Jess Impiazzi was diagnosed with lupus.
The 34-year-old star revealed on Sunday that she was coughing up blood and feared she would die before medical tests revealed she had a chronic autoimmune disease.
Jess shared the news on Instagram, explaining how she suffered from debilitating stomach problems, muscle cramps, swollen joints that left her unable to move, extreme fatigue, worsening vision and a rash all over her face, chest and arms.
After three emergency room visits in July and “many, many” tests, the actress, who is dating Jermaine Pennant, was finally told by doctors that she had lupus and was now taking steroids “to get it under control.” .
Jess, who recently endured a failed round of IVF, has explained that she believes the breast job she had in December to replace a ruptured breast implant was the cause of the serious decline in her health.
Jess Impiazzi has been diagnosed with lupus: The 34-year-old star revealed on Sunday that she feared she would die before tests revealed she had the chronic autoimmune disease
Candid: Jess shared how she suffered from debilitating stomach problems, muscle cramps, swollen joints that left her unable to move, and a rash all over her face, chest and arms
Long journey: After three emergency room visits in July and “many, many” tests, the actress was finally told by doctors that she had lupus and was now taking steroids “to get it under control.”
On Sunday, Jess shared photos of her rash-covered face on Instagram and told fans what she’d been through.
She wrote: “A lot has happened here since the beginning of the year! …I don’t know where to start!”
Obviously I was very open about the IVF journey and process, but during this time and practically since the beginning of January, I became increasingly ill, with inflammation and stomach issues that were debilitating.
“As the months went by I started having muscle cramps, my joints swelled and I couldn’t move my whole body, my eyesight deteriorated, the fatigue was and is something I’ve never experienced before.”
“It was just horrible being in the gym almost every day and running 5km.” Then I started getting rashes all over my chest, arms and face (I learned to cover them well with make-up, but without Makeup is terrible on my nose and my whole forehead)
“In July I had to go to the emergency room three times because of the pain, all I knew was that I was getting worse and really struggling!” Mentally it took its toll, and if the IVF and failure wasn’t hard enough, it was That would be the crowning glory!
“After many, many tests and major blood draws, I was diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disease called lupus.
“I’m currently taking steroids to get this under control and then see what the future holds medication-wise, but a diagnosis helps as I can now work with the doctors to be able to live again and do everything I can to to keep my body in the best condition.” Working condition!
Give it all away: Jess shared the news in a lengthy post caption on Instagram
Oh dear! Jess has also explained that she believes the breast job she had in December to replace a ruptured breast implant was the reason for the serious decline in her health
“I had great friends and family who supported me! (You know who you are!) I’m doing some research into why it happened and what might have caused it, although it’s difficult for doctors to determine, but I had surgery at the end of December last year that I think may be possible could be linked. (I’ll talk about this in more detail once I know more)
“If anyone has autoimmune issues, especially lupus, please reach out to me and let me know how you might be helped!”
“Anyway…this has been happening lately and I’ve been feeling a bit lost, but I’m getting back on my feet!” I’ll get back on my feet with tweaks and get the show back on the road! Peace and love for all.’
Speaking to The Sun, Jess explained how her debilitating symptoms began in January, a month after she had her breast implants replaced after one ruptured.
She said: “One day I started coughing up blood, which was incredibly scary… I know there is a lot of controversy around breast implant illness, but before this rupture I was healthy.”
“I had the new ones put in and my health deteriorated until every bodily function was under attack by my own system.” The only thing that has changed are my breasts.
“My consultant said there is a connection between silicone and autoimmune diseases. Why else would my body start attacking itself?
Jess also told the publication that she has now set a date to have her breast implants removed, saying: “I’m not prepared for more parts of my body to be lost.” Living like that isn’t living. It is difficult.’
WHAT IS LUPUS?
What is Lupus?
It is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies against itself and attacks them. Lupus – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – has varying degrees of severity. Some of those affected only experience mild symptoms, while others experience life-threatening organ damage to the heart and kidneys.
What are the symptoms?
Fatigue, joint and muscle pain. A common first symptom is joint stiffness, especially in the morning. Skin and hair problems are a key feature of SLE – a butterfly-shaped rash over the cheeks and nose is common, as is hair loss and sensitivity to the sun. Other problems include depression, lung and heart disease and kidney inflammation.
What can it be confused with?
It is often confused with other joint problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, which is also characterized by morning joint stiffness. It can also be misdiagnosed as a skin or blood disease.
How is it diagnosed?
If your GP suspects SLE, they will order a blood test. The specific antibodies that attack the body can be measured in the blood. The diagnosis is made when typical symptoms and a high antibody level are present.
Who is at risk?
SLE is ten times more common in women than in men and usually develops between the ages of 12 and 25.
What is the treatment?
Controlling symptoms as there is no cure, using anti-inflammatories and steroid tablets in more severe cases.
The health update comes after Jess expressed her heartache over her IVF treatment failing.
She wrote on Instagram: “Social media can easily trick us into thinking we have everything under control!” So I just wanted to give a real update! All the IVF failure and other health issues I’ve been dealing with have made it very difficult to keep the stress away.
“I did my best, I meditated, I did virtually every spiritual practice I could during that time, but I think I overdid it because I was in fight mode, trying to deal with the pain of what was going on with my fertility and the emotional, physical and financial stress that comes with fertility issues and IVF.
“I took a step back to rebuild myself and take my foot off the gas for a while.” I started getting rashes all over my body (wipe along) The stress has to get out of us somehow!
“Sometimes illness is our guide!” I read @gabormatemd #themythofnormal and sometimes our illness is our body giving us signals to make some changes and it can be our teacher and guide to make those changes!’
Jess ended the lengthy post by saying, “Life won’t be easy, that’s a fact, but if we focus on ourselves instead of using all these crazy distractions to unwind.”
“Maybe we can figure things out a little better!” I feel much more relaxed and can concentrate on myself again! So take care everyone and send lots of love.’
Health: The former Ex On The Beach star recently opened up about how she endured a failed round of IVF after being told she was in early menopause