Merlin Griffiths has left hospital after having his stoma removed
(Picture: Merlin Griffiths/Instagram)First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has been discharged from hospital after having his stoma removed during bowl cancer treatment.
Griffiths, 47, was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in 2021. Last month, he shared that his stoma had been removed, which is an opening in the abdomen that diverts waste out of the body, while in hospital.
The Channel 4 star has been regularly updating fans on his progress during cancer treatment and noted, following his latest update, that his recovery “will not be fast, but I’ll get there”.
Griffiths tweeted: “Phew. Getting discharged from hospital today. It’s been a tough and fraught week. Recovery will not be fast, but I’ll get there.
“And I’ve got much better TP at home! Thank you @nhsuhcw, exemplary as always. #bowelcancer #stoma #reversal #norectum #NHS.”
Fans shared their congratulations at the positive update in response to Griffiths.
Last month, the popular TV barman posted a photo of himself in a hospital gown as he discussed his stoma removal.
He wrote beside the picture: “Gosh, it’s very odd knowing all my insides are actually inside me again after 9 months of a #stoma.
Gosh, it's very odd knowing all my insides are actually inside me again after 9 months of a #stoma. Next step, farting. Then food. #NHS #Cancer #Surgery pic.twitter.com/oHh5BynMgd
— Merlin 💨 Griffiths (@MerlinFDC4) January 23, 2023
“Next step, farting. Then food. #NHS #Cancer #Surgery.”
Griffiths continued: “My plumbing works then. Cor blimey. This will take some training and getting used to. Thank goodness for Kegels! Essential!!
“Pull up nappy deployed for safety. Need a biscuit. #Stoma #Reversal #Cancer.”
Griffiths’ discharge from hospital comes after suffering a setback in his recovery last April.
Despite the blow, the TV star spoke of “seeing light at the end of the tunnel” in November, as he spoke about his health journey over the past few months.
Griffiths told Mail Online: “I’m now on the way out as it were from the really deep parts, I have one more operation to go.
“I can see that light at the end of the tunnel which is often so difficult to see just after you’re diagnosed and going through treatment. Getting back to health... or anything to make you feel normal again is brilliant, whether it’s diet or walks.
“I’m generally feeling in good health, I’m not as active as I’d like to be as yet, but I’m slowly getting there, easing out on my bike... it’s also about getting slightly fitter and ready for a final operation.”
