Bethenny Frankel, the entrepreneur and former Real Housewives of New York star, has recently shared insights into her ongoing battle with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). In a candid Instagram video, Frankel addressed comments about her changed appearance, explaining the challenges of living with this chronic condition. She revealed that her symptoms have intensified, leading to bloating, swelling, and weight gain due to water retention.
Frankel initially spoke about her POTS diagnosis some time ago, describing it as a significant health struggle. She emphasized that this autoimmune disorder appears to have worsened since contracting COVID-19. Connecting with her followers, Frankel acknowledged that many others are navigating similar health issues and expressed gratitude for shared information and support. She highlighted chronic severe dehydration as a major symptom, noting that while she has always experienced low blood pressure and dehydration, these issues have become dramatically more pronounced. Despite consuming liters of water, kombucha, and Pedialyte daily, she continues to grapple with these symptoms.
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Frankel’s dedication to managing her health is evident as she detailed her efforts to stay hydrated, including receiving IV treatments and abstaining from alcohol for six months. She openly admitted, “I’m basically on the case,” demonstrating her proactive approach to dealing with POTS. She also mentioned that environmental factors, such as altitude and dry climates, particularly in Aspen, her favorite snowboarding destination, present additional hurdles for managing her condition.
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, is a condition affecting blood flow, causing a rapid increase in heartbeat when transitioning from lying down to standing up. This can lead to various symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, and the increased heart rate Frankel described. While there is currently no cure for POTS, symptom management is possible through lifestyle adjustments and medical treatments, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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Despite the health challenges posed by her POTS diagnosis, Frankel remains committed to living an active life. She shared her recent snowboarding trip to Aspen with her daughter Bryn, emphasizing the importance of pushing through health obstacles to enjoy life. Even while acknowledging the need for “IV’s & take extra precautions” to manage her dehydration and altitude sensitivity in Aspen, Frankel highlighted the enduring joy she finds in snowboarding.
In her social media post, Frankel concluded with a powerful message about body image and online commentary. She urged her followers to consider the unseen struggles individuals may be facing before commenting on their physical appearance. This reminder underscores the importance of empathy and understanding, especially in the context of chronic illnesses like POTS, which can have visible and sometimes fluctuating physical manifestations.
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Frankel’s openness about her Bethenny Frankel Pots Diagnosis serves to raise awareness about POTS and the often-invisible battles faced by those living with chronic health conditions. Her story resonates with many, offering both information and encouragement to others navigating their own health journeys.
