Carrie Ann Inaba did not have a smooth flight, and it was not the airline’s fault.
The “Dancing with the Stars” judge opened up about a health scare that led her from the airport to an ambulance recently. She has been an open book about her health struggles and battles with the incurable autoimmune disease she deals with.
Carrie Ann Inaba continues to be a source of inspiration to many as she pushes through her career amid painful health challenges. Maintaining a positive attitude and viewing her illness as a gift rather than an obstacle are some of her key tips to thrive despite her diagnosis.
Carrie Ann Inaba Reveals Her ‘Arms Went Numb’ On The Plane
Inaba updated fans via her socials, informing them that she had a health scare during her trip to New York. Although she did not disclose the actual purpose of her trip, she noted that it was for something she is really passionate about. “Yesterday was quite a day,” she began her lengthy caption detailing the events that took place, attached to a video showing her in the back of an ambulance and then with a hospital tag on her hand.
The dancer explained that while on the flight, she felt quite ill, as though she was experiencing symptoms of food poisoning. She detailed that she suddenly broke out into a cold sweat, got dizzy, and her arms went numb, yet described it as a “small medical emergency.” Inaba continued sharing that because of her autoimmune disease, she travels prepared for the worst with her tool kit, and she is used to handling her health issues singlehandedly.
The TV personality disclosed that she was locked in the restroom trying to sort herself out, and she hesitated to call for help because at the time, there was turbulence and everyone had to be in their seats. As the symptoms progressed, she had to request for assistance against her initial thoughts of not wanting anyone to put themselves at risk coming to her aid. “but when my arms went numb, it was time to ask for help,” the “DWTS” judge ended her caption.
Fans Wish Inaba A Speedy Recovery
The dancer’s post has gotten thousands of reactions from fans who have expressed concern for her health, while sending well wishes. Out of the over one thousand comments, several fans sent words of encouragement, prayers, and love. Many fans flooded the comments with countless heart emojis while others requested for update on the dancer’s well-being. “Please be well and give us an update? Hope you are recovering,” a user commented. “Oh my! How scary. You were blessed to receive immediate care. Thank goodness the helpers were everywhere for you. [red heart emojis],” another added.
Netizens noted that the situation seemed scary, while expressing hopes that Inaba is already on the path to speedy recovery. A user positively remarked that the fact that she was able to make videos of herself in the ambulance is a good sign that she was already recovering from the numbness in her arms. Some comments had fans detailing their personal battles with autoimmune conditions.
“As someone who also struggles with autoimmune disease, I have taken this same trip to the hospital post-flight. It’s so hard dealing with these issues daily, but being in the sky adds a whole other layer. I’m so glad you’re okay! Feel better,” a commenter shared. “What a scary situation, @carrieanninaba!! I, too, live with autoimmune conditions, and our health is very unpredictable. We must always put our health first, but also try to live the best-quality-filled life each & every day as our body allows. [butterfly emoji] Autoimmune is not always visible to the eye, but oh so very real & complex! Stay strong!” another remarked.
Carrie Ann Inaba Wants To Be A Source Of Encouragement To Others
The television personality was brought to tears in 2019 when she shared what it feels like battling autoimmune diseases. She was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome in 2013 and also revealed that she has fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Sjögren’s syndrome happens when your immune system damages the glands that produce and control moisture in your body.
The most common symptom is chronic, unusual dryness in your eyes, mouth, or v-gina. Inaba, while speaking with Sheryl Underwood, Sharon Osbourne, Eve, and Sara Gilbert on “The Talk” podcast, shared that she feels “so much shame” when she goes through the pains and flare-ups associated with her condition. She noted that the shame stems from the feeling of how she wants to be seen by the world.
The dancer shared that she wants to actually be the healthy person people see from the outside, as reported by PEOPLE. Nevertheless, she decided to share her pains with the world so that others would be encouraged and unashamed. “I want to encourage people, because even though I feel shame, I know at the same time I shouldn’t feel shame,” Inaba stressed with teary eyes.
The ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Judge Gave The World A Glimpse Into Her Personal Life
NIH Medline Plus Magazine reported details the dancer shared about her diagnosis, how she struggled for years with the illness while maintaining her career before the cameras, and the helpful tips she follows to help her push through life with the incurable conditions. Inaba disclosed that Sjögren’s syndrome, like many other autoimmune conditions, comes in pairs, adding that knowing the particular combination one suffers from is a basic step to handling the conditions properly.
She shared that a secret she uses is keeping a calendar every month to gauge her energy, and this helps her plan her days. Inaba also emphasized the importance of nutrition, citing that she starts every day with a protein shake. The choreographer also noted that yoga has been a lifesaver for her, as she explained that the breathing techniques are powerful for calming her system and relieving stress.
In addition to all these, Inaba maintains a positive attitude, has a strong support system, and tries to keep her whole body moisturized inside and out. Ultimately, the TV personality has chosen to draw some positivity from her illness. “Sjögren’s has made me stand up and set limits and boundaries so I can take care of myself,” she shared.
Carrie Ann Inaba Got Candid About The Stress Of Her Career
Inaba, who is not a new face on the screens, detailed the challenges that come with being a judge on the popular dance competition TV show. Last share, she revealed that even in the world of dance, gender bias still exists, citing her personal experience on the matter. The Blast reports that the “DWTS” judge admitted that she was aware many people were judging her in return for her criticisms and scores on the show, which she found nerve-wracking.
The 58-year-old described her job as emotionally taxing, noting that she would prefer being on dance floors to speaking. “It’s stressful, I’m an empath. It’s never not been stressful. I used to throw up before I went out there. Every single time,” she confessed before addressing the challenges that come with being a woman on the show. Inaba said that while she acknowledged the importance of her role on the panel of judges, it is often minimized because of her gender.
Inaba also stated that she faces more criticism even if she says the same thing as her male colleagues. The judge, who has been on the dance show since 2005, says that by sticking with the show for decades, she is trying to teach the younger girls to be courageous even when they are the minority in the room.
Get well soon, Carrie Ann Inaba!