DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba reveals constant pain from Sjögren's disease

During an interview at Televerse 26, the long-time "Dancing with the Stars" judge opened up about living with Sjögren's disease, calling the constant pain "debilitating" and noting that she often spends off-camera time in sweatpants at home. She emphasized the importance of showing the reality behind polished public images, saying the condition has deepened her compassion and judging style. The autoimmune disorder, which the Mayo Clinic says primarily attacks moisture-producing glands, also impacts her organs and caused a decade-long search for a correct diagnosis.

Inaba explained that it took doctors ten years to identify the disease and another ten to fifteen years for her to accept it as a lifelong condition. She highlighted the need to conserve energy and adjust her workload, acknowledging recent limits on her activity. In April, she experienced a sudden illness on a flight to New York, leading to cold sweats, dizziness, and numb arms; a flight attendant and an onboard doctor helped until paramedics arrived after landing. She received fluids at the hospital and was released to continue recovery at her hotel.