Jordan Brook gives positive health update on meningitis battle
The TOWIE star has been diagnosed with meningitis and encephalitis
It’s been a frightening and challenging few weeks for The Only Way Is Essex star Jordan Brook. After being rushed to hospital with a mystery illness, the dad-to-be underwent a series of tests before receiving the shocking diagnosis of both meningitis and encephalitis.
The 31-year-old has been keeping his social media followers up to date on his condition as he continues to receive treatment in hospital, revealing earlier this week that he had no strength to walk, and explained the seizures were still taking over his body.
However, on Friday morning (27th March), Jordan uploaded a new video where he confessed he's 'reached a turning point'.
Giving a positive update, Jordan told his fans: 'Baby steps - Friday Motivation. Emotional is an understatement.
'I’m so glad to say I have reached a Turing point in this nightmare. The first time I’ve felt positive. Some rehab on my legs and learning to walk again. To anyone who is going through anything similar please keep going. You are so strong. I’ve had times I never thought I would reach here. Dark times when a simple step seemed impossible. Stay strong and keep going.
'Thank you to every single kind person for your support through this. Humans really need to stick together and have compassion and be kind.
'Thank you to my family my rock my dad getting me on my feet today.
'Thanks you to every single staff member in my hospital ward you are a credit to humanity.
'Spreading love and positivity. JB is not beat yet let’s get this. Have a blessed Friday everyone 💙'. (sic)
Just yesterday, Jordan posted a photo in a wheelchair alongside his pregnant girlfriend Sophie Kasaei, as he enjoyed some fresh air outside of his hospital ward.
He wrote: '5 mins of fresh air off the ward this morning with my everything.
'Still not got the strength to walk and am super weak all over my entire body. Thank you for holding me up all the way through this. @sophiekasaei Still a long way to go in this battle but we are getting there'. (sic)
After almost two weeks of tests, doctors were able to diagnose Jordan's symptoms, with the reality star confirming he's suffering from both viral meningitis and encephalitis.
In a video uploaded at the time, he said: “This is the first time I’ve really been able to speak strong enough about what’s going on.
“I’ve been diagnosed with not one but two joining viruses that are attacking a similar part of my body. I have got viral meningitis and encephalitis together.
“That’s the inflammation of the brain and the lining around it. So this isn’t something small or minor. I’m on IV drips, everything antiviral, pain management, physio, seizure monitoring, to minimise seizure risk at the minute.”
"But unfortunately the swelling on my brain is getting worse. Really, really tough, even with the simple day-to-day activities and normal things that aren’t easy right now.
“So this is what I’m dealing with day-today.”
With Jordan showing signs of improvement, he will be keen to return home as Sophie is currently pregnant with the couple's first child. The pair, who have been open about their fertility struggles over the years, announced over the Christmas period their wonderful news, writing: 'The most magical gift ✨🤰Merry Christmas from the three of us 🥰 🎁 🌈'. (sic)
The couple then discovered at the end of January they are expecting a baby boy.
Looking ahead to the future whilst in hospital, Jordan wrote on social media: 'It is at dark times like these it can be so hard to see the light.
'My darlin boy your dad is resting up and getting back strong for you with the help of your amazing mum and all of your amazing family.
'Thank you to everyone who has visited me in hospital and for every single message of encouragement. This will not beat me. I will get home. My family I love you more than you will ever know I couldn’t do this without you'.
You can find out more information about both viral meningitis and encephalitis on the NHS website.