Max George, the former member of the popular boy band The Wanted,
recently shared some concerning news with his fans: he underwent a second heart surgery
after complications arose from a pacemaker he had fitted in December 2024.
The 36-year-old musician took to Instagram on February 17 to open up about the health setback, reassuring his followers that he was on the road to recovery.
George’s heart health has been a topic of concern since late 2024 when doctors discovered issues with his heart that led to him needing a pacemaker.
The musician had spent Christmas in the hospital, a time when he first confirmed the situation. At the time, George did not anticipate that his recovery would be followed by additional complications.
“A few weeks ago, I had to go back into the hospital after having some physical symptoms in my chest. It turned out that one of the leads was placed too far into my heart,” George explained on Instagram. “The second surgery took about 2 hours. Luckily, it was a success, and they kindly let me listen to Oasis the whole time!”
The surgery, though successful, was another setback for the singer, who has faced several health challenges over the last couple of months. He assured his fans that while it had been a tough few weeks, he was now undergoing extensive testing to ensure his health was improving. “I’ve had a few complications the last couple of months, but I’m having loads of tests to make sure everything is all good,” he wrote, adding that it would take time for the inflammation of his heart to subside. He expressed optimism for his recovery, saying he was confident he’d be back to full health soon.
“It can take a few weeks/months for the inflammation of my heart to subside (myocarditis), but I’m sure I’ll be back on top form in no time!” George shared with his fans, thanking them for their ongoing support during his challenging health journey.
In a separate interview with The Sun, George provided more insight into the issues that led to his second surgery. Despite the pacemaker’s initial success, George continued to experience a “flickering sensation” in his chest, which worsened over time. “When my heart rate went up, it was causing a shock in my heart which was making me jump all the time. My chest was shaking,” he recalled. This persistent issue led doctors to schedule another procedure to correct the placement of the pacemaker leads.
The severity of George’s heart condition became even more apparent last month when he shared a particularly frightening experience. He had woken up with freezing, blue hands, and his throat felt like it was “closing up,” causing him to fear for his life. “It felt like someone had their hands around my neck,” George recalled. He was staying with his mother at the time, and he credits her for saving his life. “Thank God I stayed at Mum’s house — she saved my life,” he said.
During this harrowing period, George said he feared the worst and even wrote a will. Thankfully, doctors were able to fit him with a pacemaker, which he described as a life-changing moment. “I was like, ‘Holy s—, I feel alive again,’” he said, sharing how euphoric he felt after the surgery. He recalled the emotional moment when he was reunited with his girlfriend, Maisie Smith, after the procedure. The couple, who have been dating since 2022, shared a comforting cuddle while George talked about football, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the health crisis.
Smith, who rose to fame as a child actress on the BBC soap EastEnders and became a runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing, has been a strong source of support for George during his health struggles. Their bond seems to be a pillar of comfort for him as he navigates his recovery.
As Max George continues to recover, he is hopeful that his health will improve in the coming months. Fans have been sending their love and support, and George expressed his gratitude for all the kind messages he’s received. “Thanks everyone for all your lovely messages and support through what’s been a pretty rough time. Means a lot,” he concluded in his Instagram post.
Max’s health journey has certainly been a challenging one, but with his determination and the support of his loved ones, he remains positive about the future.
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