Solange Knowles has opened up about her struggles with numerous autoimmune disorders, saying that it can be a “debilitating, confusing and lonely” experience.
The singer-songwriter and actor, who is the younger sister of Beyoncé, wrote about being diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) when commenting on a post by musician Shaun Ross.
- READ MORE: Solange – ‘When I Get Home’ review
In an Instagram post, Ross explained that he had been diagnosed with PoTS after suffering with long COVID.
According to the NHS, PoTS “is when your heart rate increases very quickly after getting up from sitting or lying down, often making you feel dizzy or lightheaded”. It adds: “There’s currently no cure, but it can be managed with changes to your lifestyle, or sometimes treatment with medicines.”
Replying to Ross’ update, Solange wrote: “Sending u so much love and strength Shaun and to all in the comments struggling with the debilitating, confusing, and lonely symptoms of POTS!”
The singer went on to confirm that she had been diagnosed with PoTS, Sjögren’s syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) in 2018. “[I] really relate to not wanting your health to be your identity,” she added.
“The good folks at [Dysautonomia International] were really an incredible resource for me and I feel really grateful for the spoonie community for holding me down during my times of complete uncertainty! Sending an abundance of love your way!”
Sjögren’s syndrome is a condition that affects parts of the body that produce fluids, such as tears and saliva. Symptoms include dry eyes, mouth and skin, tiredness and muscle or joint pain.
MCAS can cause issues with the gastrointestinal tract, heart, respiratory and neurologic system.
In 2017, Solange cancelled two live shows and confirmed that she had been diagnosed with an autonomic disorder. “It [has] been a journey that hasn’t been easy on me,” she wrote at the time.
“Sometimes I feel cool, and other times not so cool at all. It’s a complicated diagnosis, and I’m still learning so much myself, but right now, my doctors are not clearing me for such an extended lengthy flight, and doing a rigorous show right after.”
Solange then cancelled two performances at the Sydney Opera House in 2020 due to “the physical demands” of the concerts.
The singer’s fourth and most recent studio album, ‘When I Get Home’, was released in 2019. She has since turned her attention to composing a ballet score.
However, Solange revealed earlier this year that she had “started writing music for the tuba, and I am trying to talk myself into releasing it”. She continued: “But I can only imagine the eye rolls from people being like, ‘This bitch hasn’t made an album’.”
Captioning his recent video, Shaun Ross wrote: “This video isn’t for sympathy but just to inform. I’ve put off making this video for some time, but I wanted to share it in the hope that it might help someone else going through a similar situation.
“This isn’t a sympathy reach or anything like that, just me simply sharing my journey with long COVID and how life is today.”
He added: “I receive tons of comments from people I know and others I don’t about my appearance and weight gain, so I wanted to take the time to talk about my experience with POTS syndrome as a result of long COVID.”
