BBC star flooded with support after open-heart surgery sparks worrying update

Mark Millar was inundated with messages of support as he shared a health update just seven weeks after undergoing a triple heart-bypass. The BBC DIY SOS star, 55, who underwent open heart surgery, issued a warning to his legion of social media followers in a new video. It comes after the on-screen star was previously hospitalised.

At the end of last year, Mark survived a heart attack while cold water swimming off Clevedon’s coast, in north Somerset and was rushed to Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI). Speaking out in a number of social media videos, Mark said he has been “struggling mentally” but is recovering well. In a worrying update shared on Sunday (April 14), the DIY SOS star said he had gone cold water swimming for the first time weeks after his operation. But he has since been reprimanded by a social media user.

Mark began: “Hi there. I put a post up yesterday about me going for my first swim post-op. Seven weeks, actually, post op. And I shouldn’t have done it. I’ve slightly ticked off somebody who follows me [who works in the cardio unit] – and I should be waiting 12 weeks until I’m completely healed so that, one, I don’t damage the sternum again, and also, I don’t attract any infection.

“So please don’t swim before 12 weeks. I’m sorry for doing that. I don’t know what to do for the next few weeks exercise wise… more walking.”

He captioned the video: “I have been bad , Do not swim before 12 weeks after heart surgery. I jumped the gun and went to early.”

Fans offered their support as one wrote: “Take it easy in the meantime Mark, 12 weeks will pass before you know it.”

Another said: “It’s common, to want to do more than advised after any major surgery, but especially heart. My son is the same, after ever procedure or heart op! Give your body time.”

A third added: “Go for a walk instead! Think about how lucky you are to be alive… thank all the medical staff who helped you survive whilst looking around! Enjoy recovery!”

Mark’s comments comes a day after he posted another candid video which unveiled his surgical scar following his operation.

He explained going for his first cold water swim and said he feels “alive” as he returned to light exercise.

Mark said: “I’ve been a bit quiet about my post op recovery but I’m doing well and healing well but I’ve struggled a bit mentally because I feel vulnerable.

“I’ve been open from here to the top of my stomach so I get a bit worried about someone or me knocking it. I’m just about to have my first swim and I am very excited.

“That was amazing, that was the first time I’ve been in the water since November, I’m seven weeks post op, I swam 10 lengths and I’m so high and this is amazing I am alive.”

Mark had a heart attack while open water swimming and previously said as soon as the pain started it felt “like a lifetime” for him to swim back to the shore with help from his friends.

He told the BBC: “It felt like someone was tightening a belt around me. If it was not for my friends and my £15 float, I am not sure if I would be here today.

“I was having red flags, everything was wrong”, he said. “The water felt like treacle, I felt absolutely dreadful.”