As the host of the talk shows The Talk and someone who manages various chronic conditions, Carrie Ann Inaba revealed on Monday that she is taking a leave of absence from the show to focus on improving her health.
Inaba, 53, suffers from a number of autoimmune diseases that have had an effect on her health over the past few years. These “invisible illnesses” can be debilitating and challenging to handle on a physical and mental level.
She said in a post on her online wellness community, The Carrie Ann Conversations, “Going through life with an autoimmune disorder, or several, as I do, maybe a difficult experience.”
Sjorgren’s syndrome, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and antiphospholipid syndrome, which can result in blood clots, have all been identified as symptoms of Inaba’s condition.
“Loneliness may sometimes feel extremely overwhelming while dealing with autoimmune disorders,” she remarked. “Some advised me when I was first diagnosed to keep my troubles to myself, but I’ve discovered that it has always been preferable to be open about my needs and reality than to be quiet.
I really believe that the development of communities is facilitated by sharing my experiences, my solutions, and the things that have been helpful to everyone who could benefit from them.”
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The conditions of Inaba are described below:
Sjorgren’s Syndrome
It might be challenging to swallow or talk as a result of the common but incurable autoimmune illness that produces dry, burning eyes and a dry mouth. The Mayo Clinic reports that it can also cause dryness in other areas of the body, joint discomfort, edema, and stiffness.
On her website, Inaba listed a few of the items, including oils, mouthwash, face mists, and eye drops, that assist her in managing the disease. As Sjogren’s sister, remarked, “I constantly struggle with dryness and try to maintain a comfortable level of self-care.”
Lupus and Fibromyalgia
The autoimmune disease lupus, which is also prevalent but incurable, is brought on by the body’s immune system attacking its own tissues and organs. It manifests as weariness, joint pain, rashes, and fever, especially after exposure to the sun.
Lupus patients frequently have flare-ups when symptoms are severe and periods of time when their condition is under control. Numerous of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, which is likewise an incurable disorder, are also shared by those with it; it’s not uncommon for sufferers to have both.
But there are additional adverse effects associated with fibromyalgia, including exhaustion, restless sleep, memory loss, and mood swings.
According to Inaba, the COVID-19 pandemic has made her health even more concerning, which has led to what is probably a flare-up. Inaba stated this in May.
“I feel like my body is continuously worn out, and I’m always just on the cusp of a flare, or if I’m not in a flare, I’ve had pain all this time,” she added.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is another intractable inflammatory condition that can harm the body’s joints and create discomfort. Joint swell-up can be painful and, if left untreated, can result in abnormalities and degradation of the bone.
Managing Her Illnesses
As reported by Inaba “Years of my life were spent trying to ignore the discomfort, endure the pain, and fight the exhaustion. It gradually becomes impossible to ignore, though.”
Inaba said she had to come to terms with the fact that she was a “sick person,’ a person with limitations,” and that she couldn’t battle her condition.
And Getting a Diagnosis Was a Relief
She previously told PEOPLE that after being diagnosed, it felt as if she had her life back. “I’m incredibly appreciative. Some of these health issues are fortunate in that they make you more cognizant of your personal well-being.
By visiting the doctor frequently, making sure you’re keeping up with all of your checks, and obtaining the necessary tests, you’ll begin to take better care of yourself and realize how crucial this is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
