This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at App State chapter.

Lady Gaga recently postponed the European leg of her World Tour due to severe physical pain. This postponement came just after the star had to cancel her performance at the Rock in Rio music festival in Brazil, based on doctor’s orders.

In her documentary called Five Foot Two, Lady Gaga is shown with severe chronic pain, which affects her performance ability. She later tweeted that the chronic severe pain she suffers from is actually Fibromyalgia, which is a musculoskeletal disease. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue, headaches, and insomnia.

Many critics of Gaga have said she is just being “dramatic,” but if anyone knows Gaga, they know that there is nothing more she loves than being on stage and putting on a show. It is evident in the shows from her early career, clad in a full dress made of raw meat.

Lady Gaga posted a photo on her Instagram explaining why she did what she had to do, and assuring her fans that she will return to Europe for the tour.

“I have always been honest about my physical and mental health struggles. Searching for years to get to the bottom of them. It is complicated and difficult to explain, and we are trying to figure it out. As I get stronger and when I feel ready, I will tell my story in more depth, and plan to take this on strongly so I can not only raise awareness, but expand research for others who suffer as I do, so I can help make a difference. I use the word “suffer” not for pity, or attention, and have been disappointed to see people online suggest that I’m being dramatic, making this up, or playing the victim to get out of touring. If you knew me, you would know this couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m a fighter. I use the word suffer not only because trauma and chronic pain have changed my life, but because they are keeping me from living a normal life. They are also keeping me from what I love the most in the world: performing for my fans. I am looking forward to touring again soon, but I have to be with my doctors right now so I can be strong and perform for you all for the next 60 years or more. I love you so much.”

Feel better soon, Gaga!

Sources:

https://churchpop.com/2017/09/18/lady-gaga-posts-photo-of-her-praying-ro…

http://www.worldreligionnews.com/culture/celebrity/lady-gaga-explains-tour-cancellation-posting-photo-praying-rosary

http://variety.com/2017/music/news/lady-gaga-postpones-european-leg-of-joanne-tour-1202562471/

http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/18/entertainment/lady-gaga-tour-postponed/index.html

http://enfntsterribles.com/the-million-reasons-behind-lady-gagas-new-mus…

http://www.fibrotoday.com/lady-gaga-announces-fibromyalgia/