DWTS contestant Jeannie Mai says she’s ‘recovering safely’ after emergency surgery for epiglottis

She had to drop out of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars after being diagnosed with the potentially life-threatening condition of epiglottis.

And on Monday, Jeannie Mai gave fans an update from her hospital bed after undergoing emergency throat surgery.

Thanking the doctor who diagnosed her, The Real host wrote on Instagram: ‘What simply started as a sore throat had unbeknownst to me become a dangerous infection that already closed at least 60% of my airway and resulted in a throat abscess that spread in a matter of 3 days.’

Recovering: Jeannie Mai gave fans an update from her hospital bed on Monday after undergoing emergency throat surgery for epiglottis, a potentially life-threatening condition

Mai, 41, was pictured in the Instagram post lying in her hospital bed propped up on pillows.

A bunch of balloons, including one which read ‘get well soon’, were attached to one side of her bed.

She continued her update by saying she’s grateful ‘to be recovering safely’ but is ‘devastated by the fact that my #DWTS journey will end this way.’

She added: ‘Dancing on this show has been the most exhilarating adventure. I’ve gained both beautiful friendships and loving supporters.’

Sudden departure: It had been announced Monday morning that Mai, 41, had had to drop out of ABC's Dancing With The Stars after being diagnosed with epiglottis

Sudden departure: It had been announced Monday morning that Mai, 41, had had to drop out of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars after being diagnosed with epiglottis 

'Dancing on this show has been the most exhilarating adventure,' she shared. 'I've gained both beautiful friendships and loving supporters.' She's shown with pro partner Brandon Armstrong

‘Dancing on this show has been the most exhilarating adventure,’ she shared. ‘I’ve gained both beautiful friendships and loving supporters.’ She’s shown with pro partner Brandon Armstrong

Tagging her dance pro partner Brandon Armstrong, she said she would ‘cherish the memories we made!!”

She then urged her fans to tune into Monday night’s episode of the dance competition and vote for their favorite.

The news of her sudden departure from the show was first reported on Good Morning America on Monday.

In a statement, Dancing With The Stars said: ‘Jeannie has inspired us, along with millions of fans, with her energy and dedication. We wish her a full and speedy recovery.’

It went on: ‘Since Jeannie had to withdraw from the competition, tonight’s show will feature the eight remaining couples and a single elimination.’ 

Serious: The news broke on ABC's Good Morning America that received a statement from the host of The Real

Serious: The news broke on ABC’s Good Morning America that received a statement from the host of The Real 

Sad: The TV personality said she was 'heartbroken' she had to end her DWTS journey this way

Sad: The TV personality said she was ‘heartbroken’ she had to end her DWTS journey this way

According to the Mayo Clinic, epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition.

It happens when the epiglottis — a small cartilage ‘lid’ that covers the windpipe — swells, blocking the flow of air into the lungs, the site stated.

‘A number of factors can cause the epiglottis to swell — burns from hot liquids, direct injury to your throat and various infections,’ the clinic explained.

The most common cause of epiglottitis in children in the past was ‘infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), the same bacterium that causes pneumonia, meningitis and infections in the bloodstream.’

But epiglottitis can happen at any age.

Routine Hib vaccination for infants has made epiglottitis rare, but the condition remains a concern.

Ready to practice: Mai was pictured heading to rehearsal on October 27 in Los Angeles

Ready to practice: Mai was pictured heading to rehearsal on October 27 in Los Angeles

This comes a week after Cheryl Burke suffered a painful head injury during rehearsals for Dancing with the Stars.

WHAT IS EPIGLOTTITIS?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition.

It happens when the epiglottis — a small cartilage ‘lid’ that covers the windpipe — swells, blocking the flow of air into the lungs, the site stated.

‘A number of factors can cause the epiglottis to swell — burns from hot liquids, direct injury to your throat and various infections,’ the clinic explained.

The most common cause of epiglottitis in children in the past was ‘infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), the same bacterium that causes pneumonia, meningitis and infections in the bloodstream.’

But Epiglottitis can happen at any age.

Routine Hib vaccination for infants has made epiglottitis rare, but the condition remains a concern, it was added. 

The 36-year-old dancer – who is partnered with Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean on the show – lost her footing during a rehearsal and smacked her head against the ballroom floor.

AJ explained: ‘Cheryl and I were practicing during stage rehearsal and it did not go well. It happened so fast, I just heard her head hit the floor.’

In a video clip of the incident, Cheryl could be seen falling backwards and slamming her head against the ground.

AJ, 42, immediately recognised the potential seriousness of the situation and asked his dance partner if she’s okay.

A medic was called to the scene but Cheryl was ultimately given the go-ahead to perform on Monday night’s show.

Tyra Banks, the host of’Dancing with the Stars, provided an update on Cheryl’s health during the broadcast. She said: ‘Cheryl is okay and she is cleared to perform.’

Despite the drama, Cheryl and AJ went on to perform admirably, scoring 26 out of 30 for their tango routine.

Speaking afterwards about Cheryl’s fall, AJ said: ‘I was there with her every second, like, ‘Oh my god! Are you okay? Are you okay?’ She’s family now. I’ve got to protect her like she does for me.’

Elsewhere, Nev Schulman and Jenna Johnson scored the first perfect score of the season with their paso doble.

Johnny Weir and Britt Stewart also impressed the judging panel, earning a score of 27 out of 30, while Chrishell Stause and Gleb Savchenko were given 26 points for their paso doble on a Halloween-themed night.

However, cheerleading coach Monica Aldama and her partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy were eliminated from the show after scoring just 22 points and then being sent home by the judges, who opted to save Mai instead.

Another issue: This comes a week after Cheryl Burke suffered a painful head injury during DWTS rehearsals when she lost her footing and smacked her head against the ballroom floor.

Another issue: This comes a week after Cheryl Burke suffered a painful head injury during DWTS rehearsals when she lost her footing and smacked her head against the ballroom floor.