Carrie Ann Inaba, a judge on "Dancing with the Stars," has revealed the extent of her ongoing struggle with Sjögren's disease, an autoimmune condition that causes her "debilitating" daily pain. Inaba shared that her life off-camera is often far from glamorous as she manages the chronic illness.
"It's debilitating. And so I am always in pain," Inaba told Fox News Digital. "And most of the time, when I'm not on camera, I'm in sweatpants. Maybe I haven't showered in three days, and I'm just kind of like roaming my little neighborhood, walking my dogs. My life is very unglamorous for the most part."
Sjögren's disease, according to the Mayo Clinic, is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects glands responsible for moisture production, leading to dry eyes and mouth. However, Inaba explained that the condition is systemic and can impact organs as well, causing her significant pain and some organ interactions. "It's been a rough road," she stated.
Inaba's symptoms initially manifested as dry eyes, but she noted the prevalence of pain, which she believes is often misunderstood. She emphasized the importance of sharing the realities of living with chronic illness, contrasting it with the often-curated online portrayals of life. "I think we need to know that people, we're all people, we are all going through something," she said.
It took doctors approximately 10 years to diagnose her condition. Inaba also shared that it took another decade to 15 years to come to terms with living with Sjögren's disease permanently. Managing her energy levels has become a critical aspect of her daily planning.
In April, Inaba experienced a medical emergency while traveling to New York. She described feeling ill, breaking out in a cold sweat, becoming dizzy, and experiencing numbness in her arms. Although initially suspecting food poisoning, the severity of her symptoms prompted her to seek help. A flight attendant and a doctor on board assisted her before paramedics met the plane upon landing. She received fluids at a hospital and continued her recovery at her hotel.
Despite the challenges, Inaba expressed gratitude for how Sjögren's disease has deepened her compassion and empathy for others, believing it makes her a better judge. "I'm grateful to have Sjögren's disease because it has given me even more compassion for people and I think it makes me a better judge because I really can feel people when they're going through stuff, and it's given me more empathy, and I'm grateful," she stated.