Kate Gosselin is navigating a challenging recovery process following a serious leg injury. She recently provided fans with an update after her hospital discharge.
The 50-year-old former reality star shared insights from her hospital experience through a TikTok video posted on Friday, October 3. In the clip, she explained how a surgeon informed her that she would require an “Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)” procedure, which involved placing a “large metal plate” along her shin bone, along with three screws to stabilize her tibia.
Gosselin injured herself in a bizarre incident while playing fetch with her German shepherd, Meika, alongside her rumored boyfriend, Steve Neild. As she revealed on September 30, the accident led to a tibial plateau fracture.
In her latest update, the mother of eight – who shares twins Mady and Cara, 24, as well as sextuplets Alexis, Hannah, Leah, Aaden, Collin, and Joel, 21, with her ex-husband, Jon Gosselin – shared that it was her first time facing surgery alone.
Kate expressed that the experience was quite frightening. Post-surgery, she learned that her bones were “soft” for someone of her age—a surprising revelation given her comprehensive vitamin regimen, except for calcium, which she now plans to include.
She was told the impact from the incident should have resulted in a manageable injury rather than something catastrophic.
The Jon & Kate Plus 8 alum described the pain and swelling she faced as “unimaginable,” noting that a significant recovery period of at least three months lies ahead.
After being released from the hospital, Kate expressed her relief about starting the healing process, even though the care required was intimidating. She mentioned that the recovery plan felt overwhelming, complete with medication schedules and various follow-up appointments.
Speaking in another TikTok video, she shared that her first night at home was surprisingly pleasant, but she felt the reality of her helplessness set in. The experience reminded her of being on bed rest more than 21 years ago.
Kate recounted the moment Meika collided with her, describing it as seeing the dog “rushing towards me at lightning speed.”
She shared, “I remember thinking, ‘I have only a moment to move out of the way.'” As she moved to dodge the incoming dog, she miscalculated her step, resulting in Meika crashing into her leg with great force.
Kate described feeling the intensity of the collision, saying, “It emitted a thud sound—not the sound of a bone breaking, just a thud. In that moment, I froze and collapsed.”
As she continues to share her experiences, she has urged critics to show sensitivity, commenting that everyone’s circumstances are unique. She remarked, “People should realize they don’t know my situation and perhaps keep any judgment to themselves.”
