Television presenter Andrea McLean has opened up about her terrifying health scare, revealing she was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at home. 

The former Loose Women star was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, an acute kidney injury, and sepsis, conditions that left her unable to move and in excruciating pain.

Andrea, 55, shared her ordeal in a heartfelt blog post and later spoke on Heart Radio, 

reassuring fans that she is now feeling much better, though her recovery has been slow and challenging.

Collapsing at Home and a Race to the Hospital

Andrea’s health crisis unfolded in December when she mistook her symptoms for a winter flu. 

She had been experiencing a high fever, chills, chest pain, and fatigue for several days, but things took a severe turn when she collapsed in her bathroom.

Her husband, Nick Feeney, discovered her lying unconscious on the floor an hour later and immediately sought medical help.

“We rang the GP, who told us to call 999 immediately. The ambulance team were amazing,” Andrea recalled in her blog.

She described being unable to stand due to dangerously low blood pressure and barely being aware of what was happening around her.

Getting Andrea out of their home was no easy task, as their bedroom is in a loft with steep, narrow stairs, making it difficult for paramedics to navigate with a stretcher.

“We eventually got out of the house, and I can now say with confidence that travelling in the back of an ambulance isn’t as much fun as you think it would be,” she joked.

A Serious Diagnosis: Pneumonia, Kidney Injury, and Sepsis

Upon arriving at the hospital, Andrea underwent a series of tests, including X-rays, CT scans, and blood work. The results confirmed that she had severe pneumonia, acute kidney injury, and sepsis—a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to infection.

She was immediately placed on IV drips and strong antibiotics before being transferred to the Emergency Assessment Ward.

Andrea admitted that she struggled to remember much from her time in A&E, describing the experience as a sensory overload due to the chaotic environment.

“The screams, shouting, and the smell from people losing control of their bowels—it was intense,” she wrote.

Medical tests revealed she had lost 80% lung capacity in one of her lungs, forcing doctors to administer morphine to manage her pain.

A Long Road to Recovery

Andrea spent two nights in the hospital, receiving round-the-clock treatment before being discharged to continue her recovery at home. However, even now, months later, she admits that her life is far from back to normal.

“It’s now February, and I’m still not well enough to handle normal stuff like getting up and rushing out the door to do the jobs I’d been booked to do,” she explained.

Even the simplest activities, such as taking a walk or engaging in light exercise, have proven difficult, often leaving her feeling weak and dizzy.

“I’m still having ‘funny turns’ when I try to go for a walk or do even the mildest form of exercise,” she shared.

A Difficult Time for the Loose Women Panel

Andrea is not the only Loose Women star to face health struggles in recent months.

Denise Welch was also hospitalized with a serious infection.

Dame Kelly Holmes hinted at her own health concerns but has not disclosed details.

Coleen Nolan suffered a personal tragedy when her sister Linda passed away after a long battle with cancer.

For Andrea, the new year has yet to properly begin, as she continues to focus on healing and regaining her strength.

A Message of Gratitude

Despite the difficult experience, Andrea expressed gratitude for the support she has received from fans. She recently took to Heart Radio to share an update, saying:

“Gosh, thank you @thisisheart and for your lovely messages. It’s been a bit bumpy, but I’m feeling much better now.”

Though the road to full recovery may still be long, Andrea remains hopeful and positive. Her openness about her struggles serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to your body and seeking medical attention when something feels wrong.

For now, she continues to focus on her health, taking things one step at a time until she’s fully ready to get back to her normal routine.

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