Alan Hughes Discusses Health Anxiety After Diverticulitis Diagnosis

Alan Hughes, the presenter of Ireland AM, has opened up about his ongoing battle with health anxiety following his recent diagnosis of diverticulitis. Earlier this year, Hughes was hospitalized due to this condition, which is becoming increasingly common among the Irish population. Studies indicate that a significant portion of Irish men are at risk of developing diverticular disease, particularly as they age.

According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), diverticula are small bulges or pockets that can form in the bowel lining as individuals grow older. While many people with diverticula remain asymptomatic, diverticulitis occurs when these pockets become inflamed or infected, leading to more severe symptoms. Despite its prevalence, Hughes admits that he was largely unaware of the condition prior to his diagnosis.

“I’d never even heard of it,” Hughes stated in an interview with RSVP. “But the amount of people who messaged me or that I’ve worked with who told me they had it too, they were sending me tips. It’s very common in Ireland, but it’s not discussed.”

Hughes experienced significant personal loss at a young age, having lost both parents within six months when he was just ten years old. Since then, he has also lost his sister, brother, brother-in-law, and best friend to cancer. These experiences have contributed to his heightened health anxieties.

“I’m watching what I’m eating, but they say it’s triggered by stress too,” Hughes explained. “I’m always watching myself, so that hasn’t changed. I’m a total hypochondriac because of my family losses; I am convinced I’m going to get something. I will go and get blood tests every six months.”

Following his diagnosis, Hughes sought comprehensive health checks at Bon Secours Hospital. He mentioned that although his doctor advised against frequent testing, he feels reassured investing in his health. “I’m paying for it, and it gives me peace of mind,” he noted.

His husband, Karl Broderick, has also taken an active role in encouraging Hughes to prioritize his health. “I’m always telling him, don’t you dare ever die on me,” Broderick shared. He also expressed concern over his own diet, jokingly stating that Hughes worries he may develop high cholesterol due to his love of chocolate.

“I think he’s going to clog his heart up and he’s going to have a heart attack,” Hughes humorously added. “He does have high cholesterol.”

Hughes acknowledges that his health worries have become a source of light-hearted teasing among his friends and colleagues at Virgin Media. “I am definitely anxious,” he commented, recalling how co-host Muireann O’Connell often pokes fun at him regarding his concerns. “If we’re talking about period pain, Muireann will be like, ‘I presume you have got that now as well’. And I’m like, ‘I think I have, you know.’”

In addition to his candid discussions about health, Hughes is preparing for his upcoming role in the panto production of Cinderella, which will run at the National Stadium from December 9, 2023, to January 4, 2024. For booking and further information, visit www.panto.ie.

Overall, Hughes’s openness about his health challenges sheds light on the importance of discussing health issues that often remain in the shadows, particularly in the context of personal loss and anxiety. His journey highlights the need for greater awareness and conversation around health conditions like diverticulitis in society.