Carrie Ann Inaba Faces Medical Emergency on Flight
Carrie Ann Inaba, a long-serving judge on “Dancing with the Stars,” experienced a sudden health crisis while en route to New York City, leading to her hospitalization.
Inaba took to Instagram on April 16 to share her ordeal, describing how she felt fine at the start of her travel. “Yesterday was a very nice day,” she mentioned, but things took a turn for the worse. “I was on my way to New York for something I’m very passionate about when I had a little ‘medical emergency’ on the plane,” as she posted a video showing her being transported in an ambulance.
During the flight, her condition worsened rapidly. “Suddenly, I started feeling unwell,” Inaba recalled. “It seemed like food poisoning at first, but then I got cold sweats, dizziness, and my arms went numb.” At 58, Inaba has been forthcoming about her health struggles, particularly with Sjögren’s disease, which leads to various symptoms. Despite her experience managing chronic conditions, this incident felt distinctly different.
“Usually, I can handle most health issues myself,” she explained. “I carry a health toolkit when I travel and prepare for the worst. But this was unsettling.” Complicating matters, turbulence during the flight meant that medical assistance was not immediately available. “While I was locked in the bathroom, the flight attendants had to take their seats due to the shaking,” she noted. “I didn’t want to endanger others, but the numbness in my arm made it clear I needed to call for help.”
Inaba later expressed her gratitude to the crew and passengers who came to her aid, noting that help arrived from the flight crew and an onboard doctor. After landing, she received fluids at a hospital before being released. “I’m so thankful to everyone who helped me during that scary moment,” she reflected.
Once back on solid ground, she continued her recovery in a hotel. “I’m taking a break but look forward to returning to advocacy work soon. Those who looked after me truly made a difference,” she added. Inaba has been a part of “Dancing with the Stars” since 2005 and is set to perform at the upcoming Dancing with the Stars Con 26.
