“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.”
When it comes to her history with chronic pain struggles, Lady Gaga has been as open and honest with fans as she felt possible. So when the singer was forced to cancel a portion of her European Joanne, tour dates due to health issues, she had to take to social media to let her heartbroken fans know what is really going on.
“I have always been honest about my physical and mental health struggles. Searching for years to get to the bottom of them,” she wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Not only has Gaga been dealing with her physical pains, due to her chronic illness called fibromyalgia, but she has also been attacked by rude commenters who claim she is over-exaggerating her health concerns for attention. This is 100% not okay, and the artist addressed these awful words in her statement as well.
“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,” she explained. “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.”
Gaga also included a copy of her official tour cancellation announcement on her Instagram, so fans know which dates are affected.
When Gaga had to pull out of her first show in Brazil, she tweeted that she was dealing with more than soreness or normal pain: she could no longer get through performances.
We wish Gaga all the best in combatting her fibromyalgia, and hope she’s back on stage doing what she loves soon!
Written by Kristine Hope Kowalski
