Following criticism of her physical appearance, Bethenny Frankel spoke about her health. Her struggle with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome was discussed with her Instagram followers.
The “Real Housewives of New York City” star revealed her severe dehydration issue in a video posted on Instagram, claiming that her doctor had connected the symptoms to POTS.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke classifies POTS as a group of conditions characterised by orthostatic intolerance (OI). Upon rising from a lying position, a small amount of blood flows back to the heart.
Lightheadedness or fainting is the most typical OI symptom. Although the illness has no known cause, dehydration may worsen these symptoms.
In the video, Frankel, 52, said, “Simply because I love you as I share this with you. Many of you have questioned why my face appears differently in my cosmetic tutorials since I’m damaged, and I’m sorry to say that I am. My situation is not great. ”.
She continued, I’m so dehydrated and had many aches and pains. I’ve tried coconut water, kombucha, and Pedialyte, but they all pass through me. I’ve put on four pounds since I got here as my body tries to hold on to what little water it can. ”.
According to Frankel, the symptoms are “excruciating, and it’s become horrible in the last few years,” She wakes up “every two hours in such torment and dying of thirst. “.
So that’s why I look f—ked up, she said, “because I’m f—ked up. “It’s absurd. It’s unmistakably connected to my POTS syndrome, according to my doctor. I’m sure a lot of you have had similar experiences. “.
She had a disease that “looks to have been greatly worsened by COVID,” according to Frankel, who added that it is “certainly a condition to treat” in the caption.
Although COVID-19 infection and POTS have been linked in numerous studies, more research is required to understand the connection.
The reality star elaborated, “I have severe chronic dehydration. My dangerously low blood pressure and constant dehydration have gotten exponentially worse. ”.
I work incredibly hard to stay hydrated, receive IVs, and haven’t had any alcohol in six months. I’m basically on the case,” she declared.
Frankel cautioned her readers after her article not to judge “someone’s outward appearance,” as they might not be aware of what that person is going through psychologically, physically, or emotionally.
According to an NINDS report, POTS can affect people of any age. But it mainly affects females between the ages of 15 and 50. Some women assert that they experience more POTS episodes just before their period.
A pregnancy, major surgery, trauma, or viral illness are all common triggers for POTS. The disease can cause dizziness or fainting spells, making exercise difficult for those with it.
The disorder’s origin is unidentified. Treatment options exist for the low blood volume disorder and any underlying circulatory issues. Numerous medications are helpful in the short term. Their long-term efficacy is unknown, according to NINDS.
Most of the time, simple remedies like increasing the salt in your diet and monitoring your fluid intake are sufficient.
The NINDS further cautions that POTS symptoms may appear and disappear over time and may progress in a relapsing-remitting manner. Most POTS sufferers experience some improvement and functional recovery, but some persistent symptoms are common.
