Jimmy Barnes ‘cannot wait to be free’ as he reveals ‘long road ahead’ to recovery

In an encouraging update on his health journey, Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes took to Instagram to share news of his progress after a challenging battle with bacterial pneumonia and subsequent open-heart surgery.

In his latest message to fans, the 67-year-old singer expressed his optimism despite acknowledging the long road to recovery that lies ahead.

“Always good to leave the hospital smiling,” Barnes said in the post, capturing a moment of relief and positivity.

“There’s still a long road ahead and many more check ups. There was a team of 7 specialists working on me, so there is a lot to follow up on.

“Another set of good bloods and it’s off with the ‘PICC Line’. I’m sure it’s saved my life but I cannot wait to be free. Thai beef curry is just what the doctor ordered.”

 

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Fans flooded the comment section with well-wishes and support, celebrating each milestone in Barnes’ recovery.

“Yay Well done Go You Jimmy. Love Both of Your Beautiful Big Happy Smiles Woohoo,” one fan wrote.

“PICC line removal is a big win. It was a happy day for us after 3 months. Just a positive hands up that the treatment is working.”

“So glad everything is getting better,” commented another.

“Great to hear more good news about your health. Keep up the progress & rehabilitation.”

The road to recovery has already been quite a trek for the beloved performer.

After being admitted to hospital in late November last year with bacterial pneumonia, Barnes shocked fans when he announced that he was to undergo open heart surgery after the infection spread.

“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!”

Despite concerns from fans, Barnes made massive strides in his recovery in no time with regular updates showing the Working Class Man hitmaker all smiles from his hospital bed and others in which he was up and about and walking around the hospital.

Fans were overjoyed when it was revealed that Barnes had made it home for Christmas after Barnes’ wife shared heartwarming pictures of the 67 year old finally in the comfort of his own bed, smiling with his excited grandson by 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.”

Most recently Barnes reflected on the previous year while hinting at a much-anticipated return to the stage.

“I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. The last year has been challenging for me at times but it has also been filled with love, family, food and of course music,” he began.

“The difficult times have made me realize how lucky I am to be surrounded by my beautiful family and as I sit here in my bed recovering from surgery I am thankful to all the amazing people who have been a part of our lives and to everyone who has sent well wishes and cheered me on throughout the year.