Hollywood actor and father-of-two Ashton Kutcher, 44, has revealed his secret and challenging battle with vasculitis, a rare autoimmune disorder, that temporarily took his ability to see, hear, and walk.
In a clip for an episode on "Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge" on National Geographic, which is currently streaming on Disney+, the actor shared that his illness set him back for nearly a year as he worked on getting better.
Kutcher told Grylls that he feels "lucky to be alive" after such uncertainty, adding that he had more appreciation for what he lost and faced every day wondering if he would ever see, hear or walk again.
However, Kutcher clarified on Twitter that he had since fully recovered and will be at the 2022 New York Marathon. Yet his revelations had raised awareness about vasculitis.
Before there are a bunch of rumors/ chatter/ whatever out there. Yes, I had a rare vasculitis episode 3yrs ago. (Autoimmune flair up) I had some impairments hear, vision, balance issues right after. I fully recovered. All good. Moving on. See you at the 2022 NY Marathon w/Thorn
— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) August 9, 2022
Causes and symptoms of vasculitis
In 2014, "Ghostbuster" star and director Harold Ramis died from complications of vasculitis at 69 years old. According to the National Health Institute, this condition occurs when the immune system attacks the arteries, small capillaries, and veins. The inflammation due to the attack restricts blood flow, thus causing organ damage or even an aneurysm, which could pop and lead to death.
Symptoms of vasculitis may vary from mild to life-threatening, but commonly, an individual may experience aches and pains, fever, fatigue, rashes, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Doctors have noted that high blood pressure and thyroid disease may contribute to the autoimmune disorder but could also develop due to an infection. The exact cause of vasculitis has never been known to the experts as it may also be related to an individual's genetic makeup.
The disorder may develop at any age, including in people with a history of medical issues and drug use. Treatment may come in the form of over-the-counter medications for mild cases. However, doctors may need to prescribe steroids, immunomodulators, or immunosuppressants for patients with severe cases.
Treatment is also crucial if the disorder attacks organs like the brain and kidneys. With the proper medication and medical care, including regular check-ups for long-term side effects, people with vasculitis may continue to have long, productive lives.
Ashton Kutcher's parenting style with Mila Kunis
Meanwhile, the celebrity dad was seen with his kids, Wyatt, 7, and Dimitri, 5, with his wife, Mila Kunis, spending time together at the Santa Barbara zoo. The family usually does the regular stuff parents with kids often do for a weekend, such as visiting attractions and dining at restaurants.
According to Your Tango, Kutcher and Kunis do not have nannies because they prefer to be hands-on with their children. Kunis said in one interview that she and her husband want to be carers who know what to do when their children are upset.
The celebrity parents try not to spoil Wyatt and Dimitri with material things. They also have no plans of giving their children an inheritance but will instead prepare their daughter and son to have a stable life and career so they can earn their keep. According to Kunis, their children must grow up appreciating a dollar's worth so they will learn to value hard work.
