Solange Knowles is one of the most creative artists in the music industry. She doesn’t follow the predictable path that’s expected from female R&B stars. Unfortunately, serious health issues do not care about your artistry or popularity. The “When I Get Home” singer recently revealed on Instagram that she’s been battling multiple chronic illnesses since 2018.
Musician Shaun Ross posted a lengthy video detailing his battle with POTS as a result of long COVID. Solange responded by writing, “Sending u so much love and strength Shaun and to all in the comments struggling with the debilitating, confusing, and lonely symptoms of POTS!”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, POTS is short for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which causes symptoms like “a fast heart rate, dizziness and fatigue” when someone moves from laying down to standing up.
Ross explained that he wasn’t releasing the video to gain sympathy or attention, because he doesn’t want his illness to be his identity. He just wanted to remind viewers that you never know what someone is fighting and to be careful with your words. This prompted Knowles to reveal that six years ago she found out she was suffering from several medical issues, including POTS.
“I got diagnosed with POTS, Sjogrens and Mcas in 2018 and really relate to not wanting your health to be your identity,” Solange continued.
Sjögren’s is an chronic autoimmune illness where “the body. The main symptoms are dry eyes and mouth.” It can cause dry eyes and mouth, as well as muscle and joint pain, per the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
According to Cleveland Clinic, Mcas or Mast cell activation syndrome is “caused by mast cells (mistakenly) alerting your immune system that there’s something harmful in your body.” Symptoms include “intense episodes of swelling, shortness of breath, hives, diarrhea and vomiting.”
On social media, her fans sent their love and support to Knowles. One person replied to her post writing, “We all got each other.”
Another user expressed surprise that she was battling multiple illnesses, writing on X, “I love my sis Solange. I heard about her having Sjögren’s syndrome but not POTS or MCAS until recently. From the stories I’ve heard from others on their experience with POTS, it’s certainly not easy to deal with and my heart goes out to anyone battling any chronic illness.”
Ross commented on Solange’s news, posting, “It’s so interesting to look back at Solange in 2017 when she revealed she had pots and to see the slow down and change of career pace. I wonder if this came from the rush of tour and everything else. I know that the first time I performed on my 2nd tour was when it truly hit me hard like a switch.”
Solange concluded her message by thanking others battling chronic illnesses, writing, “I feel really grateful for the spoonie community for holding me down during my times of complete uncertainty! Sending an abundance of love your way!”