Shania Twain’s Silent Struggle: “I Thought I’d Never Sing Again” – The 20-Year Fight Against Lyme Disease
Shania Twain, the global queen of country-pop, known for chart-topping hits like “You’re Still the One” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”, shocked fans when she suddenly disappeared from the music scene in the early 2000s. While many speculated about retirement, few knew the devastating truth: Shania was battling a life-altering illness that nearly robbed her of her voice forever.
In recent years, Twain has opened up about her long fight with Lyme disease – a bacterial infection contracted from a tick bite that, in her case, triggered severe vocal complications.
It All Started with a Horseback Ride
In 2003, during a routine horseback ride near her home, Shania was bitten by a tick. At first, the symptoms were vague – fatigue, dizziness, body aches – but things took a terrifying turn when she began to lose control over her vocal cords.
“I couldn’t project my voice,” she said. “I started to stutter and lost pitch control. It was terrifying.”
Delayed Diagnosis and Damaged Nerves
Due to a delayed diagnosis, the Lyme bacteria had already started affecting her nervous system. Shania eventually developed dysphonia – a vocal cord disorder that made singing almost impossible.
She underwent intense vocal therapy and even had to consider surgery. “It felt like I lost a piece of who I was. Music is my identity, and without my voice, I felt completely lost,” she shared emotionally.
Stepping Away from the Spotlight
For nearly a decade, Twain stayed away from recording new music. Fans assumed she had taken a long break or lost inspiration, but the truth was far more personal – she was fighting to reclaim her ability to sing.
“I was afraid to even sing in the shower,” she admitted.
The Comeback
After years of treatment, therapy, and surgeries, Twain slowly rebuilt her voice. Her 2017 album “Now” marked a triumphant return after 15 years of uncertainty.
Though her voice had changed – huskier, deeper – it resonated with more emotional depth than ever before. “It’s not the voice I had, but it’s mine. It’s real. And I’m proud of it,” she said.
Advocacy and Hope
Today, Shania continues to speak out about Lyme disease and the importance of early detection. Her story has inspired countless others to seek help and never give up on their dreams.
At 58, she’s still performing, creating, and living life fully – a true testament to resilience and grace.