Gary Numan’s wife Gemma has been hospitalised as she prepares for major spinal and kidney surgeries following years of agonising pain, migraines and a mini-stroke.
The mother of three, 57, shared the update after undergoing a spinal procedure in London to ease the chronic neck pain and migraines that have plagued her for the past two years.
Posting a series of hospital bed selfies on Instagram on Monday, Gemma – who married synthpop icon Gary in 1997 – explained she was hoping the treatment would buy her enough time to get through the next few months before undergoing spinal surgery.
‘Just had my spine procedure in London again like last year – it gave me 8 months relief,’ she wrote.
‘Then the neck pain and migraines came screaming back. So I’ve come again to hope to get me through the next few months until I absolutely have to have 5 cervical discs removed and replaced ASAP after the Gary Numan tour.’
The procedure she had targets specific areas of the spine to ease nerve compression and inflammation – offering temporary pain relief until more invasive intervention can be scheduled.
Gary Numan ‘s wife Gemma has been hospitalised as she prepares for major spinal and kidney surgeries following years of agonising pain, migraines and a mini-stroke, she said on Instagram on Monday
The mother of three, 57, shared the update after undergoing a spinal procedure in London to ease the chronic neck pain and migraines that have plagued her
However, that is only the beginning of what Gemma describes as a long road ahead. Once her husband’s global tour wraps later this year, she says she will return to Los Angeles, where the couple live with their three daughters Raven, Persia and Echo, to undergo a kidney autotransplantation – a rare and complex surgery in which her own kidney will be repositioned within her body.
She says the operation has been recommended to treat nutcracker syndrome, a vascular disorder she was diagnosed with earlier this year after experiencing what she calls ‘two years of weird harsh pains’.
The condition occurs when the left renal vein is compressed, often causing severe flank pain, abdominal discomfort, and blood in the urine.
Gemma added that she had also been diagnosed with May-Thurner syndrome, another vascular condition in which veins in the pelvis are compressed.
As well as this, Gemma has pelvic congestion syndrome, a painful disorder caused by varicose veins in the pelvic region.
‘May Thurner [syndrome] may have even caused the clot that led to the TIA I had last year!’ she wrote, referencing a transient ischaemic attack, or mini-stroke, she suffered in 2024.
‘I’m a broken nightmare! Hopefully getting fixed!’ Gemma added, alongside heart emojis.
The post was flooded with supportive messages from fans and friends, including singer Shirley
Posting a series of hospital bed selfies on Instagram on Monday, Gemma – who married synthpop icon Gary in 1997 (Pictured) – explained she was hoping the treatment would buy her enough time to get through the next few months
The procedure she had targets specific areas of the spine to ease nerve compression and inflammation
‘Just had my spine procedure in London again like last year – it gave me 8 months relief,’ she wrote
Manson of Garbage, who wrote: ‘Dear GOD Gemma, I’m so sorry darling. What a lot to deal with.
‘It totally sucks BUM. Feel better. You deserve a life free of pain. Sending love love love.’
British punk designer Pam Hogg also offered her support, writing: ‘Omg Gemma ��.. so sad t hear you’re still going through this ��.. sending you all my love .. take care beautiful xxx.’
The candid post marks one of the first times Gemma has spoken in detail about her full slate of diagnoses.
Her health troubles have increasingly come to light in recent years.
In mid-2024, Gary revealed Gemma had undergone treatment for a heart arrhythmia that had seen her pulse spike to dangerously high levels – describing it as a ‘scary time’ for the family.
Gemma has been married to the Cars singer for nearly three decades and1 is credited with helping shape his public comeback in the 2000s
Not long after, he disclosed on social media that she had suffered a mini-stroke.
At the time, the family was preparing for his UK tour, and Gary hinted that the medical emergency had been a shock to them all.
Gemma has been married to the Cars singer for nearly three decades.
She is credited with helping shape his public comeback in the 2000s after his career dipped in the late 80s and early 90s.
