I thought I’d pulled a muscle but ended up having my appendix whipped out and woke up having a drug-induced wonderful Christmastime

’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring … except the sound of me groaning in agony due to an unbearable stabbing pain in my gut.

It actually began several nights before Christmas – during peak festive mayhem. I was juggling Christmas parties, tree-decorating and buying expensive gifts for adults who didn’t need them. I’d also crammed in a last-minute gym session in an attempt to “make room” for the upcoming roasties, mince pies and morning coffee with Baileys. Initially, I thought I’d simply pulled a muscle and decided to walk off my strain with another bout of Christmas shopping. I cannot guarantee this did not make matters worse. By the time I got home, I was doubled over in agony.