Justin Timberlake has revealed that he’s been diagnosed with Lyme disease, which he says has caused him to experience “a massive amount of nerve pain” and intense “fatigue or sickness” during recent live performances.
The 44-year-old pop singer went public with his health issues in an Instagram post on Thursday, which coincided with the end of his world tour. “As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person. But as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour – I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me,” Timberlake wrote.
“Among other things, I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease -— which I don’t say so you feel bad for me –– but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes,” he added. “If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically. When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness. I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”
“Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget. I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”
Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by the Borrelia bacteria, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and a distinctive bull’s-eye-shaped rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serious complications, such as joint pain, neurological issues, and heart problems. However, when diagnosed early, the disease is highly treatable with antibiotics, and most people can recover fully with proper medical care.
Justin Bieber and Avril Lavigne are among those who previously fought Lyme disease and fully recovered.
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(Consequence)
