Yolanda Foster opened up about Lyme disease to Dr. Mehmet Oz on his talk show. During the episode of the Dr. Oz Show aired Tuesday, Yolanda shared how her children, Gigi, Bella, and Anwar, were impacted by her battle with Lyme disease , reported People .
As the oldest of the siblings, 20-year-old Gigi took on the most responsibility for her mother. But Yolanda told Dr. Oz that 19-year-old Bella and 16-year-old Anwar also have been affected. Famed for her role on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills , Yolanda shared just how much Lyme disease has impacted all of her children.
“There were nights where Gigi, at three o’clock in the morning, had to drive me to the emergency room because I had such severe inflammation in my brain that I’d be balling on the floor like please take me to the hospital,” Foster revealed to Dr. Oz.
Moreover, it wasn’t just Gigi supporting her. Bella and Anwar were there for her, as well.
“So you know, and not just Gigi driving, Anwar and Bella in the back of the car and the three of us going to the hospital. And, them being there, they learn to take charge and be my strength.”
Yolanda credits her offspring for their encouragement and love. Gigi, Anwar, and Bella have stayed by their mother’s side through her heartbreak over her divorce from ex-husband David Foster.
“I remember just waiting for [my children] to get out of school, just to give them a hug and look at them for hope,” shared the RHOBH star.
Although Yolanda also told Dr. Oz that although she had some dark days, her three children made her fight for a cure for Lyme disease.
“When you look at your children it’s not a choice anymore, right? You have to. You have to get through. You have to keep fighting and searching to get well,” declared Foster.
Yolanda received her diagnosis of Lyme disease in 2012. Last year, she shared that both Anwar and Bella also have been battling Lyme disease.
Using the reality TV show on which she stars to spread awareness, Foster has made it a mission to not just help others understand what Lyme disease involves but also the importance of finding a cure, reported the Daily Mail .
During her speech at the Global Lyme Alliance gala last October, Yolanda discussed how she felt when she learned that Anwar and Bella had Lyme disease.
“When my two youngest children, Bella and Anwar, were diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease in early 2012, watching my babies struggle in silence in order to support me in my journey struck the deepest core of hopelessness inside of me,” Foster revealed.
Gigi does not have Lyme disease, but when she won the Celebrity Showdown episode of MasterChef, the devoted daughter gave all of her $25,000 winnings to The Global Lyme Alliance for Lyme Disease.
“My mom, sister and brother are all affected by Lyme disease. Not enough people know what Lyme disease is and the dangers of being bitten by an insect,” said Gigi. “I’m the only one of my siblings … my mom and my family that hasn’t been affected by Lyme disease.”
Although the reality TV star has been passionate in seeking to raise awareness, many people are not aware of how Lyme disease is developed as well as the symptoms.
Dr. Oz revealed that Lyme disease is a tick-borne condition.
Symptoms can vary widely but may include exhaustion, headache, fever, and the classic “bull’s eye” skin rash. Each year, about 300,000 cases of the disease are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States.
The rash typically occurs near the site of the tick bite between 3 to 30 days. However, the rash isn’t always visible. Additional symptoms could include chills and fever, fatigue, an aching body, and swollen lymph nodes. Those who suffer from such symptoms are advised to visit a health professional.
If Lyme disease is not treated promptly, other problems can develop, ranging from memory loss to pain and swelling. Diagnosis from a health expert typically involves a discussion of symptoms, investigation about being exposed to ticks infected with Lyme disease, and blood tests. Oral antibiotics generally are utilized.
But the problems arise if no diagnosis occurs until the later stages of the condition. That stage of Lyme disease is called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. Symptoms may become exacerbated, and taking antibiotics long-term has not been indicated as a reliable way to alleviate problems such as exhaustion and pain.
[Image via Dr. Oz Show ]