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'Ruin your life': Tiffiny Hall's emotional update on health battle

Tiffiny Hall has given an emotional update on her 'horrendous' battle with multiple chronic illnesses that she says have 'ruined' her life.

Appearing on A Current Affair on Wednesday night, the 36-year-old fitness guru revealed that she's been hospitalised 'multiple times' during her 18-month struggle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME and POTS.

Tiffiny Hall has given an emotional update on her 'horrendous' battle with multiple chronic illnesses. Photo: Channel Nine.
Tiffiny Hall has given an emotional update on her 'horrendous' battle with multiple chronic illnesses. Photo: Channel Nine.

"It is horrendous, absolutely hideous..." Tiffiny said of the conditions.

"I mean, I was a gladiator [on TV show Gladiators]. I have done some amazing things with my physical body. Yet this is going to be my biggest battle yet."

The mum-of-one — she shares son Arnold, 3, with comedian husband Ed Kavalee — went on to explain just how debilitating her illnesses can be.

"The problem with chronic fatigue is it won't kill you, but it will ruin your life... I was smiling on camera and dying behind the scenes," she said.

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Tiffiny Hall poses for selfie
Tiffiny revealed her battle with a number of health issues on Instagram. Photo: Instagram/Tiffiny Hall

'Sick for a very long time'

Tiffiny described the physical impact as feeling like her body is 'encased in cement' and revealed that at one point her mum and a friend had to move in to help her look after Arnold because she 'couldn't get out of bed'.

"My body was aching. It was like I had the flu," she said.

Tiff, who runs her own fitness program TIFFXO, admitted that it took a 'long time' for her to get a chronic fatigue diagnosis leaving her 'sick for a very long time'.

She encouraged others in similar situations to stop and seek support from a chronic fatigue clinic instead of pushing themselves to keep going as she did.

The former Biggest Loser trainer is taking some time away from the spotlight to focus on her health so she can get back to 'being a good mum' and not always have to rely on Ed, 41, to drive her places.

"At the moment I just want to be mum. And I can't do that whilst I'm sick and chronically ill. So, I need to, I need to take this time out," she said.

Tiffiny said the diagnoses
Tiffiny said the diagnoses "felt like rock bottom at times". Photo: Instagram/Tiffiny Hall

Tiff's health battle

Taekwondo Black Belt Tiffiny shared the news about her 'personal' health struggles with her followers on Instagram on April 26 in a moving post.

"Okay, deep breath," she wrote. "I've decided to share something very personal with you today. For some time now I’ve been battling a little with my health. A lot actually.

"After a gazillion tests to figure out what could be wrong, I’ve recently been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME [myalgic encephalomyelitis] and POTS [postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome] – a blood pressure condition which in my case is genetic."

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or ME causes those affected to feel extreme fatigue or tiredness that doesn't go away with adequate rest.

Tiffiny Hall wearinng black activewear in a gym
Tiffiny hopes to 'inspire others' by sharing her own health battle. Photo: Instagram/Tiffiny Hall

POTS is a condition that affects blood flow and causes people to feel lightheaded or even faint, there might be a rapid increase in heart rate with symptoms only relieved by lying down.

"This has been hard to accept and honestly, has felt like rock bottom at times," Tiffiny continued. "While I’m staying positive, recovery is tough and will mean taking a break for a little while to get well again. This is one of the hardest decisions, but I have to practise what I teach. For now, I’m prioritising recovery and family, and hopefully will be back in no time."

Tiff added that she will be taking some time away from social media while she rests.

"It's been my life's mission to empower women, so I hope that by sharing this I can inspire others facing any kind of struggle, big or small, to stay strong and count their rainbows, not their thunderstorms," the trainer finished.

Tiffiny thanked those who sent her messages of support during a chat with News.Com.Au.

She explained to the publication she first suffered with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in high school, adding, "It’s very common for CFS to re-present itself over time, but after being in remission for over 20 years up until now, I’m confident I can beat it again."

Additional reporting by Marni Dixit.

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