Carrie Ann Inaba Raises Awareness for Sjögren’s Disease
Carrie Ann Inaba, a familiar face as a judge on “Dancing with the Stars,” is bringing attention to an autoimmune disease she has dealt with for years. Recently, she has opened up about her experience with Sjögren’s disease, which, despite starting with mild symptoms, can lead to serious complications.
Last week, Inaba, who is 58, found herself in a medical emergency while on a flight to New York City. She shared a video on Instagram showing her being taken away in an ambulance, mentioning that she “suddenly became unwell.” “It felt like food poisoning,” she recounted. “But then I broke into a cold sweat, felt dizzy, and my arms went numb. I typically prepare for the worst, traveling with a health toolkit, but this took me by surprise.”
A Long Battle
Inaba revealed in an interview that her struggle with Sjögren’s disease started silently years ago when she first experienced severe dryness in her eyes. After consulting both an ophthalmologist and a rheumatologist, she was ultimately referred to a specialist and diagnosed in 2013. It’s been over a decade since she noticed initial symptoms.
Sjögren’s disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting various body parts. If left unchecked, it could lead to damage in organs like the lungs and kidneys. It’s estimated that around four million people in the U.S. are affected, mainly women.
Diagnosing Sjögren’s can be tricky, as symptoms can differ greatly among individuals. For Inaba, her dry eyes were just the beginning. Later, she experienced severe neck and shoulder pain, which as a dancer, she initially struggled to distinguish from regular physical strain. Fatigue, among other symptoms, became part of her daily life.
Management of Symptoms
Inaba spoke about managing her condition through various methods. “I carry drinks with me at all times,” she noted. “I try to keep moisture in the air, using a humidifier when I sleep.” Meditation, Reiki, and bodywork have also become essential parts of her routine to help prevent inflammation from the constant pain she endures.
She emphasizes the importance of listening to her body. “I know I might get sick afterward, but I prioritize my health. If I can avoid crowds, then I will.”
Inaba encourages others facing similar challenges to stay alert to symptoms and advocate for themselves in seeking treatment. Her advocacy is part of a broader campaign aimed at raising awareness of Sjögren’s disease, which lacks FDA-approved treatments currently. “This is a complex systemic autoimmune disease that deserves proper attention,” she stresses.
Inaba also acknowledges the loneliness that can accompany such invisible ailments. “You might not even know I’m unwell when I’m performing,” she said. “But it’s a heavy price to pay.” Her call to action is simple: “Don’t let others convince you your struggles are not real. Reach out for support and be patient with those who may not fully understand your experience.”
