Avril Lavigne gives emotional interview about struggle to be diagnosed with Lyme disease: 'Doctors tell you you're crazy'
Singer is recovering after contacting bacterial infection while on tour
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Avril Lavigne has spoken candidly about her struggle with Lyme disease after being struck by the debilitating illness on tour.
Lavigne, 30, was forced to put her career on hold when she was hit with flu-like symptoms such as fevers and tiredness in October last year, making her illness difficult to diagnose.
A number of blood tests and swabs returned inconclusive, leading doctors to suggest chronic fatigue and depression as the cause of her symptoms.
The Sk8er Boi singer became emotional as she recalled becoming bedridden for months before doctors correctly diagnosed her in an interview with ABC News.
“I was seeing every specialist and literally the top doctors, 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 go play the piano?’
“I started going to other doctors and specifically telling them and asking, 'I have Lyme disease. I know I do. Can you check me?' Then I finally figured out, ‘Find a Lyme specialist’.”
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection contracted from infected ticks. The disease, caught by approximately 300,000 people in the US each year, affects the skin, joints, heart and nervous system.
Lavigne is now half-way through a treatment programme that includes antibiotics and bed-rest. She is expected to make a full recovery.
“I think for me it’s like a second shot at life,” she said. “I want to go out there and truly do what I love, so I’m excited for life after this.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments