The Truth About Carrie Ann Inaba's Health Struggles

When stars are in the limelight all the time, it's easy for the public to forget that they are really just like us. Famous people suffer losses, deal with health issues, and experience the ups and downs of life in the same way as we do, only with the addition of paparazzi and cameras capturing their every breath. 

For example, the announcement from "The Talk" co-host Carrie Ann Inaba that she's taking a leave of absence from this April was a definite reminder that celebs are not immune to the sufferings of ordinary people. Alongside the heart-to-heart two-part video she shared on Twitter, the television personality wrote in the caption that she has decided to "focus on [her] health and well being" and "hope[s] to be back soon." "I know you guys understand that health is the most important thing," the "Dancing With The Stars" judge added. Inaba exited "The Talk" in August, per USA Today.

But what are Inaba's health struggles, and how has she handled her diagnosis in the spotlight? Read to find out more.

Though it's scary to be vulnerable and easy to hide the suffering behind closed doors, Carrie Ann Inaba has been extremely candid about her conditions. In an interview with the NIH MedlinePlus Magazine from 2020, the dancer embraced her struggles in getting a diagnosis for an autoimmune disease called Sjögren's syndrome, which causes dry eyes and difficulties with swallowing. "It wasn't until many years later that I was diagnosed by a rheumatologist," she said. "And that's because I was going through a lot of pain and fatigue. Getting the diagnosis was overwhelming and I went through a period of depression and anxiety." Sjögren's syndrome is also linked with other autoimmune diseases, and Inaba revealed she also has fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

However, Inaba has decided to use her position of influence to spread awareness about Sjögren's Syndrome and has since joined forces with the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation to become an Awareness Ambassador. The celebrity dancer has also called her diagnosis of Sjögren's a "gift" since it constantly reminds her to pay attention to her body. "Your body is such an amazing gift. But if you don't take care of it, it doesn't work so well. Sjögren's has made me stand up and set limits and boundaries so I can take care of myself," she told NIH MedlinePlus Magazine.

Instead of letting her medical conditions weigh her down, Carrie Ann Inaba revealed to the NIH MedlinePlus Magazine that she finds it important to keep a balance of positivity and honesty when it comes to reviewing her accomplishments on a daily basis. To that end, Inaba blogs and updates those who share her conditions and anyone curious about wellness tips on an online platform called Carrie Ann Conversations. "I try to bring positivity to others. I have found that when you give back to others and create a sense of community, you will feel less alone and more positive in everything you do," the "In Living Color" star revealed.

A simple scroll on the Carrie Ann Conversations will reveal everything from tips to arrange bouquets using Victorian flower language to interviews with professionals from the medical technology industry. But no matter what you've decided to read that day, Inaba wants you to feel like you're not alone. "When I first got diagnosed, some encouraged me to keep my struggles to myself, but I've found that it's always been better to be honest about my needs and realities than to stay silent. I believe strongly in sharing my journey, my solutions, and the things that have helped me with anyone who could use it — this is how communities are formed," the star wrote on Carrie Ann Conversations.