Actress Lili Reinhart revealed Friday on Instagram that she was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis.
She described her harrowing health journey in a lengthy caption, alongside a shocking photograph taken in what appears to be a hospital room.
“I feel it’s important to show an honest glimpse at what last year was like for me, when dealing with my health issues,” she said, as she shared the makeup free selfie. ” I’m so thankful for @selfmagazine and @julia_c_sullivan for giving me the space to share what I’ve been going through. Being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis while simultaneously searching for answers about a mysterious autoimmunity/inflammatory disease made 2024 the hardest year of my life.”
VENICE, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Lili Reinhart attends a red carpet for “Babygirl” at the 81st Venice International Film Festival at Sala Grande on August 30, 2024 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Jacopo Raule/Getty Images for Armani Beauty)
The “Riverdale” actress explained the very personal reason she was sharing her medical journey with the general public.
“I was inspired to talk about this after my grandmother was ignored by doctors for months when exhibiting clear symptoms of cancer- and it was only after her own strength and advocation for herself that she was given a blood test that diagnosed her,” she told her fans.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: Lili Reinhart attends the Giorgio Armani Women’s SS25 Fashion Show and Afterparty at Park Avenue Armory on October 17, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Giorgio Armani)
“And by then, the cancer had spread. The most important thing I have taken away from this experience is the absolute need to advocate for your own health.”
Reinhart went on to say, “do not let a doctor gaslight you or diminish your pain. I hope the men & women out there struggling to find answers feel even the slightest bit seen by my experience. ❤️🩹.” (RELATED: Kate Middleton Shares Medical Update)
The famous actress noted that she provided a more in-depth look at her recent medical challenges in a new interview with Self.
