Celine Dion, the renowned Canadian singer, has revealed her 17-year long battle with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) in a series of exclusive interviews. The condition, which often goes misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease and currently has no cure, caused Dion to experience muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, and crisis episodes that resulted in excruciating pain.
The first time she felt a spasm was during her tour around 20 years ago. Despite trying various remedies and appointments with specialists, she found no relief. Eventually, Dion was advised to take prescription medications like muscle relaxers such as Valium to manage her symptoms.
In one interview, Dion shared that she took up to 90 milligrams of Valium during a performance when the medication stopped working. She described the experience as potentially fatal due to her condition's unpredictability.
Despite these challenges, Dion remains determined to return to the stage. She plans on performing again, even if she has to use alternative methods such as talking with her hands or using vocal therapy and intense physical rehabilitation five days a week.
Music is a significant part of Dion's life, and she believes it is a language that connects everyone. Her upcoming documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, will provide fans with an in-depth look at her fight against SPS and her journey towards recovery.
Dion was diagnosed with SPS in August 2022. The condition affects approximately 2 in every 100,000 people and requires a full-time treatment plan involving medication, immune therapy, vocal therapy, and physical rehabilitation.