Lili Reinhart has been "searching for answers" as she battles a mystery illness which made 2024 the "hardest year" of her life.
The 'Riverdale' star 28, has been suffering symptoms including fatigue and hair loss as well as issues similar to a urinary tract infection (UTI) which landed her in hospital in Germany last summer - and she's since been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis - a chronic bladder condition - but she's still no closer to finding out whether she might have an autoimmune disorder too.
In a post on Instagram, she posted a picture of herself at a hospital in Germany at 5am with the words: "Day three in Germany: 5am at the German hospital. Possible bladder/UTI infection."
Lili went on to add: "I feel it’s important to show an honest glimpse at what last year was like for me, when dealing with my health issues ...
"Being diagnosed with interstitial cystitis while simultaneously searching for answers about a mysterious autoimmunity/inflammatory disease made 2024 the hardest year of my life."
The TV star went on to reveal she was inspired to talk about her health issues publicly following the death of her beloved grandmother Corine, who was diagnosed with cancer six months after she first went to a doctor with symptoms.
She added: "I was inspired to talk about this after my grandmother was ignored by doctors for months when exhibiting clear symptoms of cancer- and it was only after her own strength and advocation for herself that she was given a blood test that diagnosed her.
"And by then, the cancer had spread. The most important thing I have taken away from this experience is the absolute need to advocate for your own health. Do not let a doctor gaslight you or diminish your pain. I hope the men and women out there struggling to find answers feel even the slightest bit seen by my experience."
Lili also opened up about her health struggles in an interview with Self magazine. She told the publication: "No one ever knows what that [interstitial cystitis] is when I talk about it.
"But my urogyno is telling me so many women have this, and that’s why I think it’s as important as it is to just be like, ‘Hey, I’m dealing with it too' ...
"Listen to your body, and don’t take no for an answer. Don’t let a doctor tell you that nothing’s wrong when you know that there is."
