Avril Lavigne and husband Chad Kroeger, lead singer of Nickleback, also dealing with health issues, photographed in October 2013, at the Huading Awards in Macau, China

Avril Lavigne and husband Chad Kroeger, lead singer of Nickleback, also dealing with health issues, photographed in October 2013, at the Huading Awards in Macau, China
Photo Credit: CBC

Avril Lavigne recovers, Chad Kroeger awaits surgery

Avril Lavigne,and Chad Kroeger, the royal couple of Canadian rock music, are both living the ‘health is wealth’ maxim.

Avril Lavigne, the punk-goth princess, behind the mega-selling albums worldwide, has emerged from her hiatus, confirming she is recovering from a severe case of Lyme disease.

In a tearful interview on Monday, on the American TV show, ‘Good Morning America’, Lavigne shared the ordeal she described as “literally the worst time” of her life.

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© CBC

“I was seeing every specialist and literally the top doctors,” she said, beginning to cry at the memory. “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?’ It’s like, ‘Are you depressed?'”

She said this is how doctors often react to people when confronting the condition they don’t recognize.  “They don’t have an answer for them,” she said, sobbing, “so they tell them … you’re crazy.”

Lavigne revealed her struggle with the disease earlier this spring saying the symptoms were so bad she thought she was dying. She suspects she contracted the illness when she was bitten by a tick in spring 2014.

In the ABC interview she described suffering nearly two months of night sweats and flu-like symptoms before suspecting the inflammatory disease, transmitted by the insect.

“Then I finally figured out [I had to] find a Lyme specialist.”

The 30 year-old, who was very moved by videos and messages from faithful fans during her bedridden days, is doing much better now and says she’s halfway through her treatment of antibiotics and rest.

“I’m just really grateful to know that I will make a 100 per cent recovery,” she said, smiling.  “I’m so excited for life after this.”

Along with a selfie posted to Instagram, next to husband Chad Kroeger, Lavigne wrote: “Driving around after a big morning with my GMA interview. Cried on national television this am. So embarrassing. Lol. Thankful to God that I am recovering, finally getting on with my life and ready to help other people,”

Avril Lavigne will make her first stage appearance in several months during the opening ceremonies of the 2015 Special Olympics on July 25 in Los Angeles, where she’ll perform her latest single, ‘Fly’.

Meanwhile, her husband, Chad Kroeger, lead singer of the Canadian rock band, Nickleback, had to cancel the band’s summer tour of the United States as he needs surgery for an operable cyst on his voice box. On June 23rd it was announced he will have the surgery in 3 weeks, following vocal rest ordered by doctors.

Avoiding Lyme disease

Diagnosing and treating Lyme disease is often difficult and experts recommend being prepared to avoid tick bites if you plan on spending time in forested areas or areas with long grasses. Tips include:

  • Wear long pants when in grassy areas, and tuck pants into socks
  • Wear light-coloured clothing so ticks can be easily spotted
  • Use bug repellent containing DEET
  • Have someone inspect for any attached ticks
  • If you do find a tick on your skin, remove it as quickly as possible with a pair of tweezers
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