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The Tragic Real-Life Story Of Betty Ford

Betty Ford was a physical young woman. Her biography at First Ladies' Library describes the young Betty Bloomer as "active" and healthy, and as History notes, she was an accomplished dancer who probably could have pursued a professional dance career. Overall, the picture painted of the young Betty Ford is one of an athletic, capable woman.

As biographer Jeffrey S. Ashley writes, however, all that changed when Betty was in her mid-40s. In 1964, Betty Ford was in her kitchen and leaned over the sink to open a window. She didn't think anything of it at the time, but later that night she woke up in excruciating pain. Doctors eventually diagnosed a pinched nerve, a fairly common injury that should have been easy to deal with.

Instead, her condition worsened. The pain was incredible, and Betty could barely stand on her own. She was given more pain medications until doctors eventually realized she was also suffering from an early case of osteoarthritis. She lived the rest of her life in pain, but forced herself to find ways to move, relying on an increasing intake of pills and alcohol to get through her days. Despite her efforts, she lived the rest of her life in constant pain.

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Beatrice Clogston

Update: 2024-05-17