View this post on InstagramI would never imagine ever having to write this, but I made it safely out of my emergency surgery. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Nasseri who identified my potentially life-threatening condition. What simply started as a sore throat had unbeknownst to me become a dangerous infection that already closed at least 60% of my airway and resulted in a throat abscess that spread in a matter of 3 days. Although I am grateful to be recovering safely, I can't lie... I am devastated by the fact that my journey with #DWTS will end this way Dancing on this show has been the most exhilarating adventure. I've gained both beautiful friendships and loving supporters. To my partner, @Brandonarmstrong, I'm sorry you don't get to make fun of my moves anymore while I gift you life gems on how to be a grown up Love u so much lil bro, and will ALWAYS cherish the memories we made!!! And more good news? My thumbs still work hunnay, so I can spread my 20 votes across these final 8 superstar teams!!! Please everyone, TONIGHT watch for your fave #DWTS couple killen it in the ballroom cuz #TeamDreamofJeannie, we gotta share our love and VOTE!!! #TeamReachForTheSkai #TeamSellingIt #TeamLOCOmotion #TeamBriJo #TeamWillYouAcceptThisDance #TeamPrettyMessedUp #TeamBeNeevers #TeamDaNelly LEGGGGGO A post shared by Jeannie Mai (@thejeanniemai) on
Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Jeannie Mai says she's "recovering safely" after having emergency surgery on her throat.
The 41-year-old television personality gave an update Monday on Instagram after undergoing surgery for epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening condition that causes inflammation in the throat.
Mai shared a photo of herself smiling from her hospital bed, which was festooned with colorful balloons.
"I would never imagine ever having to write this, but I made it safely out of my emergency surgery. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Nasseri who identified my potentially life-threatening condition," Mai captioned the post.
"What simply started as a sore throat had unbeknownst to me become a dangerous infection that already closed at least 60% of my airway and resulted in a throat abscess that spread in a matter of 3 days," she said.
Mai's diagnosis and surgery forced her to exit Dancing with the Stars. She was partnered with Brandon Armstrong in Season 29 of the ABC reality competition.
"Although I'm grateful to be recovering safely, I can't lie... I am devastated by the fact that my journey with #DWTS will end this way," Mai said Monday evening. "Dancing on this show has been the most exhilarating adventure. I've gained both beautiful friendships and loving supporters."
"To my partner, @Brandonarmstrong, I'm sorry you don't get to make fun of my moves anymore while I gift you life gems on how to be a grown up," she joked. "Love u so much lil bro, and will ALWAYS cherish the memories we made!!!"
Mai shared her diagnosis Monday morning and confirmed she would exit DWTS.
"I am heartbroken that my DWTS journey has to end here," she said in a statement. "I have pushed myself to new limits physically and mentally, and I am so proud of how far we've come."
DWTS host Tyra Banks said an emotional goodbye to Mai during Monday's episode of the competition. The show aired a tribute to Mai revisiting her journey on the series.
Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause was eliminated during Monday's episode, which featured a single elimination, rather than a double elimination, due to Mai's departure.
