‘Can’t keep a good man down’: Jimmy Barnes celebrates ‘amazing’ milestone on his path to recovery

Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes has reached a milestone in his ongoing battle with recent health challenges, marking a significant step forward on his path to recovery.

The 67-year-old, who battled infection and underwent open-heart surgery last year, took to social media to share the encouraging news with his fans.

“It’s been 7 weeks post open Heart surgery and I’m up to 10,000 steps,” he revealed.

“The scars looking pretty neat don’t you reckon? I still need to take care of bones knitting for another couple of weeks. Thank you medical team and my huge cheer squad.”

 

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Fans flooded the comment section with well-wishes, admiration, and support for the music legend’s remarkable progress

“Can’t keep a good man down,” one fan wrote.

“Keep up the good work JB, there’s a helluva lot of us out here rooting for you!”

“Amazing recovery and the scar is fabulous.. healing with love from Jane all the fabulous fresh fruit and vegetables and of course your beautiful family,” commented another.

“Great to see you on the road to recovery Jimmy. Well and truly on the mend with the support from your grandkids and your beautiful Jane.”

Barnes’ uplifting update follows his hospitalisation in late November last year due to bacterial pneumonia. Shocking fans with the revelation that he was set to undergo open-heart surgery after the infection spread, the rock legend faced a challenging chapter in his life.

“Unfortunately I got some bad news late yesterday … despite everyone’s best efforts the bacterial infection I’ve been battling over the last fortnight has apparently now spread to my heart,” he said at the time

“It’s infected an otherwise healthy valve that was replaced some years ago due to a congenital defect, so I’ll be getting open-heart surgery over the next few hours to clear out this infection and put in a clean valve.

“Obviously this is going to take me out of action for a while. I know lots of other people are battling even worse things but it still feels hugely frustrating.

“Just a few weeks ago I was the fittest I’ve been in decades!”

Defying concerns from fans, Barnes swiftly advanced in his recovery, consistently sharing encouraging updates. Whether flashing his trademark smile from the hospital bed or strolling through the corridors, the Working Class Man hitmaker showcased remarkable progress.

Fan excitement reached new heights when it was revealed that Barnes had returned home just in time for Christmas. Heartwarming images, shared by Barnes’ wife, captured the 67-year-old in his own bed with his grandson at his side.

“Every test you can have under the sun. Bacterial pneumonia, back surgery, staph in his bloodstream, open heart surgery. Now, Jimmy is home, grateful, and happy,” she wrote.

“Everyone cheering him on has helped our family get through. As for the entire medical team, doctors & nurses at SVPH, you are the best in the world. Scottish genes are tough. Teddy is ready for Christmas.”