Evangeline Lilly has provided her followers with a candid insight into the substantial financial burden associated with recovering from a traumatic brain injury. The acclaimed actress, best known for her roles in Lost and the Ant-Man franchise, shared a detailed video on her Instagram account this past weekend, discussing the extensive costs involved in her treatment.
A Costly Path to Healing
The 46-year-old star revealed she has invested significant sums in obtaining expert evaluations and targeted advice to address the brain damage sustained from a severe accident. In May, Lilly experienced a frightening incident where she fell face-first onto a boulder while at the beach, resulting in a concussion and subsequent traumatic brain injury diagnosis.
Lilly titled her recent social media post "Restore your brain health: Part 1!" and openly admitted, "I have spent a lot of money getting evaluated and getting targeted, expert advice on how to heal my brain." She was quick to acknowledge the privilege behind her situation, noting that "Not everyone can afford to do this" within the current healthcare landscape.
Supplement Regimen and Expert Guidance
The actress detailed the specific supplement protocol recommended by specialists she consulted in Hawaii. Her regimen includes several key components taken to address brain deficiencies and combat symptoms like "brain fog":
- NAC (N-acetylcysteine)
- Creatine, consumed first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal absorption
- Resveratrol and Omega-3s for their anti-inflammatory properties
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) taken with dinner
Lilly emphasized that she was not endorsing any particular supplement brands, merely sharing her personal experience. She clarified that she takes these supplements on an as-needed basis rather than daily, adjusting her intake according to what she deems appropriate for her recovery timeline.
Earlier Revelations About Brain Damage
This latest update follows Lilly's New Year's Day announcement where she disclosed that medical scans confirmed she has "brain damage from the TBI" and that her "brain is functioning at a decreased capacity." The actress described this diagnosis as both comforting—in explaining cognitive changes she had attributed to perimenopause—and daunting, given the challenging recovery journey ahead.
Reflecting on the accident's aftermath, Lilly shared that the cognitive changes have unexpectedly helped her "slow down and have a more restful" period, describing the recent holiday season as "the most restful" she has ever experienced. Despite the difficulties, she expressed gratitude for being able to continue her life journey.
Healthcare Accessibility Concerns
Throughout her disclosure, Lilly repeatedly highlighted the issue of healthcare affordability. She stated, "I consider myself one of the extraordinarily fortunate people in this country who can take care of my body the way that it needs to be taken care of, without money getting in the way of that."
The actress made clear that she is not a medical professional and that her supplement regimen was specifically tailored to her needs by experts. She explained her motivation for sharing: "In the absence of affordable medical care in this country, I am sharing some of the advice given to me" in case others facing similar challenges might find it helpful.
Background on the Accident and Career
The traumatic incident occurred seven months ago when Lilly fainted at the beach and struck her face on a boulder. She previously shared shocking photographs of her facial injuries, revealing that hospital staff were more concerned with determining the cause of her blackout than treating her visible wounds.
This health update comes after Lilly's announcement last year that she was stepping back from acting following two decades in Hollywood, including her prominent role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Hope van Dyne/The Wasp. The actress has spoken about finding fulfillment outside of the entertainment industry while leaving the door open for a potential return to acting in the future.
Lilly's openness about her brain injury recovery process provides a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by individuals dealing with traumatic brain injuries, while simultaneously highlighting significant concerns about healthcare accessibility and affordability for those without substantial financial resources.
