Kelle Bryan opened up about her ongoing battle with lupus (Image: ITV)
Kelle Bryan admitted she’s been on a “tough” journey as she opened up about her ongoing battle with Lupus.
The chronic condition causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissue, causing inflammation. Some sufferers of lupus will have only mild problems, however, others can have life-threatening organ damage to the heart and the kidneys.
Kelle, 49, who shot to fame as part of girl group Eternal, has been undergoing treatment for the autoimmune disease since she was first diagnosed back in 1998.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk at the TV Choice Awards, the star issued a positive update as she reflected on finding a treatment that works for her.
She said: “For me to be up and about and feeling like I do now, I’m really grateful. It’s a tough journey. It is for anyone with a long-term illness.
…
Kelle has been undergoing treatment for lupus since her diagosis (Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty)
“There’s no cure for lupus. So for me, having a treatment that means I can get on with my life and be able to carry on as normal. I’m just grateful that I found a treatment that works for my body.”
The former Hollyoaks actress added: “It’s been a long journey but getting to where I am now, I feel really privileged.”
During an appearance on Loose Women in 2021, the mum-of-two recalled how cerebral lupus left her with swelling on the brain and caused her to have a stroke.
The TV star said: “I had cerebral lupus…I lost the ability to speak, to read, to write and [my] movement and coordination.
“I’m diagnosed with lupus but the lupus was on my brain, which means I had cerebral lupus, I then had a stroke. I lost three days of my life where I don’t remember anything at all.”
Don’t miss…
Kelle suffered a stroke and lost the ability to speak (Image: Instagram/Kelle Bryan)
The Loose Women star has been open about her battle with the disease (Image: ITV)
In her long road to recovery, Kelle recounted having to relearn basic tasks, remarking: “I had to learn how to use a cup to drink again.”
Reflecting on waking up after the stroke, she described the confusion and disorientation vividly: “It was an odd time…when I came around I was in hospital and I just remember someone fiddling with my head because they wanted to give me a brain scan. That’s the first memory I have.”
The singer also shared how the illness affected her short-term memory, leading to difficulties in daily life. She explained: “I would go out and leave my front door open or I would go shopping and leave my car door open.”
Kelle has always been open about her experiences with the disease and raises awareness of the condition through her role as a patron of the St Thomas’ Lupus Trust.