Celine Dion Opens Up: The Subtle Signs of Her Devastating Health Struggle Long Before Diagnosis

Celine Dion, the beloved songstress known for her powerful voice and heartfelt performances, has recently opened up about her long and arduous battle with a rare neurological disorder, Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). In her new documentary, “I Am Celine Dion,” she revealed that the first signs of her health issues appeared nearly two decades ago.

Reflecting on the early days of her symptoms, Dion shared a chilling moment that hinted something was amiss. “Seventeen years ago, I started to experience some voice spasming,” she said. “I woke up one morning, had my breakfast, and my voice started to go up. It freaked me out a little bit. I couldn’t do soundcheck too long, warm up too long, but if you don’t warm up too long, you can hurt yourself.” This initial scare was just the beginning of a long, painful journey toward understanding her condition.

The progression of her symptoms was gradual but relentless. Dion explained how her ability to perform began to wane, causing her to take increasingly higher doses of medication to manage her symptoms. “I was taking 80mg to 90mg of valium a day. That’s just one medicine. I don’t want to sound dramatic, but I could have died. I needed those medicines to walk, to swallow, to function. The show must go on.”

As her condition worsened, Dion faced the added burden of hiding her struggles from her fans. “When I had to cancel shows, we had to tell the crowd why. Sometimes I would lie about having a sinus infection or an ear infection. I can’t lie anymore. The lying is too heavy now.”

Dion’s candidness about her health has shone a light on Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare and often misunderstood condition. Diagnosed in fewer than 5,000 people in the United States, SPS causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms, often leading to difficulty walking and severe sensory issues. The disorder can be mistaken for more common conditions like Parkinson’s disease, adding to the challenge of obtaining an accurate diagnosis.

Throughout her documentary, Dion emphasized the impact of the disorder on her daily life and career. Despite the significant challenges, she continued to perform for as long as she could, often relying on her audience to help carry the show. “Sometimes I would point my microphone to the audience and get them to sing. There were moments where I cheated and tapped on the microphone like it was the microphone’s fault. There were also moments where we had to stop the show, quick change, and I never came back.”

Dion’s openness about her battle with SPS is not just a testament to her resilience but also a beacon of hope for others suffering from the condition. Her story highlights the importance of awareness and early detection in managing such rare disorders. As she steps away from the public eye to focus on her health, Dion remains an inspiring figure, showing immense strength and grace in the face of adversity.

For her fans and the broader public, Celine Dion’s journey is a powerful reminder of the hidden struggles many endure and the importance of compassion and support. As she continues to navigate her health challenges, her legacy as a legendary performer and a beacon of hope endures.