Former Dancing on Ice professional Alex Murphy Klein has revealed how suffering a stroke at the age of 24 left her terrified about her health and future in competitive skating.
The 37-year-old experienced the medical emergency while skating aboard a cruise ship in Tenerife.
Following the stroke, she underwent keyhole heart surgery before travelling to the Netherlands to compete in the Dutch version of Dancing on Ice.
However, concerned that her medical history could affect future employment opportunities, Alex chose to keep the incident private from the show’s organisers.
Speaking on an upcoming episode of the Bedside Manners podcast, she explained that she was afraid potential employers would be reluctant to hire her if they knew what had happened.
“I wasn’t telling anybody what had happened. I didn’t want anyone to know, because I didn’t want people to not hire me. It’s a competitive world,” she said.
Friend Helped Her Cope With Fear at Night
Although Alex kept her stroke a secret from the show’s organisers, she eventually confided in a fellow contestant about her anxiety, particularly her fear of sleeping alone.
She recalled leaving her hotel room door open so the woman could come in and sleep beside her each night.
“I made friends with one of the girls that was also on the show with me,” Alex said, explaining that she told her friend she was nervous about sleeping.
The fellow skater subsequently stayed with her every night, providing support during a difficult period. Alex said the woman remained a good friend to her.
Stroke Temporarily Affected Her Memory and Writing
The stroke had a significant effect on Alex’s abilities, leaving her unable to write her own name or remember her parents’ names.
She explained that she initially struggled to put information together, with her cognitive abilities taking several days to return.
Despite the experience and the surgery that followed, Alex went on to compete in the Dutch version of Dancing on Ice just months later.
She ultimately won the competition, which she said she approached with a strong belief that she would succeed despite everything she had experienced.
“Because of what had happened — I know it sounds crazy — I just knew I was going to win,” she said.
“I said to myself, ‘There’s no way that God put me here and isn’t going to let me win this, he’s going to give me a break.’”
IVF Setback Delays Couple’s Plans to Become Parents
Alex’s account of her stroke comes as she continues to face difficulties in her fertility journey with her husband, Paul Klein, 38.
The couple have undergone several rounds of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), but their attempts have so far been unsuccessful.
In August, Alex shared an emotional video on Instagram explaining that their plans for another IVF cycle had been delayed after she underwent a uterine wash on the recommendation of a fertility doctor.
The procedure involves flushing the uterus with a sterile fluid, such as saline, before removing it.
It may be recommended in an attempt to improve the uterine environment or address certain infections.
Skater Says Uterine Wash Affected Her Microbiome
According to Alex, tests following the procedure showed that her microbiome had fallen from 98 per cent to 0.43 per cent.
She said the result meant she would have to wait another three months before attempting IVF again.
In the video, the professional skater became emotional as she discussed the delay and expressed regret about not asking more questions before undergoing the procedure.
“I’m mostly mad at myself for not questioning everything and for not asking a million questions and for not saying, ‘Oh, well, why do I need that?’ Like, I just didn’t know,” she said.
She added that she was disappointed in herself for agreeing to the procedure without seeking more information.
“And I think that that’s like why I’ve been upset for the past few days, because I’m like, I’ve let myself down,” Alex said.
“I should have asked more questions. I should have done more research. It’s my frigging body.”
She also said she regretted allowing someone else to take control of decisions concerning her body and acknowledged that the experience had disrupted the couple’s plans to pursue another IVF cycle.
Alex Expresses Frustration Over Fertility Treatment
In the caption accompanying her Instagram post, Alex described the ongoing fertility difficulties as exhausting and admitted that she was struggling to remain hopeful.
“This is never ending. I’m so frustrated, sad, and disappointed with the care we’ve received, but also with myself for not asking more questions,” she wrote.
She also expressed concerns about the treatment she had received and said she felt unable to trust people working in the fertility industry.
“Genuinely just want to give up at this point,” she added.
Followers Offer Support After Emotional Update
Alex’s post prompted messages of support from followers, many of whom reassured her that she should not blame herself for the setback.
Others praised her for speaking openly about her experiences and continuing to share the difficulties she and Paul have faced while trying to become parents.
The couple’s latest setback means they must wait a further three months before Alex can attempt another IVF cycle, according to the update she shared with her followers.
