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Lyme Disease Explained As Justin Timberlake Announces ‘Relentlessly Debilitating’ Health Diagnosis
Justin Timberlake yesterday (July 31) revealed his silent battle with Lyme disease after noting that the illness is ‘debilitating.’
The American singer left fans heartbroken as he announced the sad news.
The 44-year-old took to Instagram to address what had been going on during his world tour, which began in April 2024.
The star was forced to cancel shows earlier this year due to ‘health reasons,’ which he was not specific about at the time.
Announcing the sad news, he said: “Well, as these two incredible years come to an end and I look forward to the future, I wanted to write something from the heart.
“This has been the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and, at times, grueling experience.
“I have been doing this for 30+ years (which feels crazy to say) – and have given all that I have to this. I could not have done it without my family, friends, and all of YOUR support.
“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person…but I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me.”
Concert-goers had noticed the singer appeared ‘tired’ during some shows, and speculation about his health had skyrocketed prior to the 44-year-old speaking out.
But as the heartbreaking statement continued, the singer revealed: “Among other things, I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease.”
While making clear in the note that he is not looking for ‘sympathy’ from fans, the dad-of-two simply wanted to ‘shine a light’ on what he had been dealing with behind closed doors.
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.”
But what exactly is Lyme disease?
According to Dr. Leana Wen, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection.
Speaking to CNN, she explanied: “The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi is the most common cause. In rare cases, Borrelia mayonii may cause the illness also. I
“In the United States, Lyme is the most common disease spread by vectors, which are animals like mosquitos and ticks that spread infections.”
She noted that there is three stages of battling Lyme disease.
The first begins within a day to four weeks following the tick bite, where people develop ‘flu-like symptoms such as headache, muscle aches and fatigue.’
Dr Wen added: “The second stage occurs three to 12 weeks after the initial infection.
“This is the ‘early disseminated’ stage in which people have more widespread symptoms.
“These can include dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, arthritis and facial nerve paralysis.”
The third can occur months after the initial infection, and is known as the ‘late disseminated’ stage.
Symptoms include ongoing joint pain, fatigue, depression, palpitations, and other neurological, rheumatological, and cardiac involvement.
However, it’s important to note that early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent complications, and the progression to the next stages of disease.
Fans flooded the comments with well wishes for Timberlake, who admitted that getting personal felt quite difficult.
One said: “You’re a legend!
“Thank you for everything you have done over the years. Enjoy your time with the family and rest up.”
Another added: “You did it with grace my brother. Get some rest!!”
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