Al Roker said on his return to Today on Friday that his medical team discovered he had two bleeding ulcers in addition to the blood clots in his leg and lungs during surgery.
Al Roker’s triumphant return to the NBC morning news program on Friday included new information about the health problem that had kept him away from the Today show for two months.
The 68-year-old weatherman opened up about his illness while his wife Deborah Roberts stood by his side, admitting that he endured a difficult 7-hour operation to “fix a bunch of internal problems.”
When Roker first visited doctors in early November to address a few stomach aches, he had no idea his condition was so serious.
It gradually turned into a terrifying array of medical problems that initially perplexed authorities and took Roker to the hospital twice. Roker remarked on Today, “Look, I had two complicating things. They believe that my COVID treatment in September is what caused my blood clots. I soon began to have internal bleeding, losing half of my blood. They were looking for it and trying to locate it.
Roberts, 62, said, “Most people didn’t know that Al was a very, very, very sick man. This great team—it was a team—led by two doctors had to determine what was going on. For a few weeks, his medical condition remained a mystery. And it was the most harrowing, turbulent adventure we had ever been on.
At the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Roker was receiving treatment. His medical team detected two bleeding ulcers after surgery. His colon was resected, his gallbladder was removed, and surgery was performed on his duodenum, which is a piece of the small intestine.
Roker said in jest, “I went in for one operation, I got four free.” So that’s a plus for me.
Fortunately, Roberts, an ABC News correspondent, took charge of Roker’s care and coordinated it with medical professionals.
On the third hour of Today, he said the words “Thank God for Deborah.” She essentially protected me from everything. I am a living proof that being ignorant is bliss. Because I didn’t realize how serious this was, I was able to focus all of my energies on healing.
It’s not lost on us that Al’s being here is a big deal, Roberts said on Today. He is a real-life miracle who breathes. And I don’t think I’m exaggerating.
She continued by describing the moment she realized Roker would be okay. Al underwent numerous tests and scopes, she claimed. “There was just so much that needed to be done, including, if I may say so, a major surgery. And every single day, we were absolutely on edge. I kept you everyone and our family informed. Al and I were seated there in the hospital one day. He was so thin and worn out when he announced, “I’m going to make a patchcock turkey for Christmas,” and he did it in a very scratchy voice. And I was unsure of whether to cry or simply smile.
She remembered, “I mean, I’m sitting here praying he’s going to make it to Christmas and this man, he wants to make a turkey. That was the moment for me, and it will always be the time. “At that time, I just knew that will and drive are so powerful.”
Roker admitted that this was his first experience in an intensive care unit, and in particular the surgical ICU.
Dr. Felice H. Schnoll-Sussman, Al’s gastroenterologist, said in a pre-recorded piece on Today, “[We] were tremendously concerned about Al.” “Exceptionally worried. He experienced a near-fatal encounter. There is simply no question about that, I mean.
By name, he thanked each member of his medical staff. “I simply knew because I knew that these doctors, all of these doctors, had my back. Additionally, the staff and nurses were excellent. Just top-notch. I’m fortunate to receive excellent medical care.
Roker acknowledged that Roberts’ being by his side was a blessing for him as well, while his wife also expressed gratitude for the well wishes received from everyone around her.
You had prayer as well, Roberts remarked. You won’t believe the prayer circle that was there. not just from our family but also from you, my colleagues, and complete strangers. When I was going somewhere, I always said, “I’m paying for your spouse,” as I walked down the street. I will never, ever, ever forget how kind you are to me, and I will never take it for granted.
Roker exclaimed, “All of you [at Today], all of you at home.” “You could sense the praying.”
Roberts revealed how the experience has affected her as well, noting how much she admires her spouse.
Al disliked seeming weak and exposed, in his opinion. She added, “I also learnt the value of patience. Through that weakness and his fragility, he demonstrated strength, and I will never, ever forget that example. “I’ve never been patient at all. We all work in the television industry, so I’m ready to get started. I now understand the value of patience. Everyone here must accept that.
“You don’t want your family to know that you’re vulnerable as a guy. On the third hour of Today, Roker said, “You’re supposed to be the strong one.
The event, he said, made him realize the value of family, and he thanked his daughters Courtney, 35, Leila, 24, and son Nick, 20, for their help. He noted that one of those nights was her birthday and said, “Lelia spent those first five nights sleeping in the hospital.” I finally told you to go home, honey!
Since 1996, Roker has been a regular on Today, serving as the show’s top weather anchor. Before that, from 1990 to 1995, Roker filled in for the late Willard Scott before his semiretirement.
Since his previous appearance on the Nov. 4 show, he has been missing from Today for several weeks. He missed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (his first in 27 years) and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center due to his two hospital visits, both of which occurred before Thanksgiving.
Following his release on December 8, he has been receiving physical therapy to help him recuperate.
Roker stated on Friday that these practically daily sessions are still going on “simply to get the strength back.” Moreover, he takes blood thinners.
His involvement in the Start TODAY walking club over the past year, where he logged more than 10,000 steps per day for more than 200 straight days, has helped his recuperation progress more smoothly. Each of my doctors suggested that if I hadn’t been in the condition I was in, the situation might have turned out differently, Roker said.
But what medications do doctors actually have for Roker right now? When he returned on Friday, his Today coworkers showered him with plenty of good, old-fashioned, sensitive loving care.
At the start of the show, anchor Savannah Guthrie said, “It is a really momentous day… and I apologize because the tears are already pouring, because Al Roker is back!
Kotb remarked, “The staff is inconsolable. “The people waiting outside have been expecting you. Every day as we leave, they are disappointed and ask, “Where is Al? ”
Guthrie subsequently remarked that, “As much as we missed you, Al, I think the plaza missed you much more.” Outside, supporters hoisted posters bearing Roker’s image and the words “Welcome Back” in bold letters. “For you, signs. They are your neighbors.
Roker was not blind to the affection. He said, “I have missed you guys so much.” It’s wonderful to be back, and to be wearing pants, because you are my second family. It’s a lot of fun.
He said, “My heart is just exploding.” “I’m simply so happy to see the staff and all of you. I’m currently fueled by adrenaline.
He humorously remarked, “Oh what is all these lights? ” as he left the stage, demonstrating that he still had a sense of humor. My eyes are burning from it! Ahh!’ ”
After conducting his first weather report, which he had become accustomed to witnessing meteorologist Dylan Dreyer conduct in his absence, he remarked, “It’s been surreal.” “Normally, I would be relaxing, sipping coffee, and watching Dylan present the weather. This is a bit more difficult!
Video of Roker’s arrival at Studio 1A, where he was welcomed by Guthrie and Kotb at the elevator to his favorite tune, the theme from The A-Team, which he famously plays every morning, was shown during the course of the morning program.
During his conversation with Roberts, Guthrie told Roker, “You’ve always been an inspiration, much more so now. “Deborah, I’ll never forget one of those early texts you sent, in which you claimed, ‘I’ve never loved him more.’ Al, I believe we can all agree that we have never loved you or been more appreciative to have you at our side.
Roker replied, “Well, I’m thankful to have this woman by my side. She is also the cause of my continued presence.
