Bethenny Frankel says a new medical team has concluded that she was misdiagnosed with something “pretty major,” but she is not revealing which condition is being questioned.
The former Real Housewives of New York City star said several doctors reviewed her bloodwork, supplements and other medical information together before challenging one of her previous diagnoses.
Frankel described the conclusion as confusing because she had been living under the belief that the unnamed diagnosis was correct. She did not identify the original doctor, the new medical group or any treatment that may have resulted from the diagnosis.
Her disclosure follows months of public updates about chronic kidney disease, but Frankel did not say that her kidney diagnosis was the one being reconsidered.
New Doctors Questioned One of Frankel’s Diagnoses
Frankel shared the update in an Instagram video posted August 3rd, telling followers that she had joined what she called a “very legitimate” medical community. She said multiple doctors were cross-referencing her bloodwork, supplement use and other health information instead of reviewing each issue separately.
“They have said that I have been misdiagnosed with something pretty major,” Frankel said, according to E! News. “And they are pretty resolved. I’m very confused because I was sort of operating with the idea that I do have this,” she said. “I don’t wanna throw anybody under the bus.”
Frankel Did Not Identify the Disputed Condition
PEOPLE and other outlets noted her recent kidney problems while covering the video. Frankel did not connect the new conclusion to her chronic kidney disease, POTS, long COVID or any other condition she has discussed publicly.
She instead encouraged followers to examine medical information carefully, ask questions and obtain comprehensive reviews when necessary. “There’s nothing we should be more thorough about than our medical care or our health,” Frankel said.
She also warned against believing everything found online or using artificial-intelligence chatbots as a substitute for professional medical advice. Frankel captioned the video, “Do your research,” and included hashtags referencing health and doctors.
Her Kidney Disease Was First Classified as Stage 2
@bethennyfrankel Medical cautionary tale #drinkwater #kidneydisease #health #bloodwork ♬ original sound – Bethenny Frankel
Frankel revealed in January that repeated blood tests had shown reduced kidney function. She said a specialist subsequently diagnosed her with stage 2 chronic kidney disease.
The doctor did not identify a definitive cause. Frankel said the possibilities discussed included an autoimmune issue, chronic dehydration and damage connected to the severe allergic reaction she experienced years earlier.
The diagnosis led her to increase her water intake and avoid certain pain relievers and supplements that her doctor said could place additional strain on her kidneys.
A Specialist Later Classified the Condition as Stage 3A
In February, Frankel said another kidney appointment resulted in her condition being classified as stage 3A chronic kidney disease. She said she was not yet at the point of needing medication and had been instructed to continue prioritizing hydration.
Her doctor also told her that kidney-function measurements could fluctuate and recommended additional testing. Frankel acknowledged feeling anxious about the updated classification but said she was attempting to remain calm while following her doctors’ instructions.
She also disclosed that a sonogram had identified a liver nodule. Frankel cited the discovery while encouraging followers to complete recommended tests and follow up on unexpected results.
Frankel Has Discussed POTS, Long COVID and a Severe Fish Allergy
Frankel has also said she was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, commonly called POTS, and long COVID. She discussed those conditions in 2023 after followers questioned changes in her appearance.
Frankel said she experienced severe dehydration, low blood pressure, swelling and body pain and that her symptoms had worsened following COVID-19. She has occasionally received intravenous fluids and has repeatedly described struggling to consume enough water despite being told that dehydration could intensify her symptoms.
Frankel’s medical history also includes a life-threatening fish allergy. She said she lost consciousness and required emergency treatment in 2018 after unknowingly eating soup containing fish.