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10 celebrities who have chronic illnesses

celebrities with chronic illness
Chloe Best
Lifestyle Features Editor
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Following on from Dynamo's revelation that Crohn's disease is the reason for his changing appearance, we've taken a look at some of the other chronic illnesses that many of the world's most popular stars suffer with. From the chronic pain condition that led Lady Gaga to cancel many of her live shows to Lena Dunham's experience with endometriosis, learn more about these celebrity health battles.

Dynamo – Crohn's disease:

Dynamo, real name Steven Frayne, shocked fans when he uploaded a candid photo of his swollen face – a side effect of the steroid treatment he has to manage his Crohn's disease. The magician was diagnosed with the condition when he was 15, and had to have half of his stomach removed when he was 17. He now follows a strict diet in order to better manage the pain, including banning gluten, dairy, fat and vegetables.

He is not the only famous face who struggles with Crohn's; former TOWIE star Samantha Faiers has also spoken openly about her experiences with the condition, which she was diagnosed with after falling ill during her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.

Selena Gomez kidney transplant© Photo: Instagram

Selena Gomez – Lupus:

Selena was diagnosed with Lupus in 2015, and has spoken openly about her experiences with the condition in order to raise awareness. As well as causing the singer to suffer from anxiety and depression, Selena underwent a kidney transplant in summer 2017, as the condition was causing her kidneys to fail. "I guess I got to the point where it was really kind of life or death," Selena has since said in an interview about the emergency surgery.

Lena Dunham Lenny event© Photo: Getty Images

Lena Dunham – Endometriosis:

In February 2018, Lena Dunham revealed that she had undergone a full hysterectomy at the age of 31 due to her experiences of endometriosis. The Girls star said she opted to undergo the operation following "years of complex surgeries measuring in the double digits" and trying alternative treatments such as pelvic floor therapy, massage therapy and acupuncture. Lena had been hospitalised three times in the last year alone.

Lady Gaga fashion awards© Photo: Getty Images

Lady Gaga – Fibromyalgia:

Lady Gaga revealed that she suffers from fibromyalgia in her documentary, Gaga: Five Foot Two. The film gives fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse at Lady Gaga's career, and the singer said she chose to talk about her health issues in a bid to raise awareness. "In our documentary the #chronicillness #chronicpain I deal w/ is #Fibromyalgia. I wish to help raise awareness & connect people who have it," the singer tweeted. Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, also said she uses heat such as an electric heated blanket, infrared sauna and Epsom baths to ease her pain.

Gigi Hadid Jeremy Scott NYFW© Photo: Getty Images

Gigi Hadid – Hashimoto's Disease:

In February, Gigi responded to critics who said she looked too skinny during New York Fashion Week by explaining that she has an autoimmune condition, Hashimoto's Disease, which has affected her weight. "For those of you so determined to come up w why my body has changed over the years, you may not know that when I started @ 17 I was not yet diagnosed w/Hashimoto's disease; those of u who called me 'too big for the industry' were seeing inflammation & water retention due to that," Gigi wrote.

Gigi continued to say that over the last few years she has received medication to help with symptoms such as extreme fatigue, metabolism issues and her body's ability to retain heat. "Although stress & excessive travel can also affect the body, I have always eaten the same, my body just handles it differently now that my health is better," she said.

sarah hyland illness© Photo: Getty Images

Sarah Hyland – Kidney Dysplasia:

The Modern Family star has kidney dysplasia, a condition that means the kidneys have not developed properly in the womb. Sarah had a kidney transplant at the age of 21, and has recently shared details of her chronic pain in a tweet in which she reached out to fans, asking: "For those who are chronically ill and in chronic pain: Have you had the experience of doctors not listening to you? If so, how do you not tear their heads off with your bare hands?"

Bella Hadid cannes© Photo: Getty Images

Bella Hadid – Lyme Disease:

Bella Hadid was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in 2012, with the condition putting an end to her burgeoning equestrian career. "It was really emotional for me. I thought I was going to ride horses for the rest of my life. But everything happens for a reason, that's my motto now, and I'm so happy to be where I am," Bella said about her experiences with the condition.

Jack Osbourne AOL event© Photo: Getty Images

Jack Osbourne – Multiple Sclerosis:

After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2012, Jack shared his diagnosis in an exclusive interview with HELLO!. "The timing was so bad", Jack said exclusively to HELLO!. "I'd just had a baby, work was going great… I kept thinking: 'Why now?'" The autoimmune disease attacks the brain and central nervous system, and can sometimes cause serious disability.

kim kardashian party© Photo: Getty Images

Kim Kardashian – Psoriasis:

Both Kim Kardashian and Cara Delevingne have psoriasis, a skin condition that causes crusty, red patches with flakes to appear during flare-ups. While Kim used to try and cover it up, she is now "learning to just accept it as part of who I am".

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