Chronic pain: Expert discusses 'conflict' with using painkillers
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Examples of common chronic health conditions include heart disease, cancer and diabetes, which can be caused by lifestyle choices and/or genetics. These long-term conditions are more prevalent in older people, who have to rely on treatments and drugs instead of cures. But did you know that these celebrities live with chronic illness?
Sia
In 2019, Australian singer songwriter Sia made a shocking discovery when she found out at the age of 43 that she suffers from the neurological disease ehlers-danlos syndrome (EDS).
This incredibly rare condition weakens connective tissue supporting the skin, blood vessel walls, bones and other vital organs.
In addition to EDS, 10 years prior in 2010 Sia was also diagnosed with Graves’ disease.
This autoimmune condition is caused by an overactive thyroid and leads to your immune system attacking your thyroid mistakenly.
In an interview she stated that thyroid hormone replacement therapy had hugely improved her health, but she has still has to live with both Graves’ and EDS.
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Venus Williams
Although fans of tennis are bitterly disappointed to see Venus followed by sister Serena Williams pull out of this year’s US Open due to a leg injury, her talent is undeniable.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion has transformed her health in the past by adopting a vegan diet, yet she still lives with a rare autoimmune disease known as Sjogren’s syndrome.
Affecting about four million people in the US, the syndrome is common for causing dry eyes and a dry mouth, which leads to being frequently misdiagnosed.
Speaking to Prevention.com Venus said: “No matter how hard I worked, I was exhausted, short of breath, and never felt in shape. It was really frustrating.
“My symptoms got progressively worse, to the point where I couldn’t play professional tennis any more.
The athlete now takes medication to treat her specific symptoms.
Lady Gaga
Another singing superstar that suffers with a chronic health condition is Lady Gaga.
Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, the star suffers from a painful disorder called fibromyalgia.
In the past, Gaga has had to postpone whole sections of her mega worldwide tours because she was in “severe physical pain”, as the disease amplifies pain signals in the joints, muscles and ligaments.
The condition is not limited to just physical pain, it is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep problems and memory problems.
Sadly for Gaga and the five million others who are diagnosed with the condition, there are no proven therapies for fibromyalgia but there are three medications approved to help with the pain.
Jeff Hordley
From Hollywood to Emmerdale, fan favourite Jeff Hordley – who plays Cain Dingle in the Cobbles – has lived with his chronic illness since 1996.
As an ambassador of Crohn’s & Colitis UK, Jeff has raised awareness of crohn’s disease since 2009 as both him and his mother (who sadly passed away) have lived with the condition.
Speaking about the disease which causes inflammation of the digestive system and is closely linked to IBS he said: “I was scared it would stop my acting career from taking off. Luckily it didn’t. Following surgery, medication and diet control, I’ve been playing the role of Cain Dingle since 2000.
“I know it’s embarrassing to talk about it, but even simple solutions like being near a bathroom at work can make such an improvement.”
Martine McCutcheon
Another (former) British soap star who suffers with a chronic illness is Martine McCutheon.
The actress lives with Lyme disease- a bacterial condition passed from being bitten by an infected tick.
Symptoms that develop after being bitten are often flu-like, including headaches and muscle pain.
The Love Actually star also suffers with fibromyalgia similar to Gaga.
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