HGTV Star Jenny Marrs Reveals ‘Highly Painful’ Medical Condition That Impacts Her Work
Fixer To Fabulous star Jenny Marrs has opened up about a “highly painful” medical issue that sometimes affects her mobility when filming her hit HGTV renovation show.
The reality star took to Instagram on Tuesday (January 21), where she shared a clip from the latest episode of Fixer to Fabulous. In the video, Jenny’s husband, Dave Marrs, uses a tractor to move a large, heavy planter onto a property; however, Jenny isn’t happy with its location.
“We didn’t realize [how heavy it was],” Dave tells the homeowner. “I built it, and it was not bad, 150 pounds. And then I filled it with 400 pounds of dirt.”
After the tractor unloads the planter, Jenny shares her thoughts on where it should be positioned.
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“You know, I thought moving it in here with the tractor, it would take all of the physical labor out of that,” Dave shares. “Then I remembered I’m married to Jenny Marrs and I had to move it 47 more times.”
Jenny defended herself in her Instagram post, where she revealed she suffers from a “herniated disc,” meaning it’s an impossible task for her to lift heavy objects, such as the planter.
“In my defense, I’m a visual person. I think I like something but I have to see it. Then, I realize I don’t,” she began before adding, “And, I have a herniated disc (highly painful – I do not recommend) and so I can’t lift the planter. So, yes. Dave may have had to “scootch” it a few times. Thankfully, @christylamers_blossom was on my side.”
Fans backed Jenny up in the comments, with one user writing, “I can relate. Herniated disc that led to surgery.. The good news is no issues after; surgery worked.”
“Oh good to know!” Jenny responded. “I’m really trying to avoid surgery but this is a helpful perspective!!”
Another commenter added, “I am a very visual person as well. I had surgery in October for my herniated disc, so I’m glad I did it has helped a lot. Healing powers to you.”
“Me too and fused spine. Game changer. Looking forward to tonight!” said another.
“Jenny, treat your back gently, don’t strain your body, please!” one fan noted.
“Right there with ya Jenny. Those that aren’t visual don’t get it,” added one viewer.
“I love it. Give him heck Jenny lol,” wrote another.
“In your defense … Dave knows you’re a visual person,” replied another fan, to which Jenny responded, “He’s been moving furniture around for 20 years 😂😂.”
Fixer to Fabulous, New Episodes, Tuesdays, 8/7c, HGTV
Conversation14 Comments
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Jenny,
The surgery works very well for those injured discs, I had mine repaired in 2015 and it still gives me no problems. Recommend it. David can wait on you for a few weeks😀
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B
6 surgeries for me; fused from L2-S1. Spent most my life in pain, things are better, but I can’t do the things I want. Back pain interrupts your entire life and those around you. Wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy!
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I agree, get it fixed before it causes more damage. I've had 8 spinal surgeries so far, but I inherited degenerative disk disease from my Dad. For most people, one or two should suffice.
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Jenny, I had bulging herniated disc's, went to spine surgeon they did it with a tiny orthoscopic to fuse and remove no stitches . Was up walking same day..please get the herniated disc fixed..I was so happy no pain it hurt to stand,sit walk,lay. Now I have quality of life back...also putting it off creates more damage...hugs, God Bless you
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Jenny, I’m having disc surgery next week! I can’t wait! All these comments are encouraging! I’m praying it works well! If so, I recommend Dr Kyle Smith with Semmes Murphey in Southaven, MS.
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C
I've had back problems for years. I had the surgery. It really works on my lower back. Just this past year I had discs fixed in the neck area. I feel great. Dont put off the surgery.
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Jenny- I am a retired rn, i herniated a disc and the pain was bearable Until it blew all the way out meaning never come outside the spinal cord and the pain is beyond bearable. Please consider an orthopedic dr specializing in backs. I had a ''microdisectomy' and saved my function and career. Please look into it. Love the show. Alison
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Jenny - i had back pain for almost a year. Had days with no pain, but most days I had severe pain. Because of the good days I put off seeing a Dr. Many times I told myself this has to be in head. Then the pain got so bad I couldn’t even pull my chair up to my desk so I could work remotely. My son would push my chair for me and help me as much as possible. On a Thursday I finally went to the Dr. Had a MRI on Monday morning and received a call a couple hours later. Was told I had a 14mm herniated disc that required surgery and was asked if I could come in the next day to see the surgeon. I had surgery that Friday. The moment I opened my eyes after surgery I could feel the relief of pain. I went from what I would say was a 50 on the pain scale to a 2. My surgery was in May 2025 and those awful pain days are gone. I truly believe I made things worse for myself and endured so much pain by waiting to see if it would just go away. We are all different with how we approach things but this is one surgery that made such a difference in my life. Please don’t wait until those bad pain days become your everyday. I did stay overnight in the hospital but the pain relief was unbelievable. If we have to have surgery this is one that I tell people it was the best one I have ever had. Hope you have more good days than bad and our stories don’t end up being the same due waiting to long. ❤️
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I’m reading this as I just got back from the Doctor. Getting my back procedure done again. So I know what you go through.
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My surgeon keeps saying no and I really am in agony with my herniated disc in the l4-5 and also in the c6-7. The cervical one is narrowing and has the osteopenia All of this is because 10 years ago I had chemo. It's like playing Russian roulette with your day you never know when you're going to have to lay straight and stare at the ceiling and meditate. I'm considered disabled. Please keep us posted how you feel I'd love to know how you like the surgery thank you so much.
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So many back issues (bulging and herniated disks, spine curvature, etc) and it only gets worse with age. Don't push yourself because one day, out of 100, you feel a bit better, it's not worth it in the end! And please make sure Dave doesn't over compensate and hurt himself either! Last thing you need is for both of you to have debilitating back issues! Let others help you whenever possible! Your family and the fans need your special kind of energy! We love you both! I never miss an episode and even have my care giver hooked on your show too. Looking forward to many more years of the marrs family!
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I got a herniated disk picking up their escape artist great pyrenees multiple times for the City Of Bentonville.
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B
I had 2 herniated disk surgery 6 years ago. I had no idea it was the problem suffering from back pain. I woke up one morning and sciatica pain so severe I ended up in the ER and emergency surgery.
It has become a domino effect. Since then. Had knee surgery and now told I need major back surgery with rods, screws and cadaver bone. In horrible pain but not ready to commit to something with no guarantee. Saw 2 specialist’s and was told the initial surgery was done incorrectly. Everyone’s outcome is different.
Good luck and take care! We enjoy your show!
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I have a spinal disease called DISH and am in constant pain. Seems like others have gotten good results with the surgery.