What did Karen Duffy say about her bout with sarcoidosis? Duffy’s illness Explained
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Karen Duffy, a former MTV VJ and author, launched her new book, Wise Up: Irreverent Enlightenment from a Mother Who’s Been Through It, on Tuesday, April 12. Duffy discusses life lessons, motherhood, and a python assault in the book.
The VJ turned author talks about her sickness and persistent agony while promoting her book. Duffy also talked about her experience at the 1995 Emmy Awards, which she claims was the last day she was free of chronic pain.
The 59-year-old author reflected on her Emmys experience, which she had with her close friend George Clooney, “That was the last day that I lived without chronic pain.”
Karen Duffy’s sarcoidosis condition is investigated
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition that causes granulomas to form in particular regions of the body. According to Mayo Clinic, the condition mostly affects the lungs and lymph nodes. It can, however, affect any area of the body. Researchers believe that the condition is triggered by the immune system’s reaction to a foreign chemical, albeit the cause remains unknown.
Sarcoidosis symptoms vary from person to person depending on which area of the body is afflicted. Swollen and painful joints, swelling lymph glands, skin redness, and hazy vision are some of the symptoms. It can also result in an enlarged liver, kidney stones, and cyst formation around the bones. It can cause terrible agony in the hands, feet, and other places.
Sarcoidosis can also induce irregular heartbeats and pericardial irritation, according to Web MD. Heart failure can potentially be a result of the condition.
While there is no cure, pain relievers and immune-suppressing medications such as corticosteroids and others are used to treat the condition. The sickness usually goes away on its own in mild to moderate cases. Hydroxychloroquine can also be used to treat the disease’s cutaneous symptoms.
Karen Duffy spoke up about her sarcoidosis diagnosis
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Following the 1995 Emmys, Karen Duffy said that she was in great agony in her head and neck.
The sensation seemed like an “electric eel swimming” down her spinal cord, according to the actress and producer. She discovered an inoperable lesion in her brain that was pressing against her nerves and causing her excruciating pain at the time. Duffy was diagnosed with sarcoidosis nine months later. Her central nervous system was impacted by the condition.
Karen Duffy subsequently explained that the pain was so acute that even a cool wind on her neck couldn’t keep her from collapsing. She has already lost sensation in her leg and arm, according to the 59-year-old. Her illness, though, may cause her to lose more movement in the future.
Ankita Khanrah
Ankita Khanrah is a second-year student of the Master of Communication and Journalism (Integrated) programme at the School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed University, Bhubaneswar.
