Carrie Ann Inaba Shares Her Health Struggles with Sjogren’s Disease
Carrie Ann Inaba, a longtime judge on “Dancing with the Stars,” is raising awareness about a health condition she has battled for many years. The 58-year-old dancer and TV personality has been open about her experience with Sjogren’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that often starts with minor symptoms but can become quite serious.
Recently, Inaba faced a health scare while traveling to New York City. During her flight, she experienced a sudden medical emergency that required hospitalization. In a video she shared on Instagram, Inaba explained that she felt very unwell. “At first, I thought it was food poisoning,” she said, “but then I broke into a cold sweat, felt dizzy, and my arms went numb.” She mentioned that living with an autoimmune disease means she’s always prepared for health challenges, yet this incident was alarming.
Inaba revealed that she has struggled with Sjogren’s for years, starting with eye problems when she was younger. “I had really dry eyes and cornea injuries,” she recalled. After many consultations, a rheumatologist connected her with a specialist who diagnosed her condition in 2013—over a decade after her symptoms began.
Understanding Sjogren’s Disease
Sjogren’s is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects various parts of the body, and, if untreated, can worsen over time, potentially harming organs like the lungs and kidneys. Approximately four million people in the U.S. live with this disease, with nearly 90% being women. A recent study noted that people with Sjogren’s can experience a wide range of symptoms.
Inaba’s journey wasn’t easy. After her initial dry-eye symptoms, she encountered severe pain in her neck and shoulders, which was hard to distinguish from typical aches due to her dancing background. She also faced extreme fatigue, which was unusual for someone who was usually active.
Managing Daily Life with Sjogren’s
Inaba has adopted several strategies to manage her symptoms. She ensures her environment is moist, using humidifiers and keeping herself hydrated. “I often spray moisture in the air and always keep drinks nearby,” she shared. In addition to hydration, she practices meditation and bodywork to handle pain, which she deals with constantly.
She also emphasizes the importance of listening to her body, especially before big events, as she knows she might need extra rest afterward. “I try to prioritize my health,” she said, explaining that if she can avoid crowded places, she will.
For others facing similar health challenges, Inaba urges them to monitor their symptoms closely and advocate for themselves in medical settings. She hopes her story will help raise awareness about Sjogren’s and encourage understanding among those who may not be familiar with the condition.
“It’s an invisible illness,” she pointed out. “People may not realize I’m unwell when I’m performing, but there’s a price I pay.” Inaba stresses the importance of community for those affected, emphasizing that the journey can often feel isolating.
Ultimately, Inaba’s message is clear: don’t let anyone tell you that your struggles aren’t real, and always seek support from those who understand or are willing to learn.
