Legendary singer Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins recently suffered a health scare, causing female music group TLC to postpone several concerts. What looked like a standard case of the flu quickly escalated to the point requiring medical intervention. The scare garnered concern from many fans who were aware of T-Boz’s existing battle with sickle cell disease.
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TLC’s Concert Tour Dates
TLC has concerts scheduled through the summer and into early fall. However, the group took to Instagram on May 14 to tell fans they had to unexpectedly reschedule several upcoming tour dates.
The now-removed post explained that several members came down with the flu and could not perform. The illness prompted the band to reschedule four concerts in Canada.
The affected concerts were scheduled for May 14, 16, 17, and 18. The group didn’t provide a date for when those concerts would be moved, but they acknowledged they would keep fans updated. Their next concert is set for June 15 in Lincoln, California, and it is expected to go on as scheduled.
It is pretty common for musicians to delay or outright cancel concerts due to health concerns. Symptoms can quickly worsen as crew members are in close quarters, and illnesses can spread quickly.
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T-Boz’s Existing Conditions
Getting the flu is always a miserable experience, but it can be deadly for someone with preexisting conditions. The possibility of complications concerns many T-Boz fans familiar with the artist’s previous health conditions.
T-Boz was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia as a child and has struggled with the disease for much of her life. She has spoken publicly about her illness and even became a spokesperson for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.
The hit singer went through numerous hospital stays over the years as she dealt with the disease. Additionally, T-Boz battled other ailments, including a brain tumor, back in 2006.
She suffered for many years with the brain tumor as doctors continuously refused to remove it due to her having sickle cell disease. She eventually got the tumor removed but was left with a massive pile of debt and still suffered from sickle cell disease.
While no one can argue that T-Boz is resilient, there are some severe risks associated with contracting the flu with sickle cell anemia.
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T-Boz’s Potential Health Complications
The 54-year-old singer’s flu diagnosis is deeply concerning, considering the potential for complications. Sickle cell anemia is a blood disease that affects the hemoglobin protein in red blood cells.
Most people begin noticing symptoms early in life, as T-Boz did, and continue experiencing difficulties as they age. One of the most notable symptoms of sickle cell anemia is joint pain. However, the disease can also lead to other life-threatening conditions, such as anemia, infections, and stroke.
Sickle cell disease is inherited, and it causes red blood cells to take on an elongated shape that resembles a sickle. The misshapen cells can block the path of good oxygen-carrying red blood cells trying to reach vital organs.
Therefore, anyone with sickle cell disease is at grave risk of complications, especially when combined with other major diseases like the flu.
The reduced oxygen flow to the lungs caused by sickle cell disease is extremely concerning for someone diagnosed with a respiratory disease like the flu as it can further diminish their lung function.
Latest Updates About T-Boz
Although some fans feared the worst for T-Boz, it appears she is getting better. There were some reports that the singer was in a lot of pain and even having trouble breathing. However, neither T-Boz nor TLC have confirmed those reports.
The only confirmed update is in the original Instagram post, which mentions that her doctor advised against performing on the canceled dates.
Although fans are surely disappointed that T-Boz ultimately had to cancel the latest concerts, nobody wants to see a performer struggle on stage. Hopefully, T-Boz will be ready to perform at the group’s June 15 concert, and her fans in Canada can make it to the rescheduled dates.
