Riverdale star Lili Reinhart has said 2024 was “the hardest year of her life” in a poignant new post.
The American actress, 28, has revealed she’s been secretly battling with her health, and was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis and has “a mysterious autoimmunity/inflammatory disease”.
She spoke about her health battle to Self, telling fans to keep on top of their health, trust their own instincts and to ”listen to your body” even when doctors are struggling to find a diagnosis.
READ MORE: Actress’ tribute to Guy Pearce after revealing secret split
READ MORE: ‘You’ve pushed us all away’: Son’s plea to Billy Ray Cyrus
“Listen to your body, and don’t take no for an answer. Don’t let a doctor tell you that nothing’s wrong when you know that there is,” she told the publication.
Reinhart, who has long been open about her battle with her mental health and depression, told the outlet she recently had covid-19 at least three times.
The star said she suffered an eating disorder and alopecia and interstitial cystitis.
READ MORE: Shock over Nicole Kidman’s Oscars ‘snub’
According to the Mayo Clinic, interstitial cystitis “is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain”.
She shared with the publication that at one point, on a recent Halloween, she didn’t celebrate the day due to her health and her grandmother’s own health battle.
“Healthwise, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to leave my couch. But I’m not going to tell the world that,” Reinhart said.
Why these actors left their popular TV roles early
She explained she was inspired to talk about her health issues to possibly help other people and after her late grandmother’s recent death from ovarian cancer at the age of 85.
She explained that her grandmother pushed doctors to check her symptoms and her health before her diagnosis.
In her post, the Riverdale star shared a series of pictures of herself receiving health care and wrote: “I feel it’s important to show an honest glimpse at what last year was like for me, when dealing with my health issues.”
IN PICTURES: All the celebrities spotted at the Australian Open 2025
For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
“Being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis while simultaneously searching for answers about a mysterious autoimmunity/inflammatory disease made 2024 the hardest year of my life.
“I was inspired to talk about this after my grandmother was ignored by doctors for months when exhibiting clear symptoms of cancer- and it was only after her own strength and advocation for herself that she was given a blood test that diagnosed her. And by then, the cancer had spread,” she added in part of her post, saying people need to “advocate for your own health”.
“Do not let a doctor gaslight you or diminish your pain.”
In an emergency, contact triple zero (000).
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. For cancer information and support call Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support line. Butterfly foundation: 1800 33 4673.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.