Ex-jungle camper and designer Claudia Effenberg (58) has shared frightening health news. The wife of ex-football professional Stefan Effenberg (55) revealed on Monday evening (January 22nd) on “RTL Exclusiv” that she had to undergo emergency surgery shortly before Christmas. There was even a danger to life.

The 58-year-old, who took part in “I’m a Celebrity – Get Me Out of Here!” last year took part and came in seventh place, collapsed unconscious in her own home on December 16th. Effenberg also confirmed this to the “Bild” newspaper. Her husband then acted quickly and called an ambulance. When she arrived at the hospital, a double thrombosis was diagnosed. “Both lungs were affected,” Effenberg revealed to Bild.

Fortunately, the surgical procedure was successful. “Yes, it was a pulmonary embolism. I’m still alive! And I’m grateful,” says the reality star looking back. She is also sure that Stefan Effenberg saved her life. The panic that was clearly visible on the ex-national player’s face in the life-threatening situation had also “taken the couple’s relationship to another level,” said Effenberg.

The dirndl designer suspects that hip surgery, which she had to undergo in 2023 due to a hairline fracture, could have been the trigger for her pulmonary embolism. After the procedure, she didn’t move enough, which is said to have caused a thrombosis. Even after last year’s jungle camp, Effenberg suffered from health problems. She was sick with a virus in the camp. Months after the end of the RTL broadcast, she suffered from a skin disease.