Carrie Ann Inaba, the well-known judge from “Dancing with the Stars,” has shared a harrowing experience involving a medical emergency she encountered while on a flight from Los Angeles to New York. The 58-year-old television personality detailed the incident in an emotional Instagram video, where she provided followers with clips of her being transported in an ambulance and receiving care at a hospital.
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Inaba revealed that the episode occurred on Thursday, April 16, while she was travelling to New York for a project she was particularly enthusiastic about. However, her journey took a daunting turn when she suddenly felt unwell. “It started with what seemed like food poisoning,” she explained, recounting how she began to experience cold sweats, dizziness, and numbness in her arms.
The severity of her symptoms prompted Inaba to seek assistance, despite her natural inclination to manage her health independently. She mentioned the challenges of living with autoimmune conditions, which she admits often lead to feelings of isolation. “I travel with a health toolkit and am prepared for the worst,” she stated, revealing the deep-seated fears that accompany her medical issues. “But this scared me,” she confessed, highlighting the urgency of her situation as turbulence rattled the aircraft.
As Inaba attempted to navigate the ordeal while locked in the restroom, she felt compelled to ask for help when her symptoms intensified. It was at this moment that the flight attendants and a number of medical professionals on board stepped in to assist her. Inaba expressed deep gratitude towards the crew for their readiness to step up during a crisis, noting that their swift actions significantly aided her recovery.
Upon landing, paramedics were waiting to transport her to an emergency room, where she received intravenous fluids to stabilise her health. Despite a particularly alarming moment during the ambulance ride when her blood pressure plummeted, she eventually regained stability, allowing her to be discharged later that day.
Following her release from the hospital, Inaba took to social media once again to reflect on her experience. “I’m always thankful for the moments that scare or challenge me,” she wrote, noting that such incidents serve as a reminder of the support system surrounding individuals facing health challenges. “While I often face my health challenges alone, I am not alone. None of us are. The helpers are everywhere,” she added, demonstrating her resilience and appreciation for the kindness of others.
Inaba has been candid about her struggles with multiple autoimmune diseases, which have affected her life significantly in recent years. The conditions she deals with, including Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis, are classified as “invisible illnesses,” rendering them particularly challenging both physically and emotionally. Additionally, Inaba mentioned having markers for antiphospholipid syndrome, which carries the risk of blood clots, underscoring the layer of complexity in managing her health.
Despite the difficulties, Inaba remains focused on using her platform to raise awareness about autoimmune conditions and their impact. By sharing her personal experiences and challenges, she provides vital support for others facing similar issues, often promoting the message of community and solidarity in the face of health adversities.
As a public figure, Inaba continues to engage with her audience, providing not just entertainment through her work on “Dancing with the Stars,” but also insights into the realities of dealing with persistent health issues. Her story is one of courage, reminding many that while the journey may be fraught with obstacles, there is strength to be found in vulnerability and the support of others.
Inaba’s recent medical emergency serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of health challenges, while reinforcing the importance of seeking help and staying connected with those willing to assist. For her followers, her openness about her struggles serves as both an inspiration and a source of comfort, highlighting that while health issues can feel isolating, collective support is always within reach.