Justin Timberlake Reveals Lyme Disease Diagnosis: 'I Was Shocked'

Justin Timberlake revealed that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.

In a lengthy Instagram post shared on Thursday (July 31), the singer shared news of his diagnosis while reflecting on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, which had its final show on Wednesday (July 30) in Istanbul.

“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person. But as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour—I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me,” Timberlake wrote. “Among other things, I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease—which I don’t say so you feel bad for me—but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.”

He continued, “If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has—then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically."

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by tick bites. Early symptoms, which can develop up to 30 days after a bite, may include a rash, fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain, according to WebMD. More severe symptoms like arthritis and brain or spinal cord inflammation can worsen without treatment.

"When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure," Timberlake wrote. "But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.”

The artist explained that he considered the possibility of no longer touring altogether before deciding that “the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling.”

“I’m so glad I kept going,” he noted.

“I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted,” he said further into the message. “Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected. I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”

Timberlake's tour was in support of his sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was, which featured the singles "Selfish," "No Angels," and "Drown."

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