Derek Watts discharged from hospital, recovering at home – UPDATE

Carte Blanche presenter Derek Watts is back home recovering after he was in hospital with severe sepsis.

Watts is learning to walk again after collapsing two weeks ago and ending up in hospital.

The TV personality, who became a household name as part of this investigative journalism programme, initially thought he had suffered a stroke, but the doctors determined it was severe sepsis.

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Derek told Maroela Media that he and his wife, Belinda, went to Hoedspruit on Sunday, 19 March, for his son Tyrone’s birthday.

AFTER GOING FOR A WALK, HE FELT SOMETHING WAS WRONG

“We went for a short walk, and when we came back, my body started shaking, despite the heat. We wanted to go quad bike riding, but I couldn’t get out of the car, and Ty said something was wrong. I felt as if I had lost all the strength in my body,” said Watts.

Emergency services were called, and they suspected that Watts had suffered a stroke. He was taken by helicopter to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.

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“An MRI scan was done, which showed that I had not suffered any brain damage. Tests also indicated that there is nothing wrong with my heart.”

MRI SCANS AND TESTS SHOWED THAT IT WAS NOT A STROKE

Doctors then determined that Watts had sepsis.

“They did a multitude of tests, but it is very difficult to identify the cause of the sepsis,” added Watts.

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Derek was treated with a series of antibiotics and other medications.

Huge thanks to the incredible #CarteBlanche team for filling in for this “small” fellow recovering from Sepsis.

Back home four days and now walking unsupported for short distances. 😊

Really appreciated all the messages from
viewers. You are the stars ⭐️ of the show! pic.twitter.com/iIDkd4TReX

— Derek Watts (@DerekWatts) April 2, 2023

On Sunday evening, he posted an update saying he was back home after four days and now walking unsupported for short distances.

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WHAT IS SEPSIS?

Sepsis is a serious condition resulting from the presence of harmful microorganisms in the blood or other tissues and the body’s response to their presence, potentially leading to the malfunctioning of various organs, shock, and death.