Comedian Katherine Ryan has spoken candidly about her battle with lupus, an incurable autoimmune condition that she says took nearly a year to diagnose. The 38-year-old star, known for shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and Netflix's The Duchess, first developed symptoms in 2007 after moving from Canada to London.
Ryan experienced fatigue, sore joints, fevers, and a distinctive facial rash. Despite having low white blood cells, she felt dismissed by doctors who suggested conditions ranging from ringworm to leprosy. In frustration, she visited A&E, where a nurse suggested lupus. A subsequent dermatologist confirmed systemic lupus erythematosus via blood test.
Lupus causes the immune system to become overactive, leading to flare-ups of fatigue, rashes, hair loss, joint pain, and organ inflammation. Ryan was prescribed hydroxychloroquine for eight months, and her symptoms cleared without needing immunosuppressants. She believes stress from moving to the UK and an unhappy relationship may have triggered the condition.
Ryan credits lupus with forcing her to de-stress and adopt a healthier lifestyle. She cut out most dairy, followed an autoimmune protocol diet, and took up walking. 'I became really Zen and focused on the things that matter,' she said. 'Since then it has never flared again.'
