Aussie Olympic great Jessica Fox has spoken for the first time about the awful setback she experienced when she had a tumour removed from her kidney last year.

The three-time gold medallist has revealed she spent five days in intensive care with a collapsed lung after she had surgery to take care of the growth.

Fox was forced to withdraw from the world championships as a result of her medical dramas.

She has since published a video on Instagram detailing her stay in hospital, which includes the revelation about her experience in the ICU. 

The footage also shows her scans of the organ and the intense journey back to competing in her first post-surgery World Cup event last weekend.

Fox claimed a silver medal in a result she claimed 'felt like gold'.

'Proud of myself for this one,' Fox said in a social media post.

The Olympic champion has since provided an insight into her mentality after the event, revealing just how much relief she currently feels. 

'Battled this course all week, battled a wrist injury and wasn't even sure I'd make it to the start line,' she said.

'Honestly, it was one of the most special days on the water, feeling the nerves, sitting in the start, dropping in for the final and feeling the satisfaction of putting down good runs.

'It was about finding belief and strength despite doubt and distraction. 

'Today was about having a crack even if I didn't feel 100 per cent, and to get in race mode again. 

'I was so happy to make the final, I wasn't even thinking about the podium! What a bonus!'

Fox will continue competing in Europe over the coming months.