Bethenny Frankel, a well-known figure from reality television, recently disclosed her personal struggle with stage 2 chronic kidney disease. Her announcement serves not only as a personal revelation but also as a powerful message to her followers, encouraging them to be vigilant about their health and to engage in proactive medical care.
Prioritize Your Health: Learn from Bethenny Frankel's Journey
A Personal Health Revelation: Understanding the Diagnosis
Bethenny Frankel, at 55 years old, shared her recent diagnosis of stage 2 chronic kidney disease, emphasizing that her disclosure was motivated by a desire to inspire caution and mindfulness in her audience's health practices. She recounted her journey to diagnosis, which began with a series of routine blood tests revealing consistently low kidney function.
The Path to a Specialist: Uncovering the Cause
Following concerning blood test results, Frankel was referred to a specialist. Despite initial reluctance to schedule the appointment, she eventually met with the doctor who delivered the stage 2 chronic kidney disease diagnosis. The specialist pondered potential causes, including a severe allergic reaction from years prior that nearly proved fatal, suggesting it might have damaged her kidneys, or an underlying autoimmune condition.
Lifestyle Adjustments: The Doctor's Recommendations
Frankel noted that her condition might also be linked to recurrent urinary tract infections. The primary recommendation from her doctor was to significantly increase her water intake, a habit she admitted she often neglected despite carrying hydration packets. Additionally, she was advised to cease taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, Aleve, and Advil, along with turmeric, and surprisingly, ice cream, a detail she humorously recalled after the fact.
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease: Insights from Medical Authorities
According to the Mayo Clinic, stage 2 chronic kidney disease indicates a mild reduction in kidney function. The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, producing urine, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining mineral balance. A diagnosis of chronic kidney disease typically means the kidneys have sustained damage for several months or longer. Managing blood pressure and continuous monitoring are crucial steps to prevent the disease from advancing.
A Call to Action: Advocating for Proactive Healthcare
Frankel reiterated that her decision to share her health status was not driven by a need for sympathy but by a genuine desire to empower her followers. She urged them to undergo comprehensive blood tests, follow up on any unusual results, and consider getting bloodwork done biannually, as health conditions can evolve over time. She highlighted the importance of patterns in health data, expressing hope that insights from the online community might also contribute to understanding her condition.
Ongoing Health Challenges: A History of Medical Transparency
Frankel's recent kidney disease revelation is part of a pattern of candid discussions about her health. In 2023, she openly shared her experiences with long COVID and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), an autoimmune disorder affecting various bodily functions upon changing positions. More recently, she battled a bacterial infection during a vacation in St. Barts, showcasing her continuous transparency about her health struggles.
