The Canadian pop star held nothing back in a new interview with Good Morning America*, breaking down in tears, recalling the struggle with a diagnosis as she chatted to journalist Jesse Palmer.
“I was in Los Angeles, and it was literally the worst time of my life,” Avril said about her frustrating medical appointments.
“I was seeing every specialist, and literally like the top doctors … It was so stupid. They would pull up their computer and be like, ‘Chronic fatigue syndrome’ or ‘Why don’t you try to get out of bed, Avril, and just go play the piano?’ or ‘Are you depressed?'”
“This is what they do to a lot of people that have Lyme disease. They don’t have an answer for them, so they tell them … ‘You’re crazy.’ “
Avril then became her own health advocate, taking charge and researching her symptons before connecting that she may be suffering from Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacteria known as Borrelia, which can impact many bodily systems and organs and can in some cases mimic other illnesses.
The singer found herself a specialist which brought upon treatment and a new lease of life. She expects to make a full recovery.
“I’m doing a lot better; seeing a lot of progress,” Avril smiled. “I’m just really grateful to know that I will make a 100 percent recovery.”
Avril was inspired to release her new single, Fly, which benefits the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015
Her journey to recovery has deeply impacted her life, giving her a new outlook to her future.
“I think for me it’s a second shot at life,” Avril said, before adding, “I want to go out there and truly do what I love, so I’m so excited for life after this.”
Watch Avril talk about her illness in the video player above
