Bethenny Frankel Is 'Dedicated To Getting Answers' Amid Long Covid And Autoimmune Struggle
By Melanie VanDerveer on May 3, 2023 at 6:15 PM EDT
Bethenny Frankel shares her struggles with long covid and an autoimmune disorder with her social media followers.
In a recent "GRWM" video, the "Real Housewives of New York" alum details her journey.
Bethenny Frankel Talks About Long Covid And Autoimmune Struggles
Frankel, 52, who's shared information about her journey in previous videos, captioned her "GRWM" video on TikTok, "I am dedicated to getting answers for you and me." She explained that she was on a three-day solo trip to New Orleans.
"Here for a medical research trip. I have POTS, is what they think, which is an autoimmune disorder. I have low blood pressure. I have trouble standing up without getting dizzy after sleeping and not drinking water. It's severe dehydration," she said.
POTS, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, is an autoimmune condition that can cause various symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and a fast heart rate when going from lying down to standing up.
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Frankel explained that while visiting Aspen, the altitude made it difficult for her to stay hydrated, so she kept drinking and getting IVs, which made her "blow up like a tick." She said, "It felt dangerous."
She also revealed she had a near-death experience after eating fish.
"I'm allergic to regular fish, not shellfish," she said. "The worst part about it was that I was 60 over 40. When I got to the hospital, I was unconscious, and they thought I would die because of the blood pressure," she continued. "So the blood pressure is a big problem here, and that's why the dizziness and dehydration lead to it, and it's a whole thing."
The former reality star explained that she experiences severe aches and pains in her back and neck, and while things like that can be a normal part of life for some, she urges people to listen to their body when it's telling them it's broken down.
"So, I'm here to listen to it, and I'm here to meet with people and figure out what I'm going to do to change my life and my options," she explained.
A doctor reached out to Frankel, saying he could help her, and that's why she's in New Orleans to visit his institute in the hopes of figuring out the problem.
"I want to get to the bottom of all this for myself and my daughter 'cause it scared me, and I felt very fragile," she continued. "I'm going to be able to help you. I'm going to be able to report back. Many of you have told me you've had many issues, and there's so much advice."
Frankel explained that everyone's got a different story, and she wants to find out her own story.
Bethenny Frankel Explained A Little More Of Her Journey On Instagram
Frankel shared the same video on Instagram and TikTok but included more information in the caption on Instagram.
"I am on a medical journey and am serious about getting answers. From long COVID to body pain to dehydration to dark circles to autoimmune disorders, it's a lot to process and digest," she wrote.
Her caption continued to explain that she's tackling this puzzle and bringing her social media followers along for the journey. She also wanted everyone to know that she didn't care how she looked or how others looked. She said she cares about how she feels and being healthy.
"My journey begins now with X-rays, MRIs, research, and diet changes. I am being thorough and serious about this for you and me," she continued. "I know many can't afford the time or the resources to get these answers. I know our struggles are different, but from what I'm hearing, many are the same."
Many of Frankel's social media followers shared their stories and left comments and suggestions for the author. Some talked about having similar issues before removing their breast implants, the after-effects of the COVID vaccine, and other autoimmune disorders.
"None of this was normal among so many people before the vaccines," one person wrote. "Please test for Lyme disease," suggested another.
Another follower wrote about friends who also went through something similar, saying, "I'm so sorry you are going through this, friend🖤 So many of my friends have removed their breast implants, and their autoimmune disorders have healed within months!! Praying for answers!!!🖤"