Back in 2008, singer Toni Braxton was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which is the most common form of lupus. Since then, she has been in the hospital, in her words, “more times than I care to admit.”

Braxton knows that lupus is something that she can’t ignore. Her diagnosis means that her immune system attacks healthy tissue in her body, mistaking it for viruses and bad bacteria.

Usually, Braxton is good about going to the doctor for tests on a regular basis, but she told PEOPLE that last year, she delayed going and it almost cost her her life. At the time, her sister, Traci, had recently passed away. Braxton’s heart literally hurt as she grieved her sister’s death, but there was more to it than that.

 

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Braxton explained that she put off going to the doctor, but when she finally went, her doctor “looked at my heart and saw some abnormalities.” She continued, “I found out that I needed a coronary stent. My left main coronary artery was 80% blocked. The doctors told me I could’ve had a massive heart attack, I would not have survived.”

Due to her grief about her sister, she almost ignored her own health. She added, “Of course I was sad about my sister, but I also had underlying health issues.” She realized that her heart was hurting because “my body talking to me, telling me something’s not quite right.”

Two days after visiting the doctor, she had emergency surgery. She also had a stent inserted in her heart to help prevent her arteries from getting blocked again.

As traumatic as the experience was, Braxton is also grateful for it. Now, she knows better than ever not to skip or delay visiting the doctor. She explained, “I look at it like it was a blessing in disguise for me because now, putting off tests? Oh no, I will not put off tests.”

Braxton feels that it’s important to share her story and her experience with lupus so that other people get tested and visit their doctor on a regular basis instead of putting it off. She also wants to help erase any stigma about having lupus. She explained that when she was diagnosed with lupus her doctors told her, “Don’t tell anyone. You won’t be able to work. No one will hire you.” She felt “ashamed” of her diagnosis and didn’t want anyone to know. Now, she knows better and doesn’t want anyone else to be feel ashamed if they are diagnosed with lupus. She explained, “It’s important to talk about it.”

Overall, despite her sister’s death and her health scare, Braxton remains optimistic. She said, “The glass is always half full.” She does admit that life isn’t always easy, but she has learned to listen to her body, rest when she needs to, and make the most of the good days.