your oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. On the other hand, a colonoscopy is a medical examination used to scrutinise 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 the uncertainty surrounding his condition, he stayed positive and took the opportunity to commend the medical team caring 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 hospital stay took an unexpected turn when he spotted one of the hospital's most adorable guests, Tinker the poodle. The charming dog was visiting alongside charity volunteer Carmella, collecting donations for the Muscle Help Foundation.
The organisation delivers transformative Muscle Dream Experiences for youngsters living with muscular dystrophy. Chris was deeply touched by their work and promised to publicise their fundraising page, encouraging anyone able to contribute even a modest sum to support them.
"I know it's tough times," he said, "but anything you can afford would be most welcome."
He noted that the duo 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 Chris' most recent health disclosure, with the broadcaster being remarkably candid about his wellbeing on social media, discussing extensively his experiences living with Asperger's Syndrome, which he was diagnosed with aged 40 following years of feeling unlike those around him.