This Morning expert and life coach Michelle Elman has revealed she must undergo brain surgery again after a medical scan uncovered a new cyst. The 32-year-old shared the news with her followers on social media, opening up about her complex health journey.

Michelle lives with hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by a build-up of fluid in the brain. According to the NHS, this excess fluid puts pressure on the brain and can cause damage over time (NHS).

Michelle’s Announcement: “I Need Another Brain Surgery”

On her Instagram story on November 19, Michelle wrote: “Yesterday I found out I need another brain surgery. I have a cyst in my brain again and also the magnet in my brain needs replacing.” She clarified that while the situation is not yet urgent, the operation is necessary, and she’s now working out when to schedule it to minimize the disruption to her life.

“It’s not urgent but it is needed so now I have to figure out when to schedule this so it disrupts my life as little as possible,” she explained. She added: “Inevitably, I will have to pause my life and go deal with this, likelihood it will be next year, but until then it’s business as usual.”

Michelle acknowledged the complexity of her medical history: “My medical record is rarely simple, so ultimately I’m doing my best to make peace with it all.” She also expressed gratitude, saying she’s “lived a great life … milked every moment I’ve had in this world” and concluding earnestly with, “So can’t complain.”

A Long History of Surgeries and Health Challenges

Michelle has been remarkably open about her health battles. In an emotional letter for Cosmopolitan in 2018, she revealed that by the age of 19 she’d already undergone 15 surgeries, including for a brain tumour, a punctured intestine, an obstructed bowel, a cyst in her brain, and hydrocephalus itself (Cosmopolitan).

She reflected on how repeated hospital visits forced her to reevaluate her relationship with her body. “Starting to walk and run made me develop a core fundamental respect for my body for its ability to keep me standing and breathing,” she recalled. That experience, she said, helped her stop obsessing over her appearance and instead focus on living fully. “Being completely absorbed in my life … meant that I finally stopped thinking about what I looked like.”

Why Her Story Resonates

Michelle’s bravery in sharing this news has resonated widely. Her journey—marked by repeated surgeries, ongoing medical management, and a relentless drive to help others—has won her both sympathy and admiration. The Guardian and other outlets have highlighted her as someone who brings powerful vulnerability and strength to the public conversation about chronic illness.

Her decision to be transparent about her illness underscores a broader trend among public figures who use their platforms to destigmatize health struggles. By speaking openly about the emotional toll of her condition, she encourages others facing similar challenges to find courage and community.