Bella Hadid, the 26-year-old fashion model, bravely shares her arduous journey battling a range of health issues, particularly Lyme disease, that have plagued her for over half her life.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Sunday, Bella revealed medical records and reflected on her experiences with chronic illness. She expressed her gratitude to her mother for unwavering support and belief, which helped her endure the challenging journey.
The medical documents dated back to February 2014 and outlined a host of health problems Bella faced, including fatigue, attention deficit disorder, memory disturbances, depression, sleep disorders, headaches, nightmares, muscular weakness, chest pain, and palpitations. She admitted to feeling unwell constantly during that time, which affected her mental and physical well-being.
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The Instagram post also disclosed the detection of multiple types of bacteria spread by parasites in her body since 2014, including borrelia, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. Bella had been tested for Lyme disease and other tick-transmitted co-infections.
Despite the hardships, Bella asserted that she wouldn’t change anything as it shaped her into who she is today. She emphasized her resilience and growth, appreciating the love and support she has received from her family, fans, and professional team.
In closing, Bella expressed her gratitude to her medical team, employers, loved ones, and her doctor, recognizing the painful yet beautiful ways the universe works. She encouraged those struggling with chronic illness to stay strong, have faith in their path, and find hope in their journey towards healing and self-discovery.
This article was first published at Los Angeles Times.
