Kevin Rudd suffers ‘big bloody infection’ following knee replacement surgery

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has been ordered to keep his feet up after being admitted back into hospital following surgery.

The 61-year-old, who underwent a knee-replacement operation earlier this year, will spend more time resting after contracting an serious infection.

Posting from his hospital bed, Australia’s 26th prime minister took to social media to share the update, revealing there had been a setback in his recovery.

I have been off air for the last week or so, I have had a setback with recovery from knee replacement surgery. In fact, a big bloody infection. I have been back in hospital for over a week. Home soon. Back on the (now longer) road to recovery. Thanks to everyone for their care. pic.twitter.com/IS534et7X0

— Office of Kevin Rudd, 26th PM of Australia (@MrKRudd) February 19, 2019

“I have been off air for the last week or so, I have had a setback with recovery from knee replacement surgery. In fact, a big bloody infection,” he explained on Twitter alongside a photo of him feet propped up in bed.

Despite only checking out of hospital recently, Rudd went on to explain he had been back in the care of doctors and nurses for a number of days.  He also added how thankful he was for their help during his recovery.

“I have been back in hospital for over a week,” he continued. “Home soon. Back on the (now longer) road to recovery. Thanks to everyone for their care.”

Followers were quick to show their support for the former politician with many sharing their own stories of surgery and troubles they faced.

“Heal soon. Exercise is the key to recovery. Know from experience,” one person commented on the post.

“Take it nice and slow Kevin. Post op infections are right sods! All the best,” another added.

A third wrote: “So glad to hear from you Kevin! Be good now, and do as you’re told. You are needed!”

Just last month Rudd took to Twitter to explain the operation he’d undertaken to cure knee pain endured for years due a “dumb injury”.

From his hospital bed in New York, he asked his followers how many of them have had the painful operation.

Any of you good folks ever had knee replacement surgery? I’ve put it off for years from a dumb injury a decade ago I didn’t get fixed back then. Just got it done here in NYC where I work. Thanks to all staff at HSS. Now home with Therese. Serious Ouch. pic.twitter.com/TdZxRU9Qjy

— Office of Kevin Rudd, 26th PM of Australia (@MrKRudd) January 21, 2019

“Any of you good folks ever had knee replacement surgery” he wrote on the post alongside a snap of himself in bed looking out to a gorgeous view. “I’ve put it off for years from a dumb injury a decade ago I didn’t get fixed back then.”

Read more: ‘Serious ouch’: Kevin Rudd shares photo from hospital bed after knee surgery

He went on to thank hospital staff, adding that he would soon be home beside his wife to continue his recovery.

“Just got it done here in NYC where I work. Thanks to all the staff at HSS. Now home with Therese. Serious Ouch,” he said.

Rudd and his wife, Therese, have been living in the US since 2014, where he currently serves as the President of the Asia Society Policy Institute.

Have you had a knee replacement? What was your recovery like?