Beloved Aussie rocker Jimmy Barnes has appeared in good spirits in his latest health update as he continues his recovery from open heart surgery.
Barnes left fans in a state of shock and concern on Wednesday, December 13 when he announced that he was to undergo open heart surgery after a bacterial infection spread to his heart.
“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 wrote 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!”
Since then Barnes’ wife, Jane, has kept his adoring fanbase up to date with his recovery journey with regular posts via social media.
In her most recent post, Jane shared that the Working Class Man hitmaker is making “good progress” while thanking fans for their well wishes.
“@jane13barnes here to update you about our Jimmy,” she wrote.
“Good progress today in ICU. Some massive tubes have come out and first physio visit. Clearing lungs and deep breathing, we know he’s good at that!
“Our family thanks each and everyone for your well wishes, every single one counts so please keep them coming.”
The latest update, showcasing his upbeat recovery, has triggered an outpouring of support from relieved fans who have been rallying around the rock icon as he makes significant strides in his health battle.
“We just bloody love ya mate. You’re a fighter. All the love mate. And Jane of course,” one supportive fan wrote.
“We love you and you make us all better people. You are always smiling no matter what and you are an inspiration.”
“Oh Jane! Thank you for these updates. Jimmy, your bravery is something to behold. Please take care. Love to all,” commented another.
“Jimmy is looking good considering he day out of surgery, may he continue to improve each day. Thinking of Jimmy, you Jane and all the family.”
Barnes’ health woes began in late November when he was forced to cancel a series of upcoming performances after revealing he was being treated in hospital for a serious infection.
The 67-year-old Cold Chisel frontman took to social media to share the news, revealing that he had been admitted to hospital with battles bacterial pneumonia.
“I’m sorry to let you know that I’ve been receiving intravenous antibiotics over the last 36 hours to treat bacterial pneumonia,” he said.
“Unfortunately, this has stopped me travelling to Noumea to join Rock The Boat 2023 as planned. My band will still perform on board, together with my daughter Mahalia and other special guests.
“I’d like to apologise sincerely to everyone for the inconvenience and disappointment this has caused, but the doctors have confined me to bed for 2 days. The timing couldn’t be worse.”
While it appeared that Barnes was on the road to recovery after a previous Instagram post showed him sitting up and enjoying a meal with a big smile on his face, fans and the singer himself were thrown a massive curveball when it was announced he was being rushed into surgery.