Carrie Ann Inaba Reveals the Pain Behind Her Bright Smile: ‘Living with a Constant Battle’

Carrie Ann Inaba, beloved judge on Dancing with the Stars, has always dazzled audiences with her smile and energy—but there’s a side of her story that remains hidden from the spotlight. For years, she’s been living with an invisible illness—Sjogren’s disease—that causes constant pain, fatigue, and dryness.

In a revealing interview, Inaba opened up about the reality of living with an autoimmune condition that many don’t understand. “You don’t see it on me right now,” she says. “I have Sjogren’s disease, and I look like, maybe I’m feeling fine, but I live with constant pain, constant dryness in my eyes and in my mouth, constant fatigue.” The disease may not be visible, but the effects are real—and they shape every aspect of her life.

Sjogren’s disease is a condition that leads to chronic dryness in the eyes and mouth, but its impact extends beyond just that. It also causes muscle pain, joint discomfort, and overwhelming fatigue. Inaba, who was diagnosed in 2013, describes the challenge as “energy management.” While she looks vibrant on Dancing with the Stars, managing her energy day in and day out requires careful scheduling and constant awareness of her limitations.

“I always have pain. I always have fatigue. It’s about how I manage that pain,” she reveals. This strategy involves taking downtime when needed—Sundays are her quiet days, and Mondays are filled with low-energy tasks to help her prepare for the demands of her show.

Even with her visible smile, there’s a silent battle at play, and Inaba is determined to raise awareness. “I hope by speaking out, we can help each other,” she says. She’s teamed up with Novartis for the Sjout for Sjogren’s campaign, which provides resources and support to those who are living with the condition.

Inaba’s transparency has opened the door for others who are suffering in silence. Despite the struggles, she maintains a positive outlook, redefining what success means to her. “It’s about managing my energy,” she says, “and still finding joy in life despite the challenges.”

Carrie Ann’s story is a powerful reminder of the hidden battles many people face, and her determination to keep pushing forward, while also sharing her journey, inspires others to do the same.