Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), which causes her muscles to stiffen up compulsively, has been identified as Celine Dion’s condition.
Patients eventually become “human statues” as the illness gradually locks their bodies into stiff positions, rendering them unable to move or speak.
While there is no known treatment to stop the progression of SPS, Celine says she is doing everything in her power to minimise symptoms.
The 54-year-old singer addressed her fans in a tearful Instagram post on Thursday as she revealed it has forced her to cancel her European tour.
“Hello everyone, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person.
“As you know I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before but I’m ready now”,
“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and its been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all the spasms I’ve been having,” she added.
“Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way im used to.”
She said that she has a “great team of doctors working alongside her” and is being supported by her “precious children”.
“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,” she continued.
“For me to reach you again i have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment and I have hope that im on the road to recovery,
“This is my focus and im 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,” she signed off.
