In December 2014, Avril Lavigne revealed that she was battling an undisclosed disease, which led her fans to start a #Pray4Avril hashtag.
It all came to light when she responsed to a tweet from a fan account that read, “#GetWellSoonAvril #PrayForAvril” with a simple “thank you”. The fan, who uses the Twitter handle @AvrilMusicChart later went on to direct message (DM) Avril Lavigne on Twitter.
To which Avril replied, “I feel bad because I haven’t been able to say anything to the fans to let them no (sic) why I’ve been absent. I’m torn as I’m quite private…. I’m not feeling well. I’m having some health issues. So please keep me in your prayers.”
And now, the Canadian artiste has opened up on camera for the first time about her struggle – with Lyme disease.
But wait, what is Lyme disease? According to the “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” (CDC) website:
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, applying pesticides, and reducing tick habitat. The ticks that transmit Lyme disease can occasionally transmit other tickborne diseases as well.
In a new interview with “Good Morning America,” the 30-year-old “Complicated” singer broke down while recalling her battle just to get a proper diagnosis.
She also revealed that she was bedridden for 5 months, and thought that she “was dying” because of symptoms including not being able to eat, and not being able to talk or move.
She cried while saying:
I was in Los Angeles, literally, like the worst time in my life and I was seeing, like, every specialist and literally, the top doctors, and they were so stupid, and they would pull up their computer and be like, “chronic fatigue syndrome,” or “Why don’t you try to get out of bed Avril, and just play the piano? Are you depressed?’ This is what they do to a lot of people who have Lyme disease. They don’t have an answer for them so they tell them, like, “You’re crazy.'”
Watch the interview here:
Fret not though, Avril fans, as she also revealed that she has been taking antibiotics and getting lots of rest to combat the disease. She’s halfway through her treatment and is expect to make a 100% recovery.
