Toni Braxton, the renowned singer behind hits like "Un-Break My Heart", has not only captured hearts with her music but also inspired many with her courageous battle against lupus. In 2008, Braxton was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and organs.
In a recent appearance on the SHE MD podcast, Braxton revealed a startling truth about her struggle with lupus – she was advised by her management team to keep her diagnosis a secret.
“I was told to hide that I had lupus. Like, ’Don’t tell anyone,’ " the singer shares.
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Her management team instructed her to hide the fact that she had lupus, fearing that disclosing her condition would scare people away and make it difficult for her to get insured. Braxton's revelation sheds light on the challenges faced by celebrities dealing with chronic illnesses and the pressure to maintain a flawless public image.
“People get scared around sick celebrities. Nobody gets insured, and I couldn’t get insured," Braxton adds.
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Rheumatologist Dr. Daniel Jeffrey Wallace, who diagnosed Braxton with lupus, also addressed the challenges of celebrities revealing their health challenges. “I was president of the Lupus Foundation of America and our problem was we had all these celebrities with lupus but none of them would come out," Dr. Wallace shared during the podcast.
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“You would not get work,” Braxton adds. “I didn't get work at first. No one wanted to put me on the stage. ‘Well, suppose she collapses on stage? And insurance? How are we going to do that?’ "
Braxton also opened up about the difficult journey to her diagnosis, sharing that she felt like a "hypochondriac," before her diagnosis as she struggled for 10 years with symptoms that seemed to mimic those of other ailments. Lupus, often called the "great imitator," can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and joint pain, can be mistaken for other conditions.
Many people with lupus may also develop a facial rash “that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks,” according to the Mayo Clinic, however, it does not occur in all cases of lupus.
“It takes an average of three and a half years for somebody with non-organ threatening lupus to get diagnosed and an average of four different doctors," Dr. Wallace shares.
Braxton's road to diagnosis was long and arduous, involving visits to at least six doctors. It wasn't until she collapsed during a performance in Las Vegas that she finally received a definitive diagnosis.
“I was telling people I don't feel well,” the mother of two sons shares. “We always try to fake that we're feeling great or we don't want to worry anyone. As mothers and women we tend to do anyway.”
She also spoke candidly about having two successful pregnancies with sons Denim, 22, and Diezel, 21, but having to terminate the third due to health complications.
"I remember the doctor saying, 'Look at your levels there. You won't survive the pregnancy because of the lupus,'" Toni recalls.
One of the key messages Braxton wants to convey to others living with lupus is that there is nothing to be ashamed of. By speaking out about her own experience, she hopes to be an advocate for those who may be struggling in silence.
“[It's] important that I pioneer and be an advocate, and tell other people about it and talk about my story, and hopefully you can help someone," Braxton says.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Braxton remains resilient. She is returning to television with her family on the upcoming WeTV show "The Braxtons", where she will continue to share her story and advocate for greater awareness of lupus.
She is also gearing up an upcoming Las Vegas residency, Love & Laughter, set to debut at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on April 27 with Cedric the Entertainer, whose mother died from lupus. "I'm so excited, so hyped about it," she told Entertainment Tonight. "When I told Cedric I had lupus, and that working an hour and a half to two hours a night would be difficult, he responded, 'We should do something together.'"
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Recognizing the Symptoms of Lupus and When to See a Doctor
Lupus is a complex and often unpredictable disease, with symptoms that can vary widely from person to person. Recognizing the signs of lupus is crucial for early diagnosis and management of the condition. Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness that is not relieved by rest is a common symptom of lupus. This fatigue can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
- Joint pain and swelling: Lupus can cause inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. This symptom is often mistaken for arthritis.
- Skin rashes: Some people with lupus develop a characteristic butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose. Other skin rashes and lesions may also occur.
- Fever: Unexplained fevers, which are often low-grade, can be a sign of active inflammation in the body, a common feature of lupus.
- Photosensitivity: Many people with lupus are sensitive to sunlight and may develop skin rashes or other symptoms after sun exposure.
- Mouth or nose sores: Ulcers or sores in the mouth or nose that are not caused by infection are common in lupus.
- Hair loss: Hair may become thin or fall out, especially on the scalp and eyebrows, due to lupus-related inflammation.
- Raynaud's phenomenon: This condition, characterized by fingers and toes turning white or blue in response to cold or stress, can occur in people with lupus.
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination, it's important to see a doctor for evaluation. Lupus is often referred to as the "great imitator" because its symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. A thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests and imaging studies, may be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing lupus and reducing the risk of complications. If you suspect you may have lupus or are experiencing symptoms that concern you, don't hesitate to seek medical advice. Remember, there is no single test to diagnose lupus, so a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential.
