Katherine Heigl reveals she’s now ‘bionic’ after undergoing neck surgery

The Firefly Lane star declared she’d been given a ‘new pain-free lease on life’

Katherine Heigl attends the Unequaled NBCUniversal Upfront campaign at Radio City Music Hall on May 14, 2018 in New York
(Image credit: Erik Pendzich / Alamy Stock Photo)

Actress Katherine Heigl has revealed she is now ‘bionic’ after undergoing neck surgery and is ‘deeply grateful’ to the medical staff who ‘saved’ her from pain. 

Katherine Heigl’s portrayal of Tully in Netflix hit Firefly Lane has earned her praise from viewers who couldn’t help but be drawn into the highs and lows of this friendship drama. But it was her breakthrough role as Izzie Stevens in Grey’s Anatomy that likely still holds an extra special place in fans’ hearts. Who doesn’t want to settle down with their best pillow and blankets to binge-watch their way through Katherine’s time on the hit medical show? 

Now Katherine has taken to Instagram to give thanks to the real-life medical staff who have given her a ‘new pain-free lease on life’. In a deeply emotional post yesterday, the star shared that she is now ‘bionic’ and has 'two titanium disk[s]' in her neck. 

Her caption stated, ‘Well...I am now bionic!! Two titanium disk now inhabit my neck and I can probably stand on my head for like hours...I’m not gonna try it just yet but give me a few months and I’ll blow your mind!! 

'I am so deeply deeply grateful to the incredible Dr’s and care team that saved me from the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced and blessed me with a new pain free lease on life!’

Katherine proceeded to give the medical staff who helped her a ‘big giant shoutout of gratitude and appreciation. 

‘Heading into surgery and hospital stays is always a bit scary and you guys could not have made me feel more comfortable or taken care of! Thank you thank you thank you!! ❤️❤️❤️ ‘ she continued. 

Why did Katherine have neck surgery?

Katherine’s recent surgery comes after the Firefly Lane star shared with Instagram followers last week that she had a ‘herniated disk’ in her neck. Herniated disks, sometimes known as slipped disks, are when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out of place. 

While this is intensely painful, it seems Katherine’s husband Josh Kelley was a source of great support and positivity for her during this time. 

Posting a sweet video of her husband Josh singing aloud, she wrote, ‘First trip since the start of the pandemic is back to LA to deal with a herniated disk in my neck. 

‘Thank God for @joshbkelley for not only coming with me to hold my hand but for providing me with some very much needed comedic relief! I mean...only Josh can or would harmonize with the coffee maker! 😏😂 ‘. 

She and Josh have been married since 2007 and are devoted parents to their three children, Nancy Leigh, Adalaide and Joshua. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!