Actor Joe Manganiello is revealing a devastating health battle that nearly cost him his life.<\/p>\n
In his upcoming memoir Bloodlines<\/em>, Manganiello says he spent seven years battling autoimmune-related illnesses that affected his thyroid, digestive system, skin, lungs and eyes. The chronic conditions eventually led to a life-saving organ amputation.<\/p>\n After doctors struggled to identify the cause, Manganiello explored alternative treatments, spiritual practices and his family history, including stories of ancestors who survived the Armenian genocide.<\/p>\n He describes the experience as the \u201cmost brutally difficult time\u201d of his life, but says it also transformed him and gave him a new perspective on suffering and healing.<\/p>\n Best known for True Blood<\/em>, Magic Mike<\/em> and Spider-Man<\/em>, the actor kept much of his health struggle private.<\/p>\n His memoir Bloodlines<\/em> is scheduled for release October 13 and will reveal more about his health battle, family history and spiritual journey.<\/p>\n