With the upcoming release of her Netflix documentary, ‘Gaga: Five Foot Two,’ came the release of some not-great news. Unbeknownst to her fans, Gaga has been struggling with fibromyalgia. Until recently, she has kept it under wraps. In fact, she still hasn’t said much about it as she learns more about her disease and how to balance sickness and her high-demand job.
In order to keep herself in the best health possible, she has been seeing doctors regarding the chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia. Her doctors have recommended she delay touring until she can get her health in order. With this news she has made a difficult decision and wanted to let fans know ASAP.
Lady Gaga has decided to postpone the European leg of her Joanne World Tour. The tour was as set to kick-off in Europe September 21st and conclude October 28th. Here is what her press release says:
She said this in a Facebook post early Monday morning:
Credit: ladygaga.com
“I have always been honest about my physical and mental health struggles. Searching for years to get to the bottom of them. It is complicated and difficult to explain, and we are trying to figure it out. As I get stronger and when I feel ready, I will tell my story in more depth, and plan to take this on strongly so I can not only raise awareness, but expand research for others who suffer as I do, so I can help make a difference. I use the word “suffer” not for pity, or attention, and have been disappointed to see people online suggest that I’m being dramatic, making this up, or playing the victim to get out of touring. If you knew me, you would know this couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m a fighter. I use the word suffer not only because trauma and chronic pain have changed my life, but because they are keeping me from living a normal life. They are also keeping me from what I love the most in the world: performing for my fans. I am looking forward to touring again soon, but I have to be with my doctors right now so I can be strong and perform for you all for the next 60 years or more. I love you so much.” – Lady Gaga
Fibromyalgia is characterized as a disease with widespread musculoskeletal pain. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, and memory issues. Of the 2% of the population that has fibromyalgia, 85% of those patients are women. After years of research, there is still no conclusion on any one thing that triggers this disease. Many researchers agree that it’s caused by extreme physical or mental trauma. Recent studies suggest that fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system, causing the brain to process pain differently than everyone else.
As of right now, the North American leg of the tour hasn’t been rescheduled at all. All dates are to remain as they are for now. She plans on working on her health hard for the next seven weeks and make it up to all her European fans.
You can catch Gaga before she goes on tour when her Netflix documentary debuts on Friday, September 22nd.
