Melanie Sykes' devastating health update showing she's 'lost half her hair'
Melanie Sykes took aim at UK health care while sharing a heartbreaking health update with her fans on Friday
Melanie Sykes has opened up about her struggles with alopecia and heart issues in a heart-breaking health update to her fans. The 54-year-old took to Instagram on Friday evening, sharing a photo of her side profile where she highlighted the bald spot on her head.
The TV personality snapped the picture while in London investigating "some health issues". In her post, Mel revealed: "I am experiencing alopecia and heart issues due to all that has happened over the last few months.
"PTSD, shock, mistreatment and malpractice." She urged her fans to watch her YouTube video for more details, reports the Mirror.
"I am uploading a new video on YouTube because I wanted to share what I have learned, observed and endured recently," she went on.
"Not because of the trend of sharing all diagnosis but to share the experiences I have encountered in the British medical system in the state and private sector for the last few weeks and beyond, and it's crashing flaws and how the mainstream media effects me and my life."
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She didn't hold back in criticising UK healthcare, adding: "This country must do better, and get better. Our health services are utterly shocking bar a few and rare decent humans who listen without predudice and judgement.
"It is a lottery who you will encounter and how that experience can play out. Despite these health developments, I myself am full of love, hope and happiness.
"My two weeks in London were magical, and being with my sons, my pooch and my tiny circle of close friends who have been there for in spades has been so fun.
"I love them and am grateful to them always, and for the new friends, generous souls and new contacts I made over that two weeks. You know who you are."
In a revealing 30-minute video on her YouTube channel, Mel spoke candidly about her health struggles and showcased her hair loss by parting sections of her hair.
She opened up about dealing with stress and insomnia and discussed developing a heart issue amid allegations against her former colleague Gino D'Acampo.
Gino D’Acampo, who features alongside her on This Morning, faced claims of inappropriate and intimidating behaviour over a 12-year span, charges he has strongly refuted.
Former Let's Do Lunch co-star with Gino, Mel shared her encounters with "misogyny" within the television industry.
In her video, she disclosed: "I'm experiencing alopecia in quite a significant way. I've lost inches off my hairline at the back and probably got half my hair at the moment."
The celebrity, undergoing treatment, is consulting a scalp expert who has assured her hair should grow back. She has also sought advice from various cardiologists on her "dodgy ticker" but feels her concerns are not fully heard due to her autism and ADHD diagnosis.
Fortunately, she eventually found a specialist who listened to her concerns and took action. "I'm having a heart monitor sent to the house and I have got to wear it for two days to monitor the sound of it, " Mel explained.