BBC Radio 2 star breaks down live on air after emergency operation for bleed on the brain
Johnathan Joseph, who is professionally known as DJ Spoony, became emotional on his afternoon BBC Radio 2 show today (December 30) as he detailed having to undergo surgery for a bleed on the brain over the Christmas period. The 54-year-old began: "So yes, the secret is out. I was off last week because on Saturday, December 21, I got up early in the morning. I'd been having headaches for about three to four weeks, and I'd been putting it off.
"It was hurting, then it was really hurting, and I thought I better go to the hospital. They did some tests and said they were going to give me a little scan, and then it came back with the scan results. Doctors said, 'It looks like you have a small bleed to the brain, and we need to send you over to Addenbrooke's Hospital to see a specialist there.
"I was like, 'OK, no problem,' and I sat down there in the waiting room and got myself a packet of crisps and a chocolate bar. I had a water with me already.
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"Then he came back to me, and he said, 'Mr Joseph, we are waiting to hear back from the bed admissions', and I was like, 'What do I need a bed for?'" The doctor told the DJ he needed to stay in the hospital, based in Cambridgeshire, for an operation, which took him completely by surprise.
Johnathan explained: "I've got to say the hardest part was being ill. But after a few days, the staff at Addenbrooke's had done the operation and flushed me out. I was feeling fine about 10 minutes after the operation, and I was talking again.
"I was looking forward to being back on the ward, eating a banana, and having a ginger shot because that is all I had been thinking about. I got back onto the ward and was fine.
"Again, a big thank you to our amazing NHS and to everyone at the hospital who looked after me. You are amazing."
He then started to breathe heavily and was clearly very emotional over the procedure. While fighting tears, DJ Spoony said: "To all my family and friends, and to everybody... I could not wait to get back into the studio."
"I really thought I'd be able to handle this without getting all emotional," the presenter signed off tearfully before playing a song for listeners.
Earlier on today, the presenter shared pictures from his hospital bed and posted a lengthy caption about his surgery. He penned: "That was one of the best Christmas' I've ever had. I'm very grateful for all it showed me. For all I have. For all the love, hugs and...love. So....I had a headache for the 3/4 weeks and went to A&E to get it checked on Saturday 21st. (I rarely get them)
"They did a few tests and said they wanted to give me a CT scan. The scan showed I had a small bleed on the brain (that had stopped bleeding) that was causing a bit of pressure on the brain hence the headaches. They said that they were referring me to Adenbrooke's as they needed to operate asap. Crazy as I'd been working and training solidly all through the time of the headaches.
"I was in hospital for 4 nights and was eventully operated on 24.12 at 2am. By their very high standards it was a routine operation to sort my subural hematoma. Within 10mins of the operation I was on my way back to the ward. Fully alert. Chatting. Not groggy after the general. Couldnt wait to have that banana by my bed as I'd been nil by mouth since 1pm the previous day. That was the best banana I've ever had....as for the ginger shot. Perfect. What was crazy was the headache had instantly gone. 4 weeks of this throb and finally peace up top."
He added: "I woke up on Christmas morning in hospital. I was so grateful. Had something special to look forward to. Going home to my family and friends. All who had been incredible for the last few days. The visits, support, calls, messages. Very humbling. There was however some sadness waking up near to some people that didn't know where they were, that would've spent a large part, if not all, of the day without loved ones. I think about them all every day and hope they are making progress in their recovery."
