Former reality television star and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel has publicly revealed her recent diagnosis with stage 2 chronic kidney disease, sharing a personal health update through social media. The 55-year-old alumna of "The Real Housewives of New York City" posted a video on Instagram detailing her medical journey while encouraging her followers to remain vigilant about their own health.
Proactive Health Monitoring Leads to Diagnosis
In a video shared on January 22, Frankel explained that she had decided months earlier to take a proactive approach to her health by undergoing comprehensive blood tests and bone density scans. "I decided that I was going to be very proactive about blood tests, bone density, all the things I had heard people talking about," Frankel stated. This systematic approach eventually led her to reluctantly schedule an appointment with a kidney specialist after noticing concerning patterns in her test results.
Uncertain Causes and Potential Factors
During her consultation with the specialist, Frankel received the stage 2 chronic kidney disease diagnosis, though her physician remained uncertain about the exact cause. The doctor suggested several possible contributing factors, ranging from a severe allergic reaction Frankel experienced years ago to potential autoimmune conditions or even chronic dehydration.
"I don't drink a lot of water," Frankel admitted in her video. "You guys know that I always have a hydration packet. I'm holding a bottle, but I'm not usually drinking it." This acknowledgment of her hydration habits highlighted one potential lifestyle factor that might have contributed to her kidney health challenges.
Connecting Past Health Incidents
Frankel's medical team speculated that her kidney issues might be connected to a "traumatic experience I had years ago when I almost died from an allergy attack" that could have potentially damaged her kidneys. She also mentioned her history of urinary tract infections and struggles with maintaining proper hydration levels, along with experiencing low blood pressure.
The reference to the severe allergy attack relates to a 2018 incident when Frankel was hospitalized after consuming soup that caused severe itching and loss of consciousness. At that time, she disclosed having a "rare fish allergy" that triggered the life-threatening reaction.
Long-Term Health Management Outlook
"Maybe this is something I'll have to deal with this forever," Frankel reflected about her kidney disease diagnosis. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her condition, she emphasized the importance of regular medical checkups, stating, "I just wanted to tell you because I think it's important to get all your blood work done."
From Reality TV to Health Advocacy
Bethenny Frankel's career has spanned multiple industries, beginning as a personal chef before gaining national recognition through reality television appearances. She first captured public attention as a runner-up on "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart" before achieving breakout success as a cast member on "The Real Housewives of New York City." Beyond television, Frankel has established herself as a successful entrepreneur and business mogul.
Her decision to share her kidney disease diagnosis publicly represents a shift toward health advocacy, using her platform to emphasize the importance of regular medical screenings and proactive health management. The revelation has sparked conversations about kidney health awareness and the value of comprehensive medical testing, particularly for individuals in middle age and beyond.
