Katherine Jenkins shares X-ray after 'little bit of bad news'
Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins has shared an update filled with mixed emotions as she kicked off the New Year. The classical star, who dazzled audiences at a Royal Albert Hall Christmas concert last month, took to Instagram to share her latest health and career developments.
"A little bit of bad news and a big bit of good news," she wrote last night. "Starting the year with a broken pinky toe BUT also with a lovely announcement that @Cygnet_gin is partnering with the iconic Penderyn Distillery.
"Cygnet embodies the essence of my homeland – it’s incredible natural beauty, the warmth & passion of our people and the unparalleled care with which we make our products and so I am thrilled that our new home is the historical Copperworks Distillery with our friends at Penderyn."
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The post featured an X-ray image of her left foot, showing the damaged little toe, though it's unclear how she sustained the injury. Despite her upbeat perspective, this is also by no means Katherine's first health scare.
Around five years ago, she disclosed a harrowing experience during her second pregnancy. Initially dismissing symptoms like itchy skin as minor, the 44-year-old was eventually diagnosed with cholestasis.
This describes a liver condition that can have serious implications for both mother and baby. In a previous interview with The Sun, she explained: "Eventually I had a blood test and I found that my liver wasn’t working properly which can have really serious effects.
"I had literally never heard of the condition before and I didn’t realise it was serious and I think it’s something that people should talk about more." Although there's no permanent remedy for cholestasis, the condition typically stops post-pregnancy as per NHS advice.
The health body's guidance adds: "If you are diagnosed with ICP, you will have regular liver blood tests (LFTs) and bile acid measurement tests so your doctor can monitor your condition. Initially, you may be given these tests every week. You may then be given more, or less, frequent tests depending on the results and your symptoms."
A common red flag of cholestasis is itching without a rash, typically starting from around 28 weeks of pregnancy, but others may include:
Dark urine
Itching worsening at night
Yellowing skin and increasing whiteness of the eyes
Pale poo
Individuals experiencing any of these symptoms during pregnancy should contact a doctor or midwife.
