Lili Reinhart, known for her role in “Riverdale,” recently shared her challenging health journey over the past year, shedding light on her struggles with interstitial cystitis and an undiagnosed autoimmune/inflammatory disease. In a candid Instagram post accompanying a Self Magazine interview, the 28-year-old actress detailed her experiences, emphasizing the importance of advocating for one’s own health.
Reinhart’s Instagram post featured a carousel of images documenting her health struggles, including a photo taken at 5 a.m. in a German hospital room during a potential bladder/UTI infection. She revealed that 2024 was the hardest year of her life, grappling with the interstitial cystitis diagnosis while simultaneously seeking answers for a mysterious autoimmune and inflammatory condition.
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The actress also shared a text message exchange revealing the distress of losing chunks of hair, prompting her to constantly check for hair loss. Reinhart connected her personal health journey to her grandmother’s experience, who faced dismissal from doctors for months before receiving a late-stage cancer diagnosis. This family history fueled Reinhart’s determination to advocate for herself and encourage others to do the same.
Reinhart stressed the critical need for individuals to be proactive in their healthcare. She urged readers not to allow medical professionals to dismiss their pain or concerns, emphasizing the importance of trusting one’s own body. The actress hopes her transparency will resonate with others facing similar challenges in their pursuit of answers and proper medical care.
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Additional photos in the Instagram post showcased further doctor visits and a picture of Reinhart on an airplane, highlighting the discomfort of flying with a bladder flare-up. She also included a post about chronic illness, defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as a condition lasting at least a year, requiring ongoing medical attention and/or limiting daily activities. Reinhart further amplified her message on Instagram Stories, sharing impactful quotes from her Self Magazine interview, urging individuals to listen to their bodies and refuse to accept dismissive responses from healthcare providers.
