LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kesha, the 36-year-old singer formerly known as Ke$ha, has been diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency disease (CVID). This rare condition, affecting approximately one in 25,000 to 50,000 individuals worldwide, was discovered after Kesha began experiencing extreme fatigue.
In her first public discussion about her condition with SELF magazine in 2022, Kesha revealed her struggles with CVID. "I had a really hard time saying no to interviews or photo shoots because I didn’t want to let my one chance fall away by not being able to fulfill every request. It led to severe exhaustion physically and mentally."
‘I try to get as much sleep as possible’
She admitted finding it difficult to do things she loved and also feared missed opportunities. This mindset resulted in her burning herself out in order to “keep up.” “I learned after my diagnosis that sleep is the most important thing. I took that for granted for, God, about 29, 30 years,” she said.
Reflecting on her diagnosis, she said, “I feel like I’m just playing catch-up in my teens and twenties, still. But I try to get as much sleep as possible, and I have to protect that fiercely”. She now prioritizes rest and fiercely protects her sleep.
‘It was horrifying’
During the interview, Kesha also revealed a near-death experience she had after a complication that occurred when she underwent a procedure to freeze her eggs in January this year. After feeling too weak to walk, she went to the hospital in the Bahamas and was then transferred to a hospital in Miami. She stayed at the hospital for nine days. While she stated that she has finally recovered now, it took several months and she called it a "horrifying" experience.
What is CVID?
CVID is classified as a primary immunodeficiency disease which significantly increases the risk of recurrent and potentially serious infections in those affected. Kesha chose to keep her condition private until now due to concerns about attracting negative attention. She confessed her desire to avoid being perceived as a privileged complainer and to maintain her image of having a fun and carefree lifestyle.
In approximately 25% of CVID cases, autoimmune issues are caused by the condition. This means that the immune system sometimes mistakenly perceives healthy cells, tissues, or organs to be a threat and attacks them in an attempt to protect the body. Symptoms can include fatigue, digestive problems, and recurring respiratory infections that may lead to chronic conditions like lung disease.
