Jackie Apostel, 30, Shares Spinal Fusion Surgery Struggles and Thanks Boyfriend Cruz Beckham, 20, for Support

Jackie Apostel has praised Cruz Beckham for helping her through the ‘absolute hell’ she suffered when undergoing spinal fusion surgery. 

The Brazilian songwriter, 30, suffers from scoliosis – where the spine twists and curves – and last year underwent an extensive operation to stabilise her backbone. 

She detailed the procedure on Thursday in an Instagram post featuring several snaps from her recovery, in which she praised Cruz, 20, and her loved ones for helping her through the ‘crazy psychological fear’ she felt while on medication. 

Among the images was an X-ray of her spine before and after surgery as well as snaps of herself in hospital and an AI-generated image of her scar. 

One sweet post from her hospital bed showed her clutching onto polaroid snaps of Cruz – who she had just started dating at the time. 

She began her lengthy post: ‘1 year ago today I had my scoliosis surgery so we’re celebrating with a big dress and an ai painting . sitting here reflecting a little bit and weirdly I went into this day last year with zero fear. [sic]’ 

Jackie continued: ‘I fully pranked my mind into thinking it was no big deal. The 2 weeks after that were absolute hell but I think what really kept me going was having something to go back to.

‘I was determined to be back in the studio no more than 1 month to the day post op. 25 days later we were back. 

‘I would have never ever made it through those 2 weeks if I wasn’t surrounded by so much support and love. 

‘People go through far worse than this every day and in times where you’re physically and mentally weak you really realize what a crazy difference conversation and comfort can have on you. 

Having someone check on you all the time, help you, love you. A year later, most days I forget I even did it. There’s days where I feel weird in my body, but everyone does. 

‘I look a little crazy putting on shoes and getting out of cars and can’t do long high heel nights, except that, slaying.

‘Long story short, always have people around you that will really be there. [sic]’ 

Jackie went on to praise her loved ones for rallying around her, explaining: ‘The hardest part of the surgery and recovery was weirdly the mental. 

‘For weeks later I would call people crying because I was worried I wouldn’t be able to be as productive or idk some crazy psychological fear because the medication makes u weird and sensitive especially if you’re already anxious etc. [sic].’ 

Offering advice to anyone going through a similar situation, she concluded: ‘So 1 surround yourself with love, with friendship, with genuine care. 

‘2. Have something to go back to. To look forward to. From whatever it is you’re going through. 

‘Those are my 2 humble thoughts of the day ☺️ and check in on your people always. it could be making the biggest difference and you don’t even know [sic].’ 

Her boyfriend’s elder brother Romeo Beckham, 22, was quick to comment on the post with a heart emoji, which she reciprocated.  

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that joins two or more vertebrae in the spine to reduce pain, correct problems, and make the spine more stable.

During the procedure, the surgeon places a bone graft in the space between the vertebrae to prevent excessive movement.

The bone graft can come from the patient’s own body, a donor, or a synthetic material. The surgeon may also use screws and rods to secure the bones.

In October, Jackie shared a photo of the huge wound, taken shortly after she underwent surgery for the spinal issue. 

She admitted she had lost her ability to walk following the operation, and had to relearn the basic motor skill. 

Jackie told Instagram followers: ‘Random thought. Wild to think 3 months ago I was relearning to walk and couldn’t get up. 

‘Physically and mentally I had a hard time, took forever to be ok with myself again especially work and writing wise.’ 

She added: ‘Our bodies are awesome and capable of so much. Take a moment to be grateful for ur support systems, own willpower and strength, whatever ur going through. [sic] 

‘We all know it’s ok not to be ok all the time and hope everyone is taking care of themselves as much as possible/taking moments to focus on mental and physical health.

‘Also, check in on ur friends. Sending everyone health hugs and love!’ [sic]’ 

In January, Jackie revealed she was still in pain following the operation, asking her followers: ‘do you guys feel like it gets way more tense and painful when it’s cold outside too? First winter with the rods in and it’s weeeeeird’.

Yet the return of the warm weather seemed to have done her the world of good as she lived it up in Glastonbury with Cruz last month. 

There was no roughing it at the festival, however, with Cruz revealing they were staying in opulent accommodation complete with its own boutique spa and fully equipped gym.

The youngest son of David and Victoria spent the festival at Camp Kerala, where a five-night stay begins at an eye-watering £8,225 per-person, with The Telegraph reporting it can go up to £24,000.

The couple wasted no time in taking to their Instagram accounts on Monday to share a look at the luxury campsite – where each tent comes equipped with sheepskin rugs, heating, electricity and fresh flowers, in a far cry from the regular festival-goer’s experience.