In August, it was revealed that Matthew Perry had to undergo surgery to treat a severe condition that could lead to death if left untreated.
Although it's unclear when Perry went under the knife, his rep confirmed that the procedure to repair a gastrointestinal perforation (GP) was successful and that he is on the mend.
"Matthew Perry recently underwent surgery in a Los Angeles hospital to repair a gastrointestinal perforation," the rep said in a statement to People. "He is grateful for the concern and asks for continued privacy as he heals."
However, what fans were not told was that his recovery has been a slow and painful process.
After months of absence from public appearances and social media, the Friends alum finally sent out an update about his whereabouts on Friday, September 14.
In a brief tweet, the actor revealed that he spent the last "three months in a hospital bed."
"Three months in a hospital bed. Check," read the tweet.
According to Healthline.com, a gastrointestinal perforation is a "life-threatening condition" that "occurs when a hole forms all the way through the stomach, large bowel, or small intestine.
It can develop due to a number of different diseases, including appendicitis, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, or as a result of trauma, such as a knife wound or gunshot wound.
Excessive smoking and consumption of alcohol can also increase the risk of developing a digestive condition like GP.
Although the cause of his GP remains unconfirmed, Perry's former addiction to alcohol may have contributed to his illness.
The Odd Couple star previously admitted to going through a "lonely time" during which he "was suffering from alcoholism" and abusing drugs like Vicodin.
"It was going on before Friends, but it's a progressive disease," he explained. "I was never high at work. I was painfully hungover. Then eventually things got so bad I couldn't hide it and everybody knew."
Perry eventually sought help and did a stint in rehab back in 1997.
"I've had a lot of ups and downs in my life. I've learned a lot from my failures, but the best thing about me is if an alcoholic comes up to me and says: "˜Can you help me stop drinking?' I can say, "˜Yes,' " he said.
In 2001, Perry checked into rehab again, this time for an undisclosed illness. He continued to remain clean, and even opened up a sober living facility called The Perry House after realizing that "getting sober is really hard thing to do" and having support is a big part of recovery. He later sold the property.
Perry has also been previously diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, a rare pancreatic inflammation, which he admitted was caused by his drinking.
"In my case, it was hard living and drinking hard and eating poorly," Perry told Us Weekly in 2000. "You play, you pay."
As for his recent hospital stay, a source close to the actor told People that "he's good" and is "going home finally."
