More FM breakfast show host Lana Searle has revealed she will take a leave of absence from her role on the radio station to undergo major surgery.
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Searle told listeners she would be taking time off to recover from an upcoming hysterectomy after battling devastating health issues that "almost killed" her.
"I hide it very well, but it's a daily struggle," she said.
The 31-year-old explained her health issues started when she went on the contraceptive pill two years ago, not realising her family history put her at risk of blood-clots and strokes.
"After 10 days, I started getting signs of blood-clots all through my legs. I knew to stop taking the pill straight away," she said.
Searle said she also took an Asprin, which she knew was a blood-thinner, to keep things under control until she could see a doctor.
"Sadly, when I took that Asprin, things just went from bad to extremely bad over about two days," she said.
"I lost a lot of blood - to the point where I couldn't even really stand."
The broadcaster says she was reluctant to go to the emergency room, as she didn't think she needed to be there.
"I didn't want the fuss to be about me, so I was just quietly dying at home," she said.
When asked by co-host Gary McCormick if she was "bleeding to death", Searle replied: "Basically, yes."
After being taken to hospital by ambulance, Searle had several blood transfusions and has spent the past two years undergoing various hormone treatments and surgeries.
"It's been awful. I've been on [hormones] that in America, they give to sex offenders," she said.
Now she says "a hysterectomy has to be it".
While Searle admitted she was nervous about the procedure and concerned about the implications on her mental health, she was eager to find a solution.
"I can't wait to feel better."
The radio host thanked her co-hosts for being there for her during a year that was "absolute rubbish".
Searle is expected to take at least three to four weeks off from More FM's breakfast show.
Newshub.
