In a heartfelt Instagram post, 26-year-old model Bella Hadid shared an update on her ongoing battle with Lyme disease, a condition she was diagnosed with back in 2013. Over the years, she has been candid about her struggles and the challenges she faces during her treatments.
The standard treatment for Lyme disease typically involves a course of antibiotics, which are most effective when administered soon after the infection. However, some individuals, including Bella Hadid, continue to experience symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties even after completing treatment. The scientific understanding of persistent symptoms related to Lyme disease is still limited and emerging, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
On August 6, Bella Hadid penned a lengthy post on Instagram, expressing her determination not to give up on herself and her ongoing efforts to improve her health. She expressed gratitude to her mother, Yolanda Hadid, who was also diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012, for her unwavering support and care throughout their health journeys.
Living with Lyme disease and trying to fulfill personal and professional responsibilities took a toll on Bella, and she described the experience as confusing and challenging. Nevertheless, she reassured her fans that she is okay and asked them not to worry about her.
Bella Hadid emphasized that going through treatment has shaped her into the person she is today, and she wouldn’t change anything about her journey. She encouraged others facing health struggles to remain hopeful, reminding them that situations can improve and that she has gained gratitude and perspective on life.
The Instagram post included photos of Bella’s medical records dating back to 2013, showcasing some of her symptoms, including extreme exhaustion, muscle and joint aches, and chest pain. She also shared pictures of herself with IV needles in her arms, as IV antibiotics are a common treatment for Lyme disease.
Bella Hadid viewed these images as positive, as they represented the most enlightening experience of her life. She expressed gratitude to her team, agents, doctors, and nurses for their invaluable support.
The model acknowledged that she would take a break from the runway until she feels ready to return. Her sister, Gigi Hadid, left a supportive message in the comments, expressing her pride and happiness for Bella.
Notably, Bella Hadid isn’t the only member of the Hadid family who has battled Lyme disease. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, and younger brother, Anwar Hadid, have also faced the condition.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites, and symptoms can manifest in different stages. While antibiotics are the primary treatment, there is ongoing research, and a Lyme disease vaccine is currently undergoing late-stage clinical trials.
Bella Hadid’s openness about her Lyme disease journey has raised awareness about the condition and offered support to others facing similar health challenges.