Selena Gomez reveals she had a kidney transplant during her lupus battle as she shares hospital picture with best friend who donated her organ
SELENA Gomez has revealed she’s had a secret kidney transplant due to her battle with Lupus - and her best friend was the donor.
The singer , 25, broke the news by sharing a picture of herself recovering in hospital alongside pal and fellow actress Francia Raisa.
In a lengthy post she explained why she had been absent for most of the summer as she shared a series of pictures of her scars.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease with symptoms including body aches, fevers and extreme fatigue - it can also lead to kidney and heart damage.
She wrote: “I’m very aware some of my fans had noticed I was laying low for part of the summer and questioning why I wasn’t promoting my new music, which I was extremely proud of. So I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my Lupus and was recovering.
“It was what I needed to do for my overall health. I honestly look forward to sharing with you, soon my journey through these past several months as I have always wanted to do with you. Until then I want to publicly thank my family and incredible team of doctors for everything they have done for me prior to and post-surgery."
Selena, who is dating The Weekend, went on thank The Secret Life of the American Teenager star Francia who had donated her kidney, revealing she felt "incredibly blessed".
What is Lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune condition when the body makes antibodies that attack itself.
While some patients will only suffer from mild problem such as aches and feeling tired, others can have life threatening organ damage to the heart and kidneys.
Other symptoms include depression, lung and heart disease and hair loss.
It is 10 times more common in women than men and usually develops between the ages of 12 and 25.
There is currently no cure for Lupus, however it can be tackled with chemotherapy and anti-inflammatory and steroid tablets.
Selena continued: “And finally, there aren’t words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend Francia Raisa. She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis."
And helping to raise some awareness about Lupus, she added: "Lupus continues to be very misunderstood but progress is being made. For more information regarding Lupus please go to the Lupus Research Alliance website: www.lupusresearch.org”
Francia and Selena have been best friends since 2008 and even call each other sisters.
Last year Francia paid tribute to Selena on her birthday, revealing she had been there for her through thick and thin.
She wrote: “There are so many moments we have and things you do that I cherish and don't take for granted. Whether it's crying, laughing, or simply sitting on my kitchen floor throwing our hands up in the air confused at life, I'm thankful you're always there.”
Discussing their eight year friendship she continued: “I am obsessed with every memory we've built in the last 8 years and the ones we have yet to create. I am so grateful that God put you in my life when he did.”
She added: "It's been so inspiring watching you grow and to grow with you. I learn so much from you and I'm so so so proud of you."
Selena first opened up about having Lupus in 2015 and last year she was forced to take a break from the limelight after suffering from anxiety, panic attacks and depression – stemming from the disease.
She told fans at the time: “As many of you know, around a year ago I revealed that I have lupus, an illness that can affect people in different ways.
“I’ve discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side-effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges.
“I want to be proactive and focus on maintaining my health and happiness and have decided that the best way forward is to take some time off.”
After opening up about her Lupus she admitted the support had been 'overwhelming' and revealed why she had waited to speak about it publicly.
She told Billboard: "It has been overwhelming and the response has been very supportive, which is nice -- but it still makes me a little uncomfortable.
"I waited for the right time to talk about it because I am in a great place and I'm very healthy. I'm not trying to be loud about it: It was time to use my platform to help."
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