Julianne Hough Reveals She Underwent Surgery for Debilitating Chronic Condition
Actress Julianne Hough is recovering from surgery as she battles a chronic condition that affects an estimated 1 in 10 women.
Hough first experienced symptoms of her condition as a teenager, but thought the debilitating pain was normal.
In 2008, the “Dancing With the Stars” pro was whisked away to the emergency room, experiencing violent abdominal pain after a performance. She had to visit several doctors before landing on an accurate diagnosis: endometriosis.
She underwent immediate laparoscopic surgery that very week, and while the surgery did help, Hough admitted she still lives with a good deal of pain.
On Jan. 12, the star revealed she was recovering from a second laparoscopic surgery for her endometriosis.
Hough gave a shoutout to her adorable pup, Lexi, who she said has been by her side through it all. Whenever Hough doesn’t feel well, Lexi is there to bring healing and a sense of calmness with her adorable, furry little face.
“My second laparoscopy for my Endometriosis was over the holidays and of course, who was right by my side?” Hough announced on Instagram. “My guardian angel Lexi.”
Hough posted a photo of her 2008 surgery, with then-puppy Lexi snuggled up by her face.
Fast forward to 2018 with the second photo, and Lexi is there again, offering some post-surgery healing with her adorable, now-matured doggy face.
Hough went on to say that her beloved pooch is the first to know when anything is awry, and the first to offer comfort. “Dogs are just incredible!!!” she exclaimed.
Many pet owners will agree, pets give back in the most amazing, comforting ways. Lexi helps remind Hough of the importance of self-care, which Hough admitted hasn’t always been easy.
In a Sept. 2017 interview with Today, Hough said she’s working on being kind to herself as she lives with her unpredictable disease.
Having an accurate diagnosis and being able to put a name to the debilitating pain also helps, Hough explained.
“It sort of gives you peace of mind, like a name to the pain,” Hough told Today. “Just knowing that I’m not the only one who feels this and that I’m not overreacting.”
Sometimes the hardest thing for someone with chronic pain to do is to simply rest, and be okay with it. Hough admitted she’s working on giving herself “more compassion” for how she’s feeling, and learning to rest when she needs to.
Having a cute doggy by your side sure makes cozying up in bed a little easier. How does your pup help you through the hard days?
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