Lamiez Holworthy has revealed that a ruptured ovarian cyst left her with severe internal bleeding and in need of emergency surgery on National Women’s Day, after she initially delayed the procedure to fulfil her professional commitments.
Key takeaways
- The DJ and media figure was treated after a cyst larger than her womb burst near Brits.
- Her hospital visitors included her father, Chicco Twala, and her husband, rapper Khuli Chana.
- Doctors told her she had lost a significant amount of blood and required a transfusion.
- Holworthy said she lives with recurring ovarian cysts and endometriosis.
- She urged women not to dismiss unusual periods, back pain or other warning signs.
Lamiez Holworthy details her medical emergency
Holworthy shared an emotional account of the ordeal alongside videos recorded in hospital. The footage showed visits from members of her family, including Twala and Chana, as she recovered from the unexpected operation.
She explained that ovarian cysts have repeatedly affected her and that she also has endometriosis. Although her doctor had instructed her to undergo an urgent procedure, Holworthy asked to delay it so she could complete a series of work obligations.
Reflecting on the timing of the crisis, she said the public holiday had forced her to remember both her identity as a woman and her vulnerability as a person. Her message was that personal health must not be pushed aside.
Holworthy also addressed speculation surrounding the reason for her surgery before turning her attention to cyberbullying and mental health. She called on people to confront bullies in their communities, warning that suicide figures are rising and that too many emotionally wounded children grow into adults without healing. She criticised the way online abuse has become accepted and encouraged those causing harm to seek therapy rather than taking their pain out on others.
The DJ then explained what happened on the day she fell ill. A cyst that had grown larger than her womb ruptured while she and her team were travelling to a second venue in Brits. They were only seven minutes from arriving when she had to be taken to hospital.
She was sent back to the emergency department after doctors discovered internal bleeding. Medical staff informed her that she had lost a substantial amount of blood and would need a transfusion, news that frightened her. Holworthy said she broke down in tears and felt defeated, while also feeling angry that her body had allowed the situation to reach that point.
Describing the wider pressure placed on women, she said she was exhausted by the responsibility of managing serious personal issues alongside family, business and other demands. She referred to the impact of such conditions on what she described as 110 million women worldwide.
Holworthy acknowledged that she had disregarded medical advice on the Friday before National Women’s Day. Her recurring cysts had previously caused intense pain, but she persuaded her doctor to let her complete all 11 scheduled work commitments before returning the following week. In hindsight, she said the experience taught her that people may make their own plans, but ultimately do not control every outcome.
A warning to women about self-care
The experience changed Holworthy’s view of the cost of putting work before her wellbeing. She said she had learned through a painful experience that caring for yourself matters more than working until your health fails.
She asked women to pay close attention to symptoms that may seem easy to dismiss. Anyone experiencing unusually difficult periods, back pain or other abnormal discomfort should seek medical attention, she said, adding that ignoring her own symptoms and prioritising work had nearly cost her her life.
