‘I was shocked’: Pop star reveals he’s been quietly battling Lyme disease
Justin Timberlake has revealed his diagnosis with Lyme disease.
The "Mirrors" singer said he has been quietly fighting the disease throughout his "Forget Tomorrow" World Tour.
"This has been the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and, at times, grueling experience," Timberlake wrote in his Instagram story on Thursday, July 31. "As I'm reflecting on the tour and festival tour — I want to tell you a little bit about what's going on with me."
The former NSYNC member said he was feeling certain ailments while performing and that his diagnosis cleared up several questions.
"When I first got the diagnosis, I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness," Timberlake wrote. "I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out."
The "SexyBack" singer ultimately decided to keep performing because he said "the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling."
"I'm so glad I kept going," Timberlake continued. "Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget."
The singer wanted to share his diagnosis to help shed a light on Lyme disease and to be more transparent with others about his struggles "so that they aren't misinterpreted."
Timberlake also hoped his efforts would help his fans to "find a way to be more connected."
The Grammy Award winner went on to thank any fan who's ever attended one of his tours as well as his crew, band, backup singers and dancers.
"There really is no way to put into words the feeling of being on stage and getting to share the experience of live music with all of you. It's a vibration of frequency that is unmatched," Timberlake wrote . "I honestly don't know what my future is onstage but I'll always cherish this run! And all of them before! It's been the stuff of legend for me."
Timberlake also thanked his wife and sons by writing, "Nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I'm on my way..."
Timberlake isn't the first musician who's publicly shared his Lyme disease diagnosis. Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber are among the many other stars who have previously spoken about their struggles with the illness.
Timberlake's announcement comes after he canceled the final concert of his "Forget Tomorrow" World Tour shortly before the show was supposed to start back in February .
The singer cited sickness as the reason for him abruptly calling off the Feb. 27 show in Columbus, Ohio.
"You guys. I'm heartbroken. I have to cancel the show tonight. I went into soundcheck battling the flu and now it's gotten the best of me," Timberlake wrote in an Instagram post . "It kills me to disappoint you and my team who worked so hard to make this show happen. I want to reassure you, you'll be getting refunds for your tickets."
Timberlake also previously canceled shows in Chicago, Grand Rapids, Detroit Milwaukee and St. Paul after contracting both laryngitis and bronchitis last October. Those shows were rescheduled as a result.
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Read the original article on MassLive .
