Jack Antonoff Gives a 'Shout Out' to Lena Dunham and Others Living With Chronic Pain

Being in a long-distance relationship is challenging enough — and if one partner is dealing with a chronic illness while the other is hundreds of miles away, the separation can sting even more. In an Instagram post on Wednesday that may hit home for couples dealing with chronic illness, musician Jack Antonoff stood up in support of girlfriend Lena Dunham’s battle with chronic pain and endometriosis.

The Bleachers and Fun musician wrote that he’s in Los Angeles while Dunham is in New York dealing with issues related to her endometriosis and chronic pain, and wanted to “give a massive shout out to everyone in the world who lives with chronic pain.”

“LD/everyone who lives with chronic pain and or illness are a huge inspiration,” he wrote. “When you see all of Lena’s gorgeous work, remember that a lot of it was created from a hospital bed. That is f**king incredible to me.”

You can read the entire post below:

today i'm in LA and lena is in NY dealing with a bunch of endo / chronic pain issues and i want to give a massive shout out to everyone in the world who lives with chronic pain. my gf has been in and out of the hospital for a long time now and has creating so much amazing work through that period. LD/everyone who lives with chronic pain and or illness are a huge inspiration. when you see all of lenas gorgeous work remember that a lot of it was created from a hospital bed. that is fucking incredible to me

A post shared by jack antonoff (@jackantonoff) on Aug 16, 2017 at 11:31am PDT

Dunham has shared her difficulties with endometriosis publicly since her diagnosis. She claimed she was endometriosis-free after undergoing surgery in April, despite the fact there is no cure for endometriosis. A month later, she revealed the disease had been found in “deeper spots,” requiring additional surgery. An experience common among those with endometriosis, given how hard the condition is to treat. She canceled her Lenny IRL tour and has shared updates about her ongoing medical issues on social media.

Spent the week in the hospital being treated for a pre-existing condition exacerbated by 2 other pre-existing conditions.

— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) May 5, 2017

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Thank you for all the love & concern that’s been pouring in since Tuesday. Although I’m much healthier than I was a year ago, complications arose from my most recent endometriosis surgery. When the healthcare of so many American women, especially our trans sisters, is at-risk- or already nonexistent- I am lucky to be in the position to seek help when I’m in pain. To those in that privileged spot- never forget that we are blessed and can pay it forward by supporting Planned Parenthood and LGBTQ clinics like Callen-Lorde with our ???? and ⌚️. I also want to remind all the women suffering from chronic illness that we aren’t weak- quite the opposite, actually. We do our jobs with skill even when we’re struggling. We care for our families even when we can hardly care for ourselves. We serve major face on a red carpet when we feel like lying face down would be more appropriate. I’ll always be proud of those Met Gala pics- not just because I felt beautiful, surrounded by art and magic, hugging my best friend tightly, but because they’re evidence that women contain steely multitudes. Just that morning @dianafalzone sued Fox after they took her off air for disclosing her endometriosis. But they’re the ones who lost when they lost her, because everyone who’s anyone knows that if you can battle chronic illness there’s nothing you can’t take on.

A post shared by Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) on May 4, 2017 at 8:22am PDT

Dunham has also alluded to other pain issues she’s having in addition to endometriosis — in a recent Instagram post, she wrote about finger splints, which are often used by people with joint pain.

 

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Today’s #specialthingsundays goes out to all my sisters dealing with hypermobility, fibromyalgia, mixed connective tissue disorder or any type of syndrome that causes joint pain or numbness. I live to type but sometimes my body is like “uh, NO, I have other plans for you young lady.” These finger splints from @mashajewelsplint are life savers and they’re also cute AF and don’t feel like a medical device. It’s a bummer when your body betrays you. It’s a joy when you find a sexy solution.

A post shared by Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) on Aug 6, 2017 at 11:21am PDT

Though chronic illness can give relationships a few extra challenges, many couples have found their own strategies for making it work. These secrets of people with chronic illness who are in relationships may resonate with you. Or check out these tips and advice for keeping your relationship strong through health issues.