Media mogul Oprah Winfrey missed her book club's fun event after being rushed to the emergency room with a stomach ailment.
Winfrey revealed on Tuesday that “Familiar,” by David Wroblewski, is the latest Oprah Book Club selection, but was forced to miss her interview with Wroblewski on “CBS Mornings” due to a recent bout with gastroenteritis. Caused by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, the gastrointestinal infection is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“Ms. Winfrey is recovering from a bout of gastroenteritis and, at her doctor's recommendation, has been placed on an IV drip to treat dehydration,” a representative for Winfrey said in an email to USA Today on Tuesday. “She is resting and feeling better each day.”
Gayle King, Winfrey's longtime friend and “CBS Mornings” co-host, opened up about the talk show icon's “very serious” illness during her interview with Wroblewski.
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“She had some kind of gastroenteritis and something was coming out of both ends,” King said. “I won't go into too much detail, but needless to say, she was hospitalized with dehydration and had to be put on an IV.”
“She's going to be OK. I hope she's not upset that I'm sharing these details,” King added.
In a video call with King shared on Instagram, Winfrey explained that she sought medical treatment because she “couldn't swallow enough water” to stay hydrated.
But the former “Oprah Winfrey Show” host remains optimistic about her condition: “I'm heading towards 100,” she said.
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Winfrey's book club pick, “Familiar,” is a sequel to Wroblewski's 2008 debut novel, “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle,” which was also featured in Oprah's book club.
Winfrey said the “epic novel” will take readers on a journey that “delicately weaves together history, philosophy, adventure and mysticism to explore what it means to live love, friendship and life's true purpose.”
Contributor: Tyjuan Moorman, USA TODAY
