What Happened With Yolanda Hadid? Has Yolanda Recovered From Lyme?
In recent years, celebrities such as Avril Lavigne, Alec Baldwin, and the mother-daughter duo Yolanda and Bella Hadid have been shedding light on their personal battles with Lyme disease. Despite the first recorded case dating back to 1975, a staggering 46 years ago, there is still a shocking lack of widely available and reliable information about this tick-borne illness.
Lyme disease is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and cognitive impairment, which can persist and become chronic, significantly affecting the quality of life for those affected. It is a condition that has driven some individuals to contemplate suicide. What is particularly surprising is the absence of an agreed-upon treatment approach.
Following in the footsteps of her daughter Bella, who recently shared her own struggles with Lyme disease on her Instagram Stories, Yolanda Hadid, aged 57, is determined to bring attention to what she refers to as an “invisible disease.” In a candid conversation with Vogue, the former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills opened up about her personal challenges, offering glimpses into her darkest moments while also providing hope for a brighter future.
Vogue: Thank you for sharing your story with us, Yolanda. How are you feeling?
Yolanda Hadid: At the moment, I’m doing really well, and I’m grateful for it. As you may know, there is no known cure for chronic Lyme disease, so being in remission is a blessing that I cherish every day.
Ticks that carry the disease are prevalent in many parts of the world. Why do you think there is still a lack of awareness regarding the prevalence and severity of Lyme disease?
I believe it boils down to a lack of education. Currently, the proper diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease face three significant obstacles: the absence of a standardized case definition that accurately reflects the clinical presentation of the disease, low sensitivity of laboratory tests in identifying individuals with the disease, and high rates of treatment failure.
Given the limited public discourse surrounding Lyme disease, it is commendable that you and, more recently, Bella have been open about your struggles. What motivated both of you to speak candidly about this?
We firmly believe in turning our mess into a message. Instead of using our platforms solely for posting selfies, we strive to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard. By sharing the more challenging aspects of our lives, we can raise awareness and make a difference.
Aside from Bella and yourself, there is another family member, Anwar, who has been diagnosed with Lyme disease. Do you have any idea where the three of you might have contracted it?
My children grew up on a farm in Santa Barbara, California, where they spent a lot of time in nature, riding horses and enjoying outdoor activities. Although we never noticed any ticks or bull’s-eye rashes on us, we will never know for certain.
Could you provide some insights into your diagnosis and the symptoms you experienced?
I used to be a multitasking single mother of three, always on the go, but gradually, I started losing my vitality. My symptoms included severe fatigue, brain fog, memory loss, difficulty finding the right words, anxiety, insomnia, migraines, joint pain, muscle weakness, sensitivity to bright light, flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and slight Bell’s palsy affecting my face. All of these symptoms left me feeling depressed.
My body gave me early warning signs, but my type-A personality didn’t leave much room for vulnerability. I fought tirelessly to maintain a facade of strength in front of my family and friends. However, as things deteriorated further, I could no longer hide from the truth. Ultimately, I received a diagnosis from a doctor in Belgium.
You have referred to Lyme disease as an “invisible disability,” and it seems that sufferers might not always be taken entirely seriously. Could you elaborate on this?
Similar to other chronic diseases and mental health issues, the unfortunate reality is that individuals with Lyme disease often appear healthy on the outside, making it difficult for others to comprehend their struggles. It is far easier for people to show compassion when they can see visible external symptoms. Unfortunately, many still question the existence of chronic Lyme disease. As the saying goes, “You don’t truly understand it until you experience it.”
How have the diagnoses of yourself, Bella, and Anwar influenced your approach to work, relationships, and life in general?
My decade-long journey was an absolute nightmare, but it taught me invaluable lessons about life, resilience, and the importance of patience and dedication. My “new normal” is much slower and more in tune with who I am. I have also learned to love my authentic self, embracing all my imperfections. I am grateful for every moment I spend on this planet with my family and friends. Looking back, I realize that all those difficult times in my life were blessings in disguise.
You have previously stated that you reached a point where you could not fathom living another day. What keeps you going?
Words cannot adequately express the darkness, pain, and daily torment I endured. For a while, it didn’t feel like living at all. This disease brought me to my knees, and many nights, I wished for release from the agony. If it weren’t for my children, I don’t think I would be here today. It is crucial that we listen to people because so many suffer silently. We should refrain from judging someone’s feelings based solely on their outward appearance.
My life is far from perfect, but I strive to maintain balance. I ensure I get enough sleep, consume organic food whenever possible, practice yoga, and meditate every day. I also use a wellness device called the WAVE 1 by Fremedica, which I wear while sleeping. This wearable device utilizes LED light to communicate with the body’s cells and promotes wellness management. The combination of these factors has allowed me to live with fewer chronic symptoms. Emphasizing emotional and spiritual healing is equally as important as medical diagnosis. My heart is filled with gratitude, and life has blessed me with an extraordinary partner who has restored my belief in love.
Is there anything you would like to share with our readers who might be battling the same fate or seeking further knowledge?
I wrote a book about my journey with health called “Believe Me” (Macmillan, 2018). It offers hope to those fighting this disease on their own. In the book, I explore topics that are rarely discussed, such as implant disease, “explant” surgery, dental issues, heavy metals, and parasites.
My heart overflows with compassion and respect for every individual bravely battling this life-altering disease. Remember, you are not alone. We must continue to fight together, one day at a time, until we find a cure that is accessible and affordable for all.