Bella Hadid shared an emotional update on her health as she had been receiving treatment for Lyme disease. In a lengthy Instagram post, she opened up about her struggles battling with “100+ days of Lyme, chronic disease, co infection treatment, and almost 15 years of invisible suffering.”
“The little me that suffered would be so proud of grown me for not giving up on myself,” she wrote.
The American model posted photos of herself undergoing treatment and her medical records. Based on the document, she suffered from fatigue, attention deficit disorder, sleep disorder, memory disturbances, and other mental and physical concerns when she was 17 years old.
It also showed that she had multiple types of bacteria. Meanwhile, in another document dated February 2016, she had been tested for Lyme disease and “common tick-transmitted co-infections.”
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She thanked her mother, Yolanda Hadid, for keeping all her medical records, taking care of her, and supporting her on her journey. “Living in this state, worsening with time and work while trying to make myself, my family and the people who support me, proud, had taken a toll on me in ways I can’t really explain,” she continued.
The 26-year-old said being surrounded by blessings, privilege, and love while sad and sick was the “most confusing thing.” She assured her followers that she’s doing well and healthy, “One thing I want to express to you all is that 1: I am okay and you do not have to worry, and 2: I wouldn’t change anything for the world. If I had to go through all of this again, to get here, to this exact moment I’m in right now, with all of you, finally healthy, I would do it all again. It made me who I am today.”
She remained optimistic and stressed that the “universe works in the most painful and beautiful ways,” promising she will stay strong.
Photo: Instagram/Bella Hadid
Bella added, “I have so much gratitude for and perspective on life , this 100+ days of Lyme, chronic disease, co infection treatment, almost 15 years of invisible suffering, was all worth it if I’m able to, God willing, have a lifetime of spreading love from a full cup, and being able to truly be myself, for the first time ever.”
She mentioned that she tried to pick “the most positive pictures” because although her experience was painful, the outcome was still “the most enlightening experience” of her life.
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The runway star concluded her post by thanking her supporters, agents, doctor, and nurses who looked after her. She also stressed that she will be back when she’s ready.
Bella has been diagnosed with Lyme disease since 2016, along with her mother and youngest brother, Anwar Hadid.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease is caused by bacteria and transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Its symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash.
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