Janet Street-Porter Says She Was “Absolutely at Rock Bottom” Before Hip Surgery
Janet Street-Porter, beloved Loose Women star, has opened up about the physical and emotional toll she endured before finally opting for hip replacement surgery. The 77-year-old ITV presenter revealed that she struggled with severe hip pain for a long time, but hesitated to undergo the procedure due to the stigma she felt surrounding aging.
Speaking candidly on Loose Women during a special 25-hour talkathon in support of ITV’s mental wellness campaign, Britain Get Talking, Janet explained how the pain left her unable to walk properly or get a good night’s sleep, reported by the Mirror. She shared, “I was so reluctant to have a hip operation. It got to the point where I could barely walk; I’d come in here and be a complete misery and I was not sleeping – I was down to two or three hours a night.”
Janet admitted that she felt having a hip replacement would signify that she was “joining the oldies,” leading to her reluctance in seeking treatment. She said, “Somehow having a knee replacement is more acceptable than a hip replacement, in my head anyway, so hip replacement you think ‘I’ve joined the oldies. That’s it. I’m in the last tiny bit of my life.’ Which is ridiculous.”
Her mental and physical health worsened to the point where she described 2024 as her “annus horribilis” or “year of horror.” Janet encouraged others who are struggling to seek help, urging, “I was absolutely at rock bottom. It was the year of horror – like the Queen called it her annus horribilis. 2024 was that year for me”, according to Metro.co.uk.
Janet had initially postponed her surgery, which was scheduled for March, but due to the worsening pain, she eventually had the operation in October. The delay led to additional back issues, forcing her to lie down for days at a time. In her final appearance before the surgery, Janet shared her plan to focus on rehab and physio for a speedy recovery: “I’m just going to go into hospital on Friday, have the operation on Friday afternoon, stay in hospital for a few days and then really, really work at rehab and physio so that I can come back as soon as possible.”
After the surgery, Janet shared an uplifting update on her Instagram, writing, “Three hours after hip replacement – masses of strong pain relief resulted in huge smile of relief! Then the drugs wore off…but I’m walking with a trolley HOORAY XX.” Her fellow Loose Women co-stars were quick to offer their support, with Katie Piper commenting, “So happy to see you smiling and walking already,” and Kaye Adams wishing her a speedy recovery.