Lady Gaga "Borderline Positive" for Lupus

(CBS)  A subdued Lady Gaga confirmed for CNN's Larry King Tuesday night that Lupus runs in her family, and she's tested "borderline positive" for it.

During the rare television interview, the usually boisterous, provocative and outrageous singer - one of the world's most popular and considered by many to be the leading lady of pop -- addressed Internet rumors that she has the autoimmune disease.

Photos: Lady Gaga's Style

She told King, "Lupus is in my family and it is genetic. My mother told me the other day that my fans were quite worried about me because I did talk about the fact that I was tested for Lupus."

"And ah, the truth is, I don't show any signs, ah, any symptoms of Lupus. But I have tested borderline positive for the disease. So, as of right now, I do not have it, but I have to take good care of myself."

It's believed Lupus is hereditary and is what killed Gaga's aunt in 1976, reports CBS News Correspondent Elaine Quijano.

Lupus affects roughly one-and-a-half million Americans, mostly women. It causes the body's immune system to become hyperactive and attack normal, healthy tissue.

Gaga's flamboyant look and string of hit singles have her career on fire. Her 2008 album "The Fame" earned her two Grammys. And the video for "Bad Romance" is the most-watched clip ever on YouTube.

On "The Early Show" Wednesday, CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton discussed Lupus with co-anchor Julie Chen:


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[anny77]

Having lived with Lupus for since 1998, there is a lot more to it than was discussed by Dr. Anniston, I have the upmost respect for her, she is the kind of Dr. anyone would be glad to have. Saying this, I know her time is probably limited so she could not of gone into full detail on SLE, there are many types of lupus many symptoms, some you can see on a person such as rashes one of the most common is a butterfly rash on the face, to be best imformed is to educate yourself, a lot of people say oh that is an arthritis condition, or a skin issue, being a lupus patient I know better, one thing that was not talked about was how the sun affects lupus, there are many more medicines that people take than what was discussed, the affects on the joints and organs, especially the skin. Fatigue was mentioned and that is correct it is the number one complaint of a lupus patient. Need to inform yourself, there are a wide variety of places for info. the Lupus Foundation of America. I wish the best for Lady Gaga, this is not something you would wish on anyone to have to live with daily, it takes a lot of blood tests to determine a positive diagnosis, that is only the beginning of bloodwork, it is a lifetime of it and other tests and specialists usually end up involved. Please educate yourself.

[raydernation]

Back off Larry, he's ok by me, look at yourself and fast forward 45 years or so. Think you'll still be productive? Still be working? I doubt it. As for Lady Gaga, l like her reminds me of Madonna in many ways when she was coming up. I hope she makes it thru this.

[actornaught]

"usually boisterous"? I've several TV interviews, and i've never seen her "boisterous", she just looked tired. I also think Larry made a few stumbles & gafs, but i figure most of that was the satellite delay, and, well, Larry's lucky to be still working.

If she ever gets to where she can't do the big production numbers, it won't hurt her career at all to just sing & play piano. She's extremely talented, aside from the added presentations.

[Berkeley-SkirtLifter]

""... Larry's lucky to be still working.""
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Working? He's lucky to be breathing!

[ikestarnes]

Clearly Bush's fault.