Tessa Quinn
Al Roker, the beloved TV personality and weatherman, was hospitalized in November 2022 due to blood clots in his legs that spread to his lungs. This health scare caused him to miss the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which he had hosted consistently for 27 years. After being released from the hospital, Roker experienced further complications and was readmitted for treatment of two bleeding ulcers, requiring surgery and the removal of his gallbladder. Roker's health issues and recovery have been a challenging journey, with his family expressing their concern about the severity of his condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of hospitalisation | November 2022 |
| Reason for hospitalisation | Blood clots in his legs that travelled to his lungs |
| Other health issues | Internal bleeding, two bleeding ulcers, gall bladder removed, colon resectioned |
| Length of hospital stay | Four weeks |
| Length of recovery | Two to three weeks |
| Length of time until back on TV | January 6, 2023 |
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What You'll Learn
Al Roker's blood clots
Al Roker, the beloved TV personality and weatherman, was hospitalized in November 2022 due to blood clots in his left leg that travelled to his lungs. This health scare caused him to miss the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which he had hosted annually for 27 years.
Roker revealed that he had a blood clot in his leg, which sent some clots into his lungs, a condition known as pulmonary embolism. He was open about his health issues and shared his experience on social media and with his co-workers on the TODAY show. In an Instagram post, he wrote, "I am so fortunate to be getting terrific medical care and am on the way to recovery."
The cause of the blood clots was likely related to a previous COVID infection, as Roker himself speculated. He shared that he had "a number of issues" and complicating factors, including internal bleeding caused by two bleeding ulcers. He underwent surgery and had his gallbladder removed and his colon resectioned. Roker's health took a turn for the worse the day after Thanksgiving when he had to be rushed back to the hospital by ambulance.
Despite the severity of his condition, Roker made a full recovery. By January 2023, he had returned to the TODAY show, resuming his role as the beloved weatherman. He credited his recovery to his commitment to health and fitness, stating that his doctor said he likely would not have survived if not for his physical shape. Roker's health crisis served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking prompt medical attention when issues arise.
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Internal bleeding
In November 2022, Al Roker was hospitalized due to internal bleeding caused by blood clots in his legs, which spread to his lungs. He underwent surgery for two bleeding ulcers, and his medical team struggled to find the source of the bleeding. Roker lost half of his blood volume due to the internal bleeding, and his condition was described as life-threatening. He also had to undergo a resection of the colon and a cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder).
Roker's hospitalization lasted for several weeks, and he experienced a brief period of improvement before facing additional health complications. He was initially discharged from the hospital in time for Thanksgiving dinner but was readmitted the following day due to a decline in his condition. This readmission was caused by a "tsunami" of life-threatening issues, according to his wife, Deborah Roberts.
During his recovery, Roker's family shielded him from knowing the severity of his health issues. They later shared the challenges they faced during his hospitalization, expressing their fears and the emotional rollercoaster they endured. Roker's wife, Deborah Roberts, and his younger daughter, Leila Roker, revealed that the family ""really did think [they] were going to lose him."
Roker has since recovered from his health scare and returned to hosting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2023, a role he had missed for the first time in 27 years due to his hospitalization. He has also resumed his role on the TODAY show, where he is beloved by his co-hosts and viewers alike.
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Gallbladder removal
Al Roker was hospitalized in November 2022 due to blood clots in his legs, which spread to his lungs. He underwent gallbladder removal surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, to address this issue.
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is the most common type of gallbladder surgery. It involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using a laparoscope, a thin, lighted tube with a camera, to guide the surgery. The surgeon will insert surgical instruments through the incisions to remove the gallbladder. This type of surgery typically results in a faster recovery and less pain compared to open surgery.
Open gallbladder surgery, on the other hand, is a more invasive procedure that involves making a larger incision in the abdomen to directly access the gallbladder. This type of surgery may be recommended if there is extensive damage to the gallbladder, such as scars or inflammation, or if the patient has obesity or scar tissue in the abdomen from previous surgeries.
Before undergoing gallbladder removal surgery, patients typically undergo a full physical examination and may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners and immune-affecting drugs. During the surgery, general anesthesia is administered, and the surgeon makes an incision near the belly button to insert a small device called a port, which allows the abdomen to be filled with gas. In some cases, a specialized X-ray of the gallbladder and bile duct may be performed to check for gallstones, which may require additional procedures for removal.
After gallbladder removal surgery, most people can expect a quick recovery, with a return to normal activities within a week. Complications are rare but can include bleeding, infection, hernias, blood clots, and heart problems. It is also possible, though uncommon, for the surgery to damage nearby areas, such as the bile duct or intestines, which may require additional surgery to correct.
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Lung clots
Al Roker was admitted to the hospital in November 2022 due to blood clots in his legs, which spread to his lungs. This was caused by internal bleeding, which made him lose half his blood volume. He underwent surgery to treat two bleeding ulcers and had his gallbladder removed.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by a substance, often a blood clot, that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream. PE symptoms are typically sudden and may include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, rapid breathing and heart rate, and sometimes a mild fever. More severe cases can lead to passing out, circulatory instability, and sudden death.
PE is usually treated with blood thinners or anticoagulants, which do not dissolve blood clots but prevent them from growing and help the body dissolve them naturally. In some cases, more aggressive treatment may be required, such as thrombolysis, which involves enzymatically destroying the clot with medication. This is reserved for life-threatening situations as it can cause sudden and severe bleeding. Another treatment option is catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), a new technique that involves using a catheter to deliver medication directly next to the clot in the lung.
After treatment for PE, patients need to learn how to live with the risk of recurrence. Blood thinners may be needed for at least three months but can be a lifelong treatment. It is important to communicate regularly with doctors about any changes in breathing and general health.
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Colon resection
During open surgery, a single long incision is made in the abdomen, and the diseased portion of the colon is removed through this incision. In contrast, minimally invasive surgery involves making several small incisions in the abdomen and inserting small surgical instruments and a video camera to remove the cancerous or damaged section of the colon.
The decision on the type of surgery depends on the patient's specific condition and is made by the surgeon in consultation with the patient. Before the surgery, the patient undergoes tests to confirm their suitability for the procedure.
After colon resection surgery, the patient's digestive system may experience changes. The remaining portion of the colon adapts to the alteration, and the patient may encounter temporary side effects such as gas, cramps, or changes in bowel habits, including diarrhoea or increased bowel movements. To manage these changes, patients are advised to use the bathroom 5 to 15 minutes after meals, preferably after breakfast when colon reflexes are strongest. Additionally, walking and consuming 2 litres of non-caffeinated liquids daily are recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
Al Roker was admitted to the hospital in November 2022 due to blood clots in his legs, which spread to his lungs.
Yes, Roker also had internal bleeding caused by two bleeding ulcers. He underwent surgery for this and had his gallbladder and part of his colon removed.
Al Roker has since recovered from his health issues. He returned to hosting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2023 and has said that he feels "back to 100%".
