Grey's Anatomy star reveals he has rare incurable muscle illness

Grey's Anatomy actor Steven W. Bailey announced this week that he has been diagnosed with a rare incurable neuromuscular condition.

Fans of the show will recognize Bailey from his recurring role as Joe, the owner of a bar frequented by staff at the hospital where the bulk of the action unfolds.

He revealed this week that he has a genetic illness known as congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), which results from the fact that the patient's 'nerve and muscle cells don’t communicate as expected,' such that 'physical activity leads to muscle weakness,' according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Although Bailey, 54, has apparently been struggling with his symptoms for more than five years, he suffered in secret because of various concerns including 'career caution,' he revealed in an X thread going public with his condition.

Now, however, he has found himself alternating between walking and using an electric wheelchair to the point that 'practically speaking, moving forward, it’s time for my work, like in my life, to start skewing more wheelchair, if you will.'

Bailey expressed hopes that showbiz would still have 'room for me,' reminding readers he was the 'Same guy. Same actor. Same artist. Now with wheels.' 

He elucidated why he kept his illness under wraps for so long, writing: 'Out of career caution, diagnostic uncertainty, and being private about such things in general, I have been hiding my battle with this disease for over five years. Time to stop.'

Bailey explained: 'CMS is a genetic disease that disrupts the communication between the brain and the muscle at the “nerve/muscle junction”… or whatever doctors call it.'

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He added: 'There are billions of these junction dodads in a body, and an increasing number of mine seem to be on the blink. Troublesome, little buggers- right?'

Because his 'muscles aren’t clearly receiving all my brain’s orders to do all the swell things muscles are meant to do,' he has to contend with the fact his 'hands, arms and legs tire quicker than they should, which makes them weaker than, well… anticipated.'

Furthermore, he has found that 'Sustained repetitive movements are particularly difficult and can cause my muscles to temporarily tighten and shut down.'

He joked that his symptoms have exempted him from 'the chores of doing the dishes and folding laundry in my household,' but noted he also has 'issues with walking.'

Bailey can still engage in basic activities on his feet, such as walking his dog around the block or stepping out for groceries, but he has also 'been using a powered wheelchair more and more to get around,' he shared.

'I am what is referred to as an ambulatory wheelchair user. I ambulate some, then I sit, I “wheelchair” about, ambulate, sit, and then, you know, ambulate.'

The back-and-forth has resulted in 'humorous interactions' such as 'using my wheelchair in a department store, while still having the “tall guy” habit of standing up to help someone get something off the top shelf.'

As for his career, he 'can still perform on my feet, limitedly. I can ambulate my way through simple “walks and talks” with no problem. I can still rise to my feet to object to the judge, derail a town meeting, or yell at a cop for being a loose cannon.'

He acknowledged: 'But, practically speaking, moving forward, it’s time for my work, like in my life, to start skewing more wheelchair, if you will. Passed that time, really.' 

Now, however, he is 'done hiding' and 'ready for the next chapter in my life and career,' with his 'wheels beneath me' as he forges ahead.

'I am hopeful that there is still room for me in this industry that I love. I look forward to performing as characters who live their lives with a chair, creating a more representative world in film and television,' he wrote.