Iconic singer Céline Dion has opened up about her health in a new interview where she revealed her hope for the future.
With hits like 'My Heart Will Go On' and 'The Power of Love', Céline has created a world of wonderful music, and her fans would agree.
However, after opening up in 2022 about her secret health struggle with stiff person syndrome, the French-Canadian singer had been quiet until a rare appearance at the Grammys.
What is stiff person syndrome?
The rare neurological disease essentially ‘locks in’ a person’s muscles, making it increasingly difficult to move or take care of themselves.
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The syndrome particularly effects the abdomen, and can spread to the legs and other muscles.
It can also cause spasms which tend to be triggered factors such as changes in temperature, light physical touch, loud noises and stress - which can sometimes lead to anxiety.
What causes stiff person syndrome?
The condition - which is twice as common in women than in men - is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia or anxiety.
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However, it's not currently known what causes SPS, though it is thought to be an autoimmune condition which specifically affects messaging between the brain and spinal cord.
Is there a cure?
There's currently no cure for SPS, however anti-anxiety drugs and muscle relaxants can relieve symptoms.
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Physiotherapy, acupuncture and massages can also help those with the condition.
What has Céline said about her diagnosis?
Taking ‘one day at a time’, many were worried that this would be it for Céline and her music career as she cancelled tour dates during a particularly hard time with the syndrome.
After cancelling her European tour in February 2023, she explained to her fans online: “I'm working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again but I have to admit it's been a struggle. All I know is singing; it's what I've done all my life and its what I love to do the most.
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“I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you being on the stage performing for you. I always give 100 percent when I do my show but my condition is now allowing me to give you that right now.
“For me to reach you again, I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment, and I have hope that I'm on the road to recovery. This is my focus, and I'm doing everything I can to recuperate.”
“I want to thank you so much for your wishes and love and support on my social media. This means a lot to me. Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much and I really hope I can see you again real soon.”
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But in a rare interview with Vogue France, she’s telling all about her life and her hopes.
"One day at a time"
In her candid interview she explained whether or not she’d ever be back on the stage: “I can't answer that.... Because for four years I've been saying to myself that I'm not going back, that I'm ready, that I'm not ready.
“As things stand, I can't stand here and say to you: 'Yes, in four months.' I don't know... My body will tell me.”
The 56-year-old finds it difficult to manage her days with the disorder, which is also known as Moersch-Woltman Syndrome.
When announcing to her fans about the condition in December 2022, she said: “While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what's been causing all the [muscle] spasms I've been having...
“Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to.”
But the hitmaker wants to get back out there, no matter what.
She told Vogue: “Celebrity has made me want to never give up on anything. I was born to communicate on stage, with my team, and with my voice, and with my fans. It's about sharing. I was born to do that.
“My dream is to live in the present. Today, I am a woman, who feels strong and positive about the future. One day at a time.”
Britt Jones