Carrie Ann Inaba Shares Her Journey with Sjögren Disease

Carrie Ann Inaba, renowned judge from *Dancing with the Stars*, is shedding light on her battle with Sjögren disease, an autoimmune disorder that disrupts the body’s ability to produce saliva and tears. Inaba’s journey to diagnosis was fraught with challenges, as she endured a range of unexplained symptoms for over a decade.

Inaba first noticed troubling signs in her 20s, which included debilitating fatigue, persistent brain fog, dry mouth, and corneal damage. “It felt like my body was just not functioning,” she reflected. Despite her research, her concerns were often dismissed by healthcare professionals, a common experience for many living with Sjögren disease. “People don’t talk about Sjögren disease enough; many don’t even know how to pronounce it,” she lamented.

After years of struggling with her symptoms, Inaba was finally referred to a rheumatologist, who confirmed her diagnosis in 2013. With the diagnosis came a sense of relief. “At least I knew what I was dealing with,” she said. The challenge, however, lies in the complexity of diagnosing Sjögren disease, which can take years due to its overlapping symptoms with other conditions like fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

The impact of Sjögren disease extends beyond physical symptoms. For Inaba, the condition has had a profound effect on her passion for dance. In 2013, her persistent symptoms, coupled with a physical injury, forced her to stop dancing—a heartbreaking turn for someone whose life has revolved around movement. “I was in so much pain and fatigue; it was overwhelming,” she recalled.

Inaba also highlighted the mental health challenges associated with the disease, including anxiety and depression. “Living with the uncertainty of flare-ups creates a constant state of alertness,” she shared. Nina Couette, a rheumatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, noted that Sjögren’s can affect multiple body systems, leading to profound fatigue and other systemic issues.

Over time, Inaba has found ways to manage her condition. She emphasizes the importance of energy management and self-care, which includes yoga, acupuncture, and mindful movement. “I’ve learned to really listen to my body,” she said. Couette added that adopting a healthy lifestyle, staying hydrated, and prioritizing sleep are essential for managing symptoms.

While there is currently no FDA-approved treatment specifically for Sjögren disease, many therapies focus on symptom relief. Over-the-counter medications can help stimulate saliva production, and ongoing research offers hope for future treatments aimed at modifying the disease itself.

Inaba is now using her platform to raise awareness about Sjögren disease through her partnership with Novartis and their SJÖUT for Sjögren’s campaign. She expressed her desire to foster a sense of community for those affected by the disease. “When I was first diagnosed, I felt so alone,” she said, emphasizing the importance of connecting with others who understand her experience.

Recently, Inaba has resumed dancing, a passion she thought she had lost. She looks forward to returning as a judge on *Dancing with the Stars* and believes that greater awareness can help others feel more supported in their journeys. “Just as the conversation around dance has grown, I want people to talk about Sjögren’s disease,” she stated. “We need to create exposure and understanding.”