Shania Twain, the renowned musician celebrated for her iconic hits, encountered a challenging period in her life when she was struck by Lyme disease. In the documentary “Shania Twain: Not Just A Girl,” the 56-year-old singer candidly shared her struggles with the illness and the profound fear she faced about potentially never performing again.
The Onset of Illness
The ordeal began in 2003 when Shania was bitten by a tick carrying Lyme disease while riding her horse. The infection quickly manifested into severe symptoms, causing her to struggle with basic tasks, including performing. Shania recounted her distressing experiences, saying, “I couldn’t keep my balance, and I was terrified that I was going to tumble off the stage.” She described suffering from millisecond blackouts every 30 seconds, which intensified her fear of never being able to perform again.
Fear of Losing Her Voice
The impact on her voice was particularly alarming. Shania expressed deep anxiety, stating, “I was terrified that I had lost my voice for good and that I would never sing again in my life.” The disease altered her vocal quality and airflow control, leading to a period of profound sadness and uncertainty about her future in music.
Finding Solace in Writing
Amidst the turmoil, Shania turned to writing for comfort. Despite her initial intention to pursue writing over performing, she found that her passion for writing remained a constant source of solace. She shared with The Sun, “It was quite discouraging, and I was really upset about it, but I still had my writing, and my writing is really my first love above everything else.”
A Triumphant Return
Shania’s perseverance paid off. After a decade of struggle, she made a triumphant return to the stage with a residency in Las Vegas in 2012. Her comeback was a testament to her resilience, as she captivated audiences once again with her voice.
Shania Twain’s battle with Lyme disease is a powerful reminder of inner strength and determination. Her journey underscores the importance of pursuing one’s dreams despite facing significant obstacles.
