'Dancing with the Stars' pro member Val Chmerkovskiy opens up about his recent health ordeal during an exotic getaway in Spain and subsequent flight home.
- Apr 29, 2025
AceShowbiz - Val Chmerkovskiy, the beloved "Dancing with the Stars" professional, recently experienced an unexpected health scare that had him in "excruciating pain" while traveling. What started as a fun trip to Marbella, Spain, ended with Chmerkovskiy dealing with a troublesome kidney stone.
In a series of Instagram Stories, the 39-year-old dancer detailed the entire ordeal. Upon his arrival in Spain, Chmerkovskiy felt some discomfort in his back and side. Assuming it was his usual back ache, he went about his activities, teaching and working out.
However, the pain escalated through the night, making it difficult for him to sleep. The next morning, still in significant pain, Chmerkovskiy tried to "walk it off" but ultimately decided he needed to go to the hospital in Marbella.
At the hospital, the medical team discovered blood in his urine, leading to the diagnosis of a urinary tract infection caused by a kidney stone. He was promptly treated with antibiotics and painkillers, which offered him some much-needed relief.
Chmerkovskiy was able to resume his activities, describing his recovery as a return to being himself. "Finished off an amazing event. Thank God for medicine and docs! Got me back and running, for what was such a fun event!" he shared.
However, the drama didn't end there. During his flight back to Los Angeles, Chmerkovskiy felt a sharper pain indicative of the kidney stone passing through his system. "Boom, feel a little something somewhere sacred. Go to the bathroom and see this little guy," he commented with a photo of the pea-sized stone.
Chmerkovskiy swore off "sweets or ultra fried/greasy foods" following this painful experience. The National Kidney Foundation notes that causes of kidney stones include drinking too little water, unbalanced exercise, obesity, weight loss surgery, or a diet high in salt and sugar.
Despite the ordeal, Chmerkovskiy is now back to his routine and even gearing up for the next season of "Dancing with the Stars". While the cast has not been fully announced, it was revealed that Robert Irwin, brother of 2015 winner Bindi Irwin, will be one of the celebrities competing this fall on ABC and Disney+.
For young fans and followers of Val Chmerkovskiy, his experience is a reminder of the importance of listening to one's body and making healthier lifestyle choices.
