Oftentimes people with chronic illnesses can feel alone.  Being sick can be so isolating especially if you have a form of chronic illness like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), crohn’s disease, IBS, MCAS, and so many others.  While these illnesses aren’t uncommon, it can still feel isolating.

You’re not alone.  

You may not have anyone in your immediate circle who can relate.  With the internet all you have to do is throw out a search term and find an online support group that will introduce you to people near and far suffering with the same chronic illness as you.

There are so many other people with your illnesses.  Even some in the spotlight.  Let’s take a look!

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (or POTS)

POTS is a dysfunction of what is called the autonomic nervous system, a form of dysautonomia.  That system is responsible for involuntary processes controlling blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and more.  It causes a myriad of symptoms: rapid heart rate, dizziness, feeling faint, fatigue, and more.  

Celebrities with POTS

Greg Page

Though many people with POTS are women, men are still affected.  You might know Greg as the original lead singer for the Wiggles, a children’s band that started in 1991.  While the band is still around, Greg had to step down in 2006 from his role as lead singer because of his illnesses.  When he sought diagnosis, Greg was initially told he only had seven years to live!  Then, doctors back peddled and said that no, actually, he has dysautonomia.  Something that’s non life threatening!

Halsey

Best known for one of her top hit songs “Without Me”, Halsey is an american singer and songwriter who has been vocal about her health problems.  She said that shortly after having her first child, her health started to decline.  After seeing “100,000 doctors”, it was discovered that she has: ehlers-danlos syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, MCAS, Sjogren's syndrome, and others.  Halsey has been vocal about her diagnosis and sometimes shares parts of her journey on her Instagram.

Mara Wilson

Mara is an American actress who got her start as a child.  You may remember Mara from her leading role in the 1996 movie Matilda or the 1993 classic Mrs. Doubtfire alongside Robin Williams.  In an Instagram post, Mara opens up about her experience with a tilt table test and how after having one she was finally diagnosed.  Like many people with chronic illnesses, her diagnosis wasn’t short.  It took four years for her to finally find the root cause of her symptoms.

Tori Foles

Unless you’re a football fan, you may not recognize her name.  Tori is married to Nick Foles who is currently the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts.  Nick has been a tremendous supporter of his wife through her journey even calling her his role model.  Tori has been vocal with her diagnosis which came shortly before her and Nick married.  In her blog, Healing As We Go, Tori goes over how she came to her diagnosis.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease is a condition that is marked by an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.  This disorder causes symptoms such as pain, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue and more.  With no known cause (or cure), it’s an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks healthy cells.

Celebrities with Crohn’s Disease

Dwight D. Eisenhower

You may know him as the 34th President of our country who served two terms from 1953 thru 1961.  Best known for implementing the interstate highway system, Eisenhower suffered his whole life from gastrointestinal symptoms.  It wasn’t until shortly before he was elected into his second term of presidency in 1956, at the age of 66, that he was officially diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease.  President Eisenhower shows us that you can achieve greatness even with a chronic condition.

Mike McCready

The lead guitarist for the band Pearl Jam, Mike discovered he had Crohn's disease at the age of 21.  Living the rock star life can be hard, and during the height of Pearl Jam, McCready found himself neck deep in alcohol and drug addiction.  He even said there were performances where he had accidents on stage.  He gave up alcohol and drugs, found what worked for him regarding diet, and became an advocate for others with this condition.  He’s been the spokesperson for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation for a number of years where he hosts fundraisers while being actively involved.

Pete Davidson

A comedian, rapper, and well known for his SNL performances, Davidson was diagnosed with Crohn’s as a teenager.  He has been open and vocal about his diagnosis saying, "My stomach would be in pain all day and I wouldn't be able to eat… I'm sick, I have Crohn's … so it sucks."  Former girlfriend, Ariana Grande, came to Davidson’s defense after Barstool Sports, a blog, made fun of Davidson’s eyes noting the dark circles in a crude way.

You’re Not Alone

You have found yourself with one of these illnesses, but know that you’re not alone.  Many people suffer.  One way to manage symptoms is by ensuring you have a medical grade electrolyte on hand.  Staying hydrated will make a difference in how you feel when you’re having a flare.  NormaLye is a medical grade electrolyte using the World Health Organization's perfect new formula for oral rehydration.  Feel better faster.  Give it a try with our free samples you can get here.