Jenny McCarthy is recovering after facing a series of health challenges that resulted in nine surgeries this year. In an interview with People, published on November 26, 2023, the 53-year-old television personality shared the details of her difficult journey, which began with a failed ceramic dental implant that led to severe complications.
McCarthy explained that the initial issue caused her to lose several teeth. “My teeth were falling out, implants falling out,” she recalled, describing how doctors had to dig into her jawbone to address a deep bone infection. She has been on antibiotics for over a year and has had to restrict her diet to soft foods due to the stitches in her mouth. “I’ve had one infection that turned into another and another, and then I had these growths show up on my eyeballs,” she added.
As she continues her recovery, McCarthy is now able to chew again, but the persistent nature of her health problems has made her cautious. “Every time we thought it had cleared up, it came back again,” she remarked, detailing the pain and swelling that accompanied her eye growths. “People should actually feel a little sorry for me!”
In addition to her surgeries, McCarthy has been open about her struggle with Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid, and leaky gut syndrome. Earlier this year, she attempted to follow a vegan diet to manage her health but found it unsustainable due to her celiac disease, which prevents her from properly digesting gluten, along with dairy and soy allergies. “I tried vegan and I almost died,” McCarthy said during a March episode of the “Heal Squad” podcast, emphasizing the toll it took on her health.
After consulting her doctor, McCarthy switched to a “full carnivore” diet. Although she initially felt it was a heavy and low-vibrational choice, she noted significant improvements in her well-being. “It has been incredible for me — and I stress for me,” she stated.
Amid these personal challenges, McCarthy also shared a glimpse of her life with husband Donnie Wahlberg through their annual holiday card. In the photo, McCarthy is seen wearing a red bikini, showcasing her figure, which has changed due to her health issues. She acknowledged that her condition led to weight loss, stating, “I had two more mouth surgeries even after that photo was taken. I’ve been pretty unlucky.”
McCarthy’s candid account highlights the unpredictable nature of health and the personal impact of chronic conditions. As she continues her recovery, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body and finding the right dietary approach for individual health needs.
