Desperate Housewives’ Teri Hatcher reveals chronic illness

(HMG Celebrity News) – Though fans wouldn’t know it from her performance in Desperate Housewives Teri Hatcher is enduring a crippling illness. But the 46-year old fitness fanatic is fighting back hard;

“I’ve been struggling with this thing called frozen shoulder, which is a real condition women get,” she tells the News.

Teri’s ailment, which doctors call ‘Adhesive Capsulitis’ is caused by a lack of fluid in the joint. This creates severe inflammation and frequent bouts of chronic pain. 70% of sufferers in the US are women and even with treatment it can last up to two years.

“It’s basically left me not functioning with my left arm,” Teri explains. “I can’t hook a bra anymore. It could be much worse, but I really can’t wait ’til it’s gone so I can exercise again, because I sort of miss it.”

As proof of her fitness, Teri took part in the Nautica Triathlon in 2009 – this involves a half-mile swim, an 18-mile bike ride and a four-mile run. But age is her other big enemy. She turned 46 on December 8th and to casting directors that’s ancient.

“I wasn’t panicked about it, it just seemed like a milestone,” she admits. “The older you get, the more you become aware of the things you can’t change and those you can.”

Her own needs aside, Teri’s also involved with a campaign called ‘The Bread Art Project’ which helps feed hungry children, and she’s clearly enthused;

“One-in-four children in our country are still going hungry,” she explains. “You can create a piece of toast and that will donate one dollar to ‘Share Our Strength. It’s really fun.”

When Henry Fonda won the Oscar for ‘On Golden Pond’ in 1981 he was 76, so Teri’s got plenty of time. But while the shoulder sounds bad, her work for children is just what you’d expect from one of Hollywood’s least vapid stars.

What do you guys think of this tale…