Billy Joel is sharing a well being replace after saying that he had been identified with regular stress hydrocephalus final 12 months.
On SiriusXM’s Billy Joel channel, the 77-year-old singer mentioned that he’s doing higher after mind surgical procedure, which helped relieve among the signs of regular stress hydrocephalus (NPH).
“I simply need individuals to know, don’t fear about me. I’m not going wherever. I’m right here. I’m nonetheless right here,” he mentioned, including that he’s “OK.”
The Vienna singer mentioned that his neurologist really useful he have a shunt implanted in his mind in order that his situation didn’t proceed to worsen.
Joel mentioned he initially didn’t need to have the surgical procedure however he realized it might assist him together with his stability and reminiscence.
“However then I learn up on it and I spotted it might assist enhance your stability and might help your reminiscence,” Joel mentioned. “You recognize, I don’t need to lose my marbles. It’s arduous to inform what’s age and what’s a situation, so I agreed to do the shunt and I had a surgical procedure.”
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“In order that they implanted a shunt in my mind and it really improved issues. My reminiscence obtained higher, my stability obtained slightly higher, my capability to perform was higher,” he continued. “I spotted that due to my job, which is enjoying rock and roll music very loud, that it was giving me one thing like a concussion each time I did a present.”
“It was inflicting harm to my mind nerves and I may very well be shedding extra mind cells the extra exhibits I did and I spotted which means I shouldn’t be doing this proper now. I obtained to enhance. They don’t need me to emphasize an excessive amount of,” the Uptown Woman singer added.
In response to the Alzheimer’s Affiliation, NPH is the results of extra cerebrospinal fluid accumulating within the mind’s ventricles, resulting in cognitive points, problem strolling and lack of bladder management. It’s usually misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s illness or Alzheimer’s illness.
The dysfunction primarily impacts individuals of their 60s and 70s. Its signs resemble these of dementia and may generally be reversible.
Final Might, the Piano Man singer introduced he had been identified with NPH and was present process therapy.
An announcement, shared to Joel’s social media accounts, mentioned the situation had been “exacerbated by latest live performance performances, resulting in issues with listening to, imaginative and prescient and stability.”
“Below his physician’s directions, Billy is present process particular bodily remedy and has been suggested to chorus from performing throughout this restoration interval,” the assertion mentioned. “Billy is grateful for the superb care he’s receiving and is absolutely dedicated to prioritizing his well being.”
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our viewers, and thanks for understanding,” Joel mentioned.
Since his analysis, Joel returned the stage for the primary time in January and stunned an viewers at a Florida amphitheatre with a two-song set.
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