Celine Dion, the iconic singer, shared a deeply personal story about her battle with the Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) and her struggles with medication during an interview on Sunday, June 16, with TF1. At 56, the Canadian artist has faced immense challenges due to this rare autoimmune disease, which causes severe pain, movement difficulties, and spasms. She hasn’t performed since 2020, but she remains hopeful about her return to the stage.
A Struggle with Pain and Medication
In the candid interview, Dion revealed that her journey with medication began with small steps. “I started with little things,” she said, referring to her initial use of medication to manage her symptoms. As her pain grew more unbearable for reasons unknown until late 2022, Dion found herself canceling numerous shows. “I was lying, taking medications… Maybe I’ll try an anti-inflammatory, an antispasmodic or something,” she admitted.
The singer’s battle escalated as she resorted to more dangerous medications in an attempt to continue performing. During the interview, which was recorded in May in Las Vegas, Dion confessed to using Valium (diazepam) among other drugs. “Without having a diagnosis. So, at first, it helped a little. But very quickly, the doses had to go up,” she explained. “And when you reach a dangerous level of medication and it no longer works, you have two choices: continue or stop breathing, and it’s over.”
Dion urged others to seek help rather than suffer in silence. “Don’t live with pain alone… Accept to talk about it, but also to consult. Don’t suffer alone,” she encouraged.
A Determined Comeback
Despite the hardships, Dion remains optimistic about her future on stage. Recently mentioned by the French publication Le Canard enchaîné as a potential performer for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 26, Dion is determined to return to performing. “I don’t know when. But I will be back on stage,” she asserted confidently.
Before her anticipated comeback, Amazon Prime Video will release a documentary titled “I Am: Celine Dion” on June 25, offering fans a closer look at her life and struggles.
Conclusion
Celine Dion‘s candid revelations about her battle with SPS and her medication overuse highlight the immense challenges she has faced. Yet, her unwavering determination to return to the stage serves as an inspiration. As she continues to fight this debilitating condition, Dion’s story reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of seeking help and support during tough times.
