Justin Timberlake discloses Lyme disease diagnosis
In a lengthy post on Instagram Thursday morning, the singer got personal.
'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. It's not an easy task to try to contextualize the whirlwind of touring –– but, I will try…' he wrote. '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, The TN Kids, and all of YOUR support.'
He then went on to explain that while he's 'a pretty private person,' as he was on the road, he wanted to tell his fans 'a little bit' about what's been going on with him.
'Among other things, I've been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease -— which I don't say so you feel bad for me –– but to shed some light on what I've been up against behind the scenes. 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,' he revealed.
The 'SexyBack' singer explained that he was shocked when he was first diagnosed with the disease, but it helped him understand why he'd feel 'a massive amount of nerve pain' and 'crazy fatigue or sickness,' especially when he was onstage.
'I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going,' he continued. 'Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget. I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren't misinterpreted.'
In sharing this, he hopes it can help everyone 'find a way to be more connected.'
'I'd like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.'
The recent tour was the former *NSYNC singer's seventh headlining concert tour and the first one in five years. It followed the release of his sixth studio album, 'Everything I Thought It Was.'
According to the Mayo Clinic, Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia bacteria, typically carried by ticks. Symptoms come in stages.
Stage 1 symptoms include:
Fever.
Headache.
Extreme tiredness.
Joint stiffness.
Muscle aches and pains.
Swollen lymph nodes.
Stage 2 includes Stage 1 symptoms and the following:
Many rashes on other parts of the body.
Neck pain or stiffness.
Muscle weakness on one or both sides of the face.
Immune-system activity in heart tissue that causes irregular heartbeats.
Pain that starts from the back and hips and spreads to the legs.
Pain, numbness or weakness in the hands or feet.
Painful swelling in tissues of the eye or eyelid.
Immune-system activity in eye nerves that causes pain or vision loss.
'In the third stage, you may have symptoms from the earlier stages and other symptoms. This stage is called late disseminated disease,' the Mayo Clinic said. 'In the United States, the most common condition of this stage is arthritis in large joints, particularly the knees. Pain, swelling or stiffness may last for a long time. Or the symptoms may come and go. Stage 3 symptoms usually begin 2 to 12 months after a tick bite.'
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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Justin Timberlake has Lyme disease. A doctor explains what it is
As pop star Justin Timberlake concluded his world tour earlier this week, the 'SexyBack' singer shared on Thursday in a social media post that he has been grappling with health issues and a diagnosis of Lyme disease. Timberlake did not disclose which stage of Lyme disease he is experiencing in his Instagram post relaying his diagnosis, but the singer wrote, '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.' His ordeal, like that of Bella Hadid and other celebrities before him, brings up many questions. What exactly is Lyme disease, and how is it contracted and spread? How is the illness diagnosed and treated? What does it mean when someone has 'chronic Lyme'? Is there a vaccine for Lyme disease? To help us with these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. She previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner. CNN: Can you start by explaining what Lyme disease is? Dr. Leana Wen: Lyme disease is a bacterial infection. The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi is the most common cause. In rare cases, Borrelia mayonii may cause the illness also. In the United States, Lyme is the most common disease spread by vectors, which are animals such as mosquitoes and ticks that spread infections. Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of a particular tick, the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus). There are three stages of Lyme disease. The first stage is early localized disease that begins within a day to four weeks after the tick bite. People develop flu-like symptoms such as headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Some develop a characteristic 'bull's-eye' rash known as erythema migrans. 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. They can include dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, arthritis and facial nerve paralysis. The third stage is 'late disseminated' disease, which can occur months after infection. Here, again, there is a constellation of symptoms. They include ongoing joint pain, fatigue, depression, palpitations, and other neurological, rheumatological and cardiac involvement. CNN: How is Lyme disease treated, and why is it important to get prompt treatment? Wen: Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent complications and the progression to the next stages of disease. The standard treatment is antibiotic therapy. Most people are cured after taking oral antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. Preventive therapy is common, too. If someone has been bitten by a black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick , in an area of the country known to have Lyme, they could take one dose of the antibiotic doxycycline to prevent Lyme infection. This step should be done within 72 hours of the tick bite. It's important to carefully remove the tick if it's still attached. Take a picture and bring it with you to the doctor's appointment, or send the picture to your provider if you're having a telemedicine visit. CNN: Is there a blood test one could take to see whether they have Lyme disease? Wen: Yes, though there are several limitations. The most common tests are antibody tests, which detect antibodies the body makes in response to infection. These tests probably don't turn positive until several weeks after infection, so if someone just got infected and took the test, it will be negative even if the person has Lyme. In addition, the antibodies could persist in the blood for months or even years, but their presence alone does not signify that Lyme disease is the cause of all the symptoms a person may have. False positives also can occur, with some other tickborne diseases and autoimmune illnesses triggering a positive result in the absence of Lyme disease. CNN: Then how is Lyme disease diagnosed? Wen: Typically, it's diagnosed through a careful symptom documentation and an exposure history. Physical signs, such as the characteristic rash, enlarged lymph nodes or joint swelling, can aid in the diagnosis, as well. Blood testing can help but has limitations, as I mentioned earlier. The provider often presumptively treats with antibiotics based on the clinical history. CNN: What does it mean when someone has 'chronic Lyme'? Wen: There is a condition called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, or PTLDS. This refers to people who have had Lyme disease but, six months or longer after completing treatment, still have persistent symptoms. These symptoms can include fogginess, difficulty thinking, ongoing fatigue, and nerve and joint pain. It's not known why some people develop PTLDS. There are several hypotheses, including a persistent infection or autoimmune response. The symptoms of PTLDS can be treated, but there is no proven cure. The term 'chronic Lyme disease' includes people who have PTLDS. It is sometimes also used to describe symptoms in people who have not been diagnosed with Lyme disease. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 'because of the confusion in how the term (chronic Lyme disease) is employed, and the lack of a clearly defined clinical definition, many experts in this field do not support its use.' In my experience as a physician and patient advocate, I have met many people who believe they have this condition and are really suffering. Many are debilitated as a result and unable to function as they previously did. Just like long Covid and other similar conditions, there is much that we do not understand about this condition. Far more research needs to be done in order to alleviate the very real agony and distress that these patients are experiencing. CNN: Is there a vaccine for Lyme disease? Wen: There are several vaccines against Lyme disease for dogs. For humans, there are some late-stage clinical trials that are ongoing, including one by Valneva and Pfizer that could be submitted for regulatory approval by 2025. CNN: What are ways to avoid contracting Lyme? Wen: Without a vaccine, the best way to prevent Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. If you are going to areas where ticks known to carry Lyme are found, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Use insect repellent that contains DEET. Once you return indoors, examine yourself — and children and pets — for ticks. Remove the tick if found, and immediately contact your primary care provider to ask about preventive antibody treatment. And stay alert for symptoms, since early antibiotic therapy is crucial to prevent longer-term consequences. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Like Justin Timberlake, these 15 celebrities have Lyme disesase and shared their journeys with fans
After wrapping his mammoth tour, singer Justin Timberlake shared a personal health update with fans and explained that touring had been tougher than ever due to his Lyme disease diagnosis. Lyme disease, an infection caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi (are spread by ticks), can "cause arthritis, memory problems, neurological symptoms, Bell's palsy, cardiac arrhythmias, depression and anxiety", Dr Deborah Lee previously told Cosmopolitan UK. It can also be "a cause of chronic fatigue with a clinical picture similar to chronic fatigue syndrome." Many people are able to treat the disease with antibiotics meaning it cannot progress, but unfortunately for some it can cause life-altering symptoms on a long-term basis. Sharing his own experience, Timberlake said, "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." He added that at one point, quitting touring seemed like an option but he ultimately decided that the joy performing gives him outweighed the downsides. "I'm so glad I kept going." Here are 15 celebrities who've opened up about their Lyme disease diagnosis: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical with Lyme disease: Avril Lavigne Singer Lavigne had a really difficult time during the earlier stages of her diagnosis, saying it left her bed-bound for two years, but is now back to making music and doing well – proving recovery is possible. "I spent the last few years at home sick fighting Lyme disease," she wrote in a letter to fans on her website. "[At one point, I] had accepted death and could feel my body shutting down. I felt like I was drowning. Like I was in a river being pulled in a current. Unable to breathe." Lavigne added, "A single bug bite can f*ck you up hard. People aren't aware that Lyme must be treated almost immediately."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Bella Hadid The model has been candid about the difficulties she's faced following her Lyme disease diagnosis, sharing honest posts of her journey and recovery on social media. "If you look back at work pictures from the past eight years you can tell the difference between me when my Lyme flares up and me when I'm healthy," she said. "She's a different girl. I feel so bad for her." In an Instagram post following months of intensive treatments, Hadid wrote, "If you are struggling – it will get better. I promise. Take a step away, stay strong, have faith in your path, walk in your truth and the clouds will start to clear up. I have so much gratitude for and perspective on life, this 100+ days of Lyme, chronic disease, co-infection treatment, almost 15 years of invisible suffering, was all worth it if I'm able to, God willing, have a lifetime of spreading love from a full cup."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Justin Bieber Back in January 2020, Bieber took to Instagram to clear up some speculation about his health, telling fans he was working hard to recover from Lyme disease. "It's been a rough couple years," he told them, pointing out that allegations that he was dealing with a substance abuse issue had been hurtful. "They failed to realise I've been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, not only that but had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my skin, brain function, energy, and overall health." "I've been battling and OVERCOMING!!" the singer added. "I will be back and better than ever."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Hailey Bieber While luckily not impacted to the same extent as her husband, Justin Bieber, the make-up mogul revealed on Women's Health's Going for Goal podcast that she too had faced a Lyme disease diagnosis – showing just how differently it can impact individuals. "Lyme disease is an interesting thing because a lot of people don't believe it's real, and a lot of people think it's BS," she said. "But I've had it before, I've dealt with it. My husband has it and deals with it very deeply. "I think it's about finding the right doctors who believe in getting to the bottom of any health issues that you might have."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Riley Keough Speaking about seeking treatment for Lyme disease and how it impacted on her family planning, the Daisy Jones and the Six star told Vanity Fair, "I used this little break that I have to come and try and see if I can alleviate [my Lyme disease] a bit. It's a holistic treatment centre and offers all kinds of things that you can't really do in America yet, like cleaning your blood." She also discussed how her condition influenced her decision to choose surrogacy for her daughter, who she welcomed in 2022 with husband Ben Smith-Petersen."I can carry children, but it felt like the best choice for what I had going on physically with the autoimmune stuff."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Kelly Osbourne In her memoir, Osbourne wrote about her battle to be diagnosed. "I had started entering my symptoms into online quizzes, and the results kept coming back Lyme disease. I got tested. The results were positive: I had stage III neurological Lyme disease. I was relieved to finally know what was going on, but I was also scared sh*tless." She has since stated that stem cell therapy has helped to alleviate her symptoms, although this is not a formally recognised with Lyme disease: Shania Twain In a documentary of her life, Not Just A Girl, Twain recalled her symptoms and how she was initially worried she would never be able to sing again. "My symptoms were quite scary because before I was diagnosed, I was on stage very dizzy. I was losing my balance. I was afraid I was going to fall off the stage," she said. "I was having these very, very, very millisecond blackouts, but regularly, every minute or every 30 seconds." The diagnosis process was difficult, the star also recalled. "It took several years to determine what it was. It wasn't anything obvious. Nobody connected the Lyme disease to it. In the end, a neurologist finally connected that it was the nerve to each vocal cord." Twain now says she has "a grip" on the disease, and is back touring, singing and doing what she loves in the music with Lyme disease: Ben Stiller Actor Stiller has told press that he has had periods of living symptom-free from Lyme disease, but that it has stayed in his system. "I got it in Nantucket, Mass., a couple of years ago. My knee became inflamed and they couldn't figure out what it was, then they found out it was Lyme," he said. "I'm symptom-free now, but Lyme doesn't ever leave your system. It's a really tough thing."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Miranda Hart After taking a break from her acting and comedy career due to her health, Hart wrote a poignant book, I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You, about her experience of living with Lyme disease – something she attributes to being bitten by a tick as a teenager while holidaying in the US. While promoting the book, Hart said on BBC Radio 4, "I thought I need to research this whole wellness expertise and dialogue that's out there, but I was at bed at home alone, the doctors didn't know what to do with me and I couldn't have a cold plunge or go on a yoga retreat. "So I thought what are the universal truths? So I did years of research, when I felt able to, and in the book there are 10 keys, which I call my treasures, to living well. And they've really genuinely [helped]. I feel like despite the suffering it came from, that I'm living a life of joy and meaning and fulfilment in a way I never have before."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Justin Timberlake Following a two-year tour, Timberlake told fans on Instagram that he'd been juggling a Lyme disease diagnosis as well as a gruelling schedule – but that working and performing was worth it for all the joy it provides him with. "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," he said. "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."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Yolanda Hadid Like her daughter Bella, Yolanda Hadid has also been living with Lyme disease for a number of years – and wrote about it in her book, Believe Me: My Battle with the Invisible Disability of Lyme Disease. "I honestly don't have the proper words in my vocabulary to describe to you the darkness, the pain, and the unknown hell I've lived these past years. I actually did not live," she shared in a speech about her illness, too. Thankfully, Hadid has been in remission for years now and says she's feeling well, happy and healthy, with diet having a big impact on her with Lyme disease: Mark Ruffalo When The Quiet Epidemic, a film about a young student and a scientist who are both diagnosed with Lyme disease and who embark on a joint quest for answers, came out, Ruffalo urged people to take note and watch it. "From personal experience, Lyme disease can be brutal, persistent, and misdiagnosed. The healthcare industry is way behind on this disease," he with Lyme disease: Ramona Singer The Real Housewives star said she counts herself "blessed" to have caught her Lyme disease in its early stages and to have been able to start an effective antibiotics regime, along with overhauling her diet. "You must get tested [for Lyme disease] once a year, especially if you're in an area where there are deer," she told E! News. "But, we caught it early and I'm very lucky and very blessed."Celebrities with Lyme disease: Amy Schumer Actor and comedian Schumer asked her followers for advice on living with Lyme disease in 2020, saying she was on medication and feeling "good" but wanted to hear the experiences of with Lyme disease: Alexis Ohanian The Reddit founder and entrepreneur who is married to Serena Williams has shared his experience of Lyme disease, saying he was asymptomatic when diagnosed. "Doing a full battery of health scans, tests, etc, and found out I have lyme disease," he wrote on X. "Wild. No symptoms, thankfully, but gonna treat." You Might Also Like A ranking of the very best hair straighteners - according to our Beauty Editors Best party dresses to shop in the UK right now 11 products you'd be mad to miss from the Net A Porter beauty sale
New York Post
7 hours ago
- New York Post
Kim Cattrall seemingly reacts to ‘And Just Like That' ending — as ‘Sex and the City' franchise closes after 27 years
Samantha Jones has entered the chat. Kim Cattrall, who played Jones, the sex-positive public relations boss in 'Sex and the City' for decades, has seemingly responded to the news that its HBO spinoff 'And Just Like That' is ending after three seasons. The closure of the reboot marks the end of 'Sex and the City' after 27 years. Advertisement 12 Kim Cattrall appeared to hint at the end of 'And Just Like That' shortly after Michael Patrick King and Sarah Jessica Parker made the surprising announcement. Kim Cattrall/Instagram 12 Kim Cattrall shared this on Instagram after it was announced that 'And Just Like That' was ending after three seasons. Kim Cattrall/Instagram Cattrall hinted about the end after taking to her Instagram shortly after the spinoff's showrunner, Michael Patrick King, and the franchise's star, Sarah Jessica Parker, made the announcement. Advertisement Posting clear waters with a gorgeous sunset, Cattrall made her first post since the 'And Just Like That' news broke. 'It's the end of a very long week ❤️💋,' the actress wrote. Although she did not join her original co-stars Parker (Carrie Bradshaw), Cynthia Nixon (Miranda Hobbes) and Kristin Davis (Charlotte York) for the reboot following an alleged feud with Parker, Cattrall did make a brief solo appearance at the end of Season 2. Her absence was felt by fans everywhere and was a huge miss for the series. Advertisement 12 Kim Cattrall during Paris Fashion Week on March 5, 2025, in Paris, France. WWD via Getty Images 12 Kim Cattrall at the Dorchester Hotel on December 1, 2024, in London, England. Hoda Davaine/for Perfect Cattrall starred as the sexpot Samantha in the original series from 1998 to 2004. She reprised the fan-favorite role alongside Parker, Nixon and Davis in the 2008 'Sex and the City' movie and its 2010 sequel. 12 Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall and Cynthia Nixon during Season 3 of 'Sex and the City.' 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Advertisement While announcing the end of 'And Just Like That' on Friday, King explained why the show will not continue beyond a two-part series finale later this month. 12 Creator Michael Patrick King announced that 'And Just Like That' is ending after its current, third season. AndJustLikeThat/X 'And just like that… the ongoing storytelling of the' Sex And The City' universe is coming to an end,' he said. 'While I was writing the last episode of 'And Just Like That…' season 3, it became clear to me that this might be a wonderful place to stop.' But canceled or not, the reboot's ratings had been steadily dropping from season to season. Advertisement Plus, some critics claimed that the show had become 'insufferably woke' – particularly with Miranda's non-binary love interest, Che Diaz (Sara Ramirez). 'Che seems like they are a manifestation of… an irritating Twitter account come to life,' one viewer told The Post after the first season aired. 12 Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis and Kim Cattrall during the beginning of 'Sex and the City.' Getty Images 12 Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker and Cynthia Nixon during Season 3 of 'And Just Like That.' HBO Advertisement 'Che Diaz single-handedly set back non-binary representation 70 years,' another critic complained. Comedian Bobby Lee, who played the role of Jackie Nee in the first two seasons, also claimed last month that the spinoff suffered from 'woke elements.' 'Some of the woke elements of the show, they got rid of, and I think I was a part of that,' he said. However, insiders speculated that the series was most likely cut because it was simply becoming too expensive.
