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Avril Lavigne “Gained a Lot of Perspective” From Lyme Disease Battle

Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne tells Good Morning America that she's remaining positive throughout her battle with Lyme disease.

Avril Lavigne is on the mend, and ready to get back into fighting shape as she recovers from the debilitating effects of her recent Lyme disease diagnosis. Opening up to Good Morning America in a telephone interview on Thursday, April 16, the 30-year-old "Complicated" singer said her decision to go public with her illness came after a long, private search for answers.

Related: PHOTOS: Avril Lavigne through the years

"I went from doctor to doctor for about eight months until I found somebody that had the knowledge of Lyme disease and the experience of treating it," Lavigne, who first fell ill on tour in April, said. "I actually knew I had it the whole time, probably since the summer, and was just up against a lot of doctors telling me, 'You're crazy.' Some of them were like, 'It doesn't exist.'"

Lavigne told GMA that many medical professionals chalked up her symptoms to dehydration and exhaustion, but the singer had a nagging feeling that her suffering was brought on by much more than a run-of-the-mill illness.

During her recovery, Lavigne (married to Nickelback's Chad Kroeger) has developed a new perspective and is choosing to make the most of her situation in an effort to help other patients like her. "I believe that I will come out of this healthier and stronger than I was before," the singer revealed. "I've gained a lot of perspective on my life. I'm choosing to look at the positives."

Related: PHOTOS: Stars' deepest secrets

On Thursday, Lavigne released the single "Fly," which she says has been cathartic during her healing. The song, written before Lavigne became ill, will be featured during the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. "It's just about inner strength and courage," Lavigne said of the song. "This song took on a whole new meaning for me while I was sick, which was pretty magical."

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