Ioan Gruffudd’s girlfriend Bianca Wallace recalls having spinal surgery five years ago in MS update

Bianca Wallace, Ioan Gruffudd’s girlfriend, recalled having spinal surgery five years ago as she gives fans an MS update.

In January 2022, she revealed she had been diagnosed with “aggressive” multiple sclerosis three years earlier.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that affects the myelin sheaths that protect the neurons in the brain and spinal cord.

Common symptoms include fatigue, vision problems, and problems with walking or balance. There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but medications and other treatments can help relieve some of the symptoms

Bianca took to Instagram on Tuesday and shared a series of snaps from her time in the hospital as she underwent surgery.

In one lengthy post, she wrote, “I had no idea how many people didn’t know about my spine issues after I shared the picture of my scar on my story!”

“In July 2018, when the MRIs of my brain and spine came back, it showed the brain and spine lesions (MS), but it also revealed problems in three of my discs (C4, C5, C6), with C5 being in my spine herniated cord, where the cord was compressed.

“An operation was urgent because there was already permanent damage to my umbilical cord. My orthopedic surgeon told me I had a high chance of being paralyzed from C5 in a few months if we didn’t find it when we did. It was complete luck, all thanks to the MS that showed up when it happened! Divine timing and something watching over me.’

She continued, “I had an emergency and complications during surgery. First, I bled and lost a little less than 2L of blood (that’s a lot!). A laser device had to be used to stop the bleeding.

“After that, they found spinal stenosis and a bunch of osteophytes that had to be cut out and ground out for the cage and screws to get in. You’ll see I had staples closed instead of stitches, this was so the surgeon could come back as soon as possible in case of an emergency. Fortunately, the healing went according to plan.

“It’s called degenerative disc disease and a lot of people have it, mine just became a problem. As of now, I can’t turn my neck very far to the left because I’ve lost that movement. I sometimes get “stuck” and have pain in that area, especially when I’m tired. The central bone has remained fused, but the bones on the sides are friable, unfused, and the plate and screws have shifted.

“I was told my best case scenario is that my next spine surgery will be 10 years after my first. My worst case was another surgery within the year. In August this year it will be 5 years old, so we are looking good!

Bianca concluded by saying, ‘It’s unbelievable how much good has come out of the MS! It really shows you that everything happens for a reason, doesn’t it?!’

Bianca previously revealed her “droopy left eye and cheek” and explained that she’s had Botox to try and lift it up.

In addition to three photos of herself, the actress also revealed that she has had MRIs of the brain and spine after experiencing “spasms, nerve pain and numbness” in an MS update.

Bianca wrote: ‘Hi guys! An update. I came out of remission at the end of September after two whole months of total remission. So unbelievably awesome!

“Before I went to Aus for work, some old issues started popping up. Nerve pain, rapid weight loss and blindness/visual disturbances.

“Unfortunately, I also developed new symptoms. My left breast/breast, the left side of my face and my in the heel of my left foot.

“Cramps, nerve pain, numbness on the side and top of my breasts and face, and some really unusual sensations.”

‘I can best describe it as a painful, itchy, ‘alive’ feeling. These symptoms, especially those in my chest/chest, are the kind of pain and discomfort that become quite distracting.

“I had brain and spinal MRIs yesterday to see what the heck is going on there, as well as botox to help lift my left eye and right cheek (I’ve included a photo of my eye in action.

“But as always, I choose to get on with life. This disability and its dramas join me on my journey and in turn working in Australia went well!.

“As soon as we know more, I will send a small update. Maybe a movie! Much love to you all.’

Last year, Ioan revealed that he will star in a new drama alongside his girlfriend Bianca, which will chronicle her experience of multiple sclerosis.

The actor announced he had embarked on a project with his partner while gushing on Instagram, “I’m so proud to be able to bring Bianca’s extraordinary story to life.”

Bianca and Ioan both again shared a Deadline article announcing that they would be working with director Jimmy Gadd on the drama, called A Ray Of Sunshine.

Ioan said he was ‘looking forward to sharing this’, while Bianca said in response: ‘Two truly incredible people telling my story!? If only B could see this 3 three years ago… I can’t believe my luck. I love you [heart].’

Bianca shared the post on her own page, writing, “Incredibly excited to share this with all of you. Love to everyone.’

Bianca used her own experience with MS to script the project, which will be co-directed by Ioan and Jimmy.

The story follows a chronically ill, newlywed young woman who finds herself at rock bottom alone and struggles to accept her life-changing diagnosis.

Ioan, who announced his relationship with Bianca in October 2021, told Deadline: “Bianca’s unique way of approaching such a sensitive and personal subject as multiple sclerosis, with such raw emotion and the perfect spark of humor, made me was sure there was something special. ahead and I knew I wanted to be involved.”