When it comes to iconic TV dads, Rondell Sheridan is at the top of the list for Disney Channel fans. The former ‘That’s So Raven’ actor is currently being showered with well wishes and prayers after sharing a video from a hospital bed this week. In the clip, he revealed to fans that he’s battling a severe disease.
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More Details About Rondell Sheridan’s Health
As mentioned, Rondell shared the health update on Tuesday (May 6) via Instagram. He explained that he was traveling when he became sick on April 10. After checking into the hospital, doctors told him it was a gastrointestinal issue. Two days later, the ‘That’s So Raven’ star arrived home but returned to the hospital. That’s when he learned he was battling pancreatitis. He underwent several tests and ended up hospitalized for nine days.
“I got released and thought I was on the road to recovery, but…my pancreas is inflamed and there’s not much you can do about it, but just wait,” Rondell said.
The actor also explained that the disease has prevented him from returning to work, which is why he set up a GoFundMe account. He set a $35,000 goal, but with 676 donations, he has already raised more than $38,000. A woman named Isabel Beyoso is listed as the fundraiser organizer. In the hospital video, Rondell thanked viewers for whatever they could give.
What To Know About Pancreatitis
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, pancreatitis is pancreas swelling caused by stomach juices or enzymes attacking the organ. There are two types: acute and chronic. Acute happens suddenly and can be short-term unless repeated attacks occur. Chronic is long-lasting and can permanently damage the pancreas, including scarring the organ’s tissue.
Causes of the disease can be alcohol abuse, gallstones, belly injury or surgery, high levels of fat or calcium in the blood, tumors, infections, smoking cigarettes, and much more. The top symptom seems to be belly pain that spreads, but there’s also nausea, vomiting, jaundice, fever, rapid heart rate, and fluid buildup in the belly area. If not addressed, pancreatitis can lead to blockages, organ failure, or death.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that 275,000 hospital stays annually in the United States are for acute pancreatitis. When it comes to the chronic version, that number drops to 86,000. Men are also more likely to get the disease, particularly Black men.
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