Singer Sheela Newley, daughter-in-law of actress Dame Joan Collins, has shared her story of a debilitating health battle that began in her early twenties and persisted for years, impacting her physical and mental well-being.
Newley, 42, described how the illness led to extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, hormonal imbalances, severe menstrual pain, disturbed sleep, and brain fog. Initially diagnosed with slightly abnormal thyroid levels, she was prescribed anti-anxiety medication. However, she felt a deeper physical issue was at play.
A Diagnosis and Persistent Symptoms
After moving back to New York, doctors identified inflammatory nodules on her thyroid and diagnosed her with Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own thyroid gland. While prescribed hormone-replacement medication, Newley reported that her symptoms did not improve and, in some ways, worsened, with a racing heart, persistent brain fog, and chronic fatigue.
Her health continued to decline, leading to muscle pain and numbness in her legs. A brief treatment with intravenous antibiotics for a suspected Lyme infection was halted after severe side effects, including a four-fold increase in liver enzymes, put her life at risk. This incident underscored the severity of her fragile state.
By age 26, Newley was forced to leave her New York apartment and move back in with her parents in Princeton, New Jersey, halting her freelance work. She described this period as her lowest point, grieving the loss of her perceived youthful vitality and ability to pursue her passions.
Finding a Path to Recovery
Music, a childhood passion her parents had discouraged in favor of economic security, became a lifeline. Through a friend, she began working with jazz pianist Matt Ray, recording a demo. She also found solace in a quieter lifestyle in Tuscany, Italy, where she tutored English and lived among other artists.
It was in Tuscany that she met Alexander Newley, son of Dame Joan Collins and singer-songwriter Anthony Newley. While she had disclosed her illness to him, he gained a fuller understanding of its severity during a long walk in Tuscany. Alexander became a crucial source of support, assisting with daily tasks that had become physically challenging for her and encouraging her creative pursuits.
Exploring Alternative Therapies
Upon moving to London in 2015, Newley explored alternative therapies after conventional medicine offered limited relief. She found insights in Ayurvedic medicine, which views the thyroid as linked to self-expression. She noted that music and singing continued to re-enter her consciousness as her illness worsened, providing her with a reason to fight for recovery.
Her research led her to a London practitioner who utilized hair mineral analysis. This practitioner recommended a strict diet excluding sugar, gluten, and most dairy, while incorporating a variety of cooked vegetables and high-quality animal protein, alongside tailored supplements and near-infrared sauna sessions. This regimen marked a turning point, with significant improvements in energy and concentration within a month.
Over the following months, her leg numbness subsided, antibody levels decreased, and thyroid scans showed improvement. She also underwent a liver flush and used natural peptides to aid in bodily functions. Newley emphasized that her recovery was not due to a single intervention but a combination of factors and her active participation in her own healing.
Re-emerging Through Music
As her strength returned, her music began to develop into a career. She wrote songs like "Shapeshifter" and "Driftwood," inspired by her experiences. She noted a deepening bond with Dame Joan Collins, who has been supportive of her musical path.
In 2022, Newley moved to Vienna and gave birth to her daughter, Deia. She explained that they waited until she felt ready, both physically and emotionally, to conceive. By then, she had developed a greater understanding of her body and trust in her resilience.
Newley released her debut single "Zeros and Ones" earlier this year, with "Shapeshifter" and "Driftwood" slated for release from her forthcoming debut album. She is planning UK performances and now lives a full creative life, performing, writing, and recording music, a possibility she once doubted would ever be within reach.
Sheela Newley's experience with Hashimoto's disease highlights the complex nature of autoimmune conditions and the personal journeys individuals undertake to find healing and reclaim their lives. While hair mineral analysis and liver flushing are not standard treatments for Hashimoto's, she stresses the importance of becoming an active participant in one's own healing process. IMAGE4: