💔 Rita Simons has been flooded with support from fans after revealing she has suffered a minor setback in her recovery from surgery — and admitting the complications were “all my own fault.”
The former EastEnders star, best known for playing Roxy Mitchell, underwent a breast reduction earlier this year after previously opening up about her scoliosis.
The procedure was an important and life-changing step for the actress, who has been candid with followers about her health, her recovery and the reality of healing after surgery.
But this week, Rita shared that things have not gone quite as smoothly as hoped.
🌿 Taking to Instagram on Friday, the mum-of-two revealed that she has struggled to properly rest since the operation.
Despite being told to slow down for eight weeks, Rita admitted that being instructed to relax somehow made her want to do the complete opposite.
She joked that the words “slow down” immediately made her reach for a jet washer, ladder or paintbrush.
And, in true Rita style, she proved it with videos showing herself keeping busy around the house and garden.
Instead of lying low, she had been painting outside and cleaning the decking.
🔥 But the actress has now admitted that her inability to sit still has slowed down her healing.
Rita told fans she had managed to give herself a “couple of self-inflicted post-op complications” because she kept pushing herself too soon.
She reassured followers that the issues were not terrible, but described them as annoying.
She also said her overactivity had done nothing to help the post-op fluid retention she has been dealing with.
Then came her blunt confession: “All my own fault.”
💬 Rita’s message was both funny and honest, but it carried a serious warning.
She told followers that if a surgeon tells you to chill, you should do exactly that.
The actress appeared frustrated with herself, but also able to laugh at the situation, joking that at least her decking looked marvellous.
That mix of humour and vulnerability is exactly why fans rallied around her.
Many praised her honesty, while others urged her to slow down, listen to medical advice and give her body the time it needs to recover.
❤️ One supporter told her it can be difficult to rest when you are told to, but urged her to look after herself and sent “healing love.”
Another fan advised her to take her time while keeping busy, while a third simply told her to relax.
The response showed just how much affection followers have for Rita, who has built a reputation for being open, funny and refreshingly real online.
She does not pretend recovery is glamorous.
She does not hide the frustration of being forced to stop.
And she is not afraid to admit when she has made things harder for herself.
🌟 Rita also thanked Jo at ProMed Health Dermal, praising her for helping her deal with the consequences after she ignored recovery instructions.
She said Jo and the team had been amazing and were helping keep her sane through the process.
Her gratitude came through clearly, even as she joked about her own stubbornness.
For many fans, the update was relatable. Resting sounds easy until you are suddenly told you must do it. For someone naturally active and independent, sitting still can feel almost impossible.
But Rita’s experience is a reminder that recovery is not just about getting through the operation.
It is about respecting the healing process afterwards.
💪 The surgery came after Rita previously discussed her scoliosis, a condition that affects the curvature of the spine.
Her breast reduction was not about vanity. It was connected to her physical health and comfort, making the procedure a deeply personal decision.
Since then, Rita has used social media to keep fans informed about how she is doing, sharing the ups and downs of recovery rather than presenting only a polished version of events.
That honesty has made her health journey feel even more powerful.
She has shown the confidence it can take to make a big medical decision, but also the patience needed afterwards — even if, by her own admission, patience is not her strongest skill.
🌹 Rita’s latest update may have been light-hearted in places, but fans clearly understood the bigger message.
Post-op recovery can be frustrating, especially when someone feels well enough to move around but their body still needs rest.
The temptation to “just do one thing” can quickly turn into too much.
For Rita, that meant painting, cleaning and tackling jobs she probably should have left for later.
Now, she is dealing with the consequences and sharing the lesson with her followers.
✨ Her warning was simple: when your surgeon tells you to rest, rest.
It may not be glamorous. It may not feel productive. It may be boring, irritating and completely against your personality.
But it matters.
Rita’s fans will now be hoping she finally takes her own advice and gives herself permission to properly slow down.
After all, the decking may look brilliant — but her recovery comes first.
💛 For now, Rita remains honest, humorous and supported by a loyal fan base who want to see her heal well.
Her post was more than just a health update.
It was a reminder that even strong, busy, determined people need to stop sometimes.
And if Rita Simons can admit she got it wrong, maybe others recovering from surgery will think twice before reaching for the ladder, jet washer or paintbrush too soon.
