Carrie Ann Inaba shares her struggle to manage hidden, invisible illness: ‘It’s real’
For others who are living with Sjogren’s or experiencing symptoms, Inaba’s advice is to keep “careful track” of the warning signs, to recognize when something doesn’t feel right and to advocate for proper care.
This is the message behind the Sjout for Sjogren’s campaign, an awareness movement that Inaba hopes will help spread more knowledge about the disease and reduce stigma.
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“We want people to respect that it is a complicated systemic autoimmune disease that needs care,” she said. “There is no FDA-approved treatment at this time, so it’s about managing symptoms.”
“It’s important to also have a community – and part of this campaign is about building a community.”
Carrie Ann Inaba appears on “Dancing with the Stars” during the show’s 20th birthday celebration that aired Nov. 11. (Eric McCandless/Disney)
The most important thing Inaba wants people to know about Sjogren’s is that “it’s real.”
“It’s an invisible illness,” she said. “I know when I’m out there doing whatever show I’m doing, you don’t think I’m sick, but I pay a price for doing that.”
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“It’s sometimes a lonely and isolating disease – and so I want people to know they can reach out … I want people to feel confident enough to shout about what they’re going through.”
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She added, “Don’t let people tell you it’s not real. And have patience for the friends who are trying to understand, but can’t quite. Because, most likely, you don’t believe it unless you’re actually experiencing it.”
Fox News Digital’s Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this report.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/carrie-ann-inaba-shares-struggle-manage-hidden-invisible-illness-real