In the new memoir “From Here to the Great Unknown,” written by Lisa Marie Presley’s daughter Riley Keough, various health challenges faced by Presley throughout her life are brought to light. The book features reflections from both mother and daughter and details Presley’s struggles with opioid addiction, body image, and heart health. The memoir reveals that Presley developed an opioid addiction following the birth of her twin daughters in 2008 and began taking them to help with pain and sleep. This addiction escalated over time, leading her to mix opioids with other substances in an attempt to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Presley’s addiction grew to the point where she was taking as many as 80 pills per day, which eventually led to cardiac arrest. Despite efforts to wean her off opioids through rehab and medication, Presley continued to struggle with addiction. She eventually reached a turning point after experiencing a seizure, which prompted her to seek help and make changes in her life. However, her addiction ultimately contributed to her untimely death in January 2023.
In addition to her opioid addiction, Presley also faced other health challenges, including heart issues. With a family history of heart disease, including her father Elvis Presley’s fatal heart attack, Presley’s own heart problems manifested in various ways. The memoir details incidents where Presley experienced heart failure and other complications that required medical attention. Despite her efforts to address these issues, her health continued to deteriorate, leading to further complications and ultimately her passing.
Presley’s struggles with her health were ongoing, with the memoir revealing that she underwent bariatric surgery in an attempt to manage her weight. This decision raised concerns among her loved ones, as she was still dealing with substance abuse issues at the time. The surgery, which was part of Presley’s lifelong battle with body image, ultimately contributed to complications that led to her death. An autopsy revealed that Presley died from a small bowel obstruction caused by scar tissue from the bariatric surgery, highlighting the dangers of such procedures.
Leading up to her death, Presley exhibited signs of illness, including abdominal pain, swelling, and metabolic acidosis. Despite these warning signs, she continued to struggle with her health and ultimately succumbed to the complications from her past medical procedures. The memoir sheds light on the challenges Presley faced in managing her physical and mental well-being and serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and support in times of crisis. Through Keough’s candid account, readers gain insight into the life and struggles of a beloved celebrity and the impact of addiction and health issues on one’s journey.
