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Brandi Glanville Reveals Health Struggles Linked to Parasite Diagnosis While Filming RHUGT
Brandi Glanville is courageously sharing her journey regarding her recent facial disfigurement, which she attributes to a potential parasite infection. This revelation has captivated audiences, as she discusses the challenges she faces daily due to this diagnosis.
In a revealing interview with Entertainment Tonight, the former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills elaborated on her ongoing health struggles. She mentioned that several medical professionals suspect that her disturbing symptoms may stem from a parasitic infection, which has significantly impacted her day-to-day life.
Brandi Glanville also highlighted the financial toll this medical situation has taken on her life. She revealed that she has reportedly spent “over $70,000” on various treatments in her quest to address her facial disfigurement, showcasing the emotional and economic weight of her ongoing battle.
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Understanding the Diagnosis and Treatment of the Alleged Parasite Infection
The Bravo star elaborated on the extensive medical consultations she has undergone, explaining that she has sought advice from a range of specialists, including an immunologist, an infectious disease expert, a rheumatologist, and an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor, all in pursuit of clarity regarding her alarming symptoms.
“They sent me to have my face checked — perhaps due to past fillers. So, that was all dissolved, even though I was like, ‘You are dissolving my actual skin now because I haven’t had filler in a long time,’” she recounted, emphasizing the confusion and frustration of navigating her medical journey.
Glanville proceeded to detail the array of medications she has been prescribed, stating that she has undergone “IV antibiotics at home every day for six weeks,” and has been treated with ivermectin, an anti-parasitic medication, along with hydroxychloroquine, which is utilized for malaria and lupus as an immunosuppressive agent.
“Everything you can think of,” she shared. “I have been on meds this entire year. I do not socialize. I do not go out. And I’m just spending all of my money trying to figure out what’s wrong with me, feeling isolated and overwhelmed by the situation.”
When asked by ET how much she estimates she has spent on her medical journey, Glanville stated, “Over $70,000.” This staggering amount reflects the serious nature of her health issues and the desperate search for answers.
“With not working as well the past two years … I am stressed,” she added, highlighting the compounded pressures of her health and financial situation.
“Honestly, I have so many doctors and have undergone so many tests … I did lab work for $10,000,” she continued. “I ran every test under the sun, desperately seeking a diagnosis and relief.”
According to the 52-year-old reality star, some doctors have suggested, “It might be, possibly, a parasite. This is, you know, new territory for me.”
Glanville shared that the infectious disease doctor is “friends with all the other doctors he sent me to,” adding that “they all discussed it thoroughly, trying to connect the dots.”
“They all want to figure it out, expensively and extensively,” she said with a hint of humor, adding, “It has just been frustrating for all of us involved in this complicated medical mystery.”
When asked how she believes she may have “contracted” a parasite, she suggested that she might have been exposed while in Morocco filming The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip in 2023.
“We had food sitting out for hours on end, and some of it was meat. In Morocco,” Glanville explained. “Six months after I got back from Morocco, I started experiencing this speaking issue along with swelling. It began in July, and we’re still here trying to figure it out.”
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Despite the ongoing challenges, the reality star shared that “the good news” is that as the swelling decreases, she is able to “see where the issue — or whatever it is — resides,” giving her some hope in this difficult journey.
“When I push it here,” she explained while pressing on the left side of her face, “It feels like tiny bubbles are bursting. I feel like it’s shifting or having babies in my face,” illustrating the peculiar sensations she has been experiencing.
Glanville further claimed that the organism is “producing so much fluid” that her lymph nodes “aren’t draining,” which exacerbates her discomfort and complicates her treatment.
As for her treatment, she mentioned that the IV antibiotics “did help some,” but she “wanted to stop because it’s $2,000 each week,” highlighting the financial strain of her medical care.
“I did it for six weeks and it’s back,” she added, expressing her frustration and noting that she might need surgical intervention to finally resolve the issue.
“Someone has got to help because at this point, I am telling the doctors what to do,” she stated. “Can we, like, go in there and scrape it, and like, biopsy it and send it away?” expressing her desperation for a resolution.
Glanville is currently collaborating with Dr. Nicholas Nikolov to address her condition using a non-invasive sound wave therapy, exploring innovative approaches to her complicated health issue.
Her interview with ET comes just days after she candidly revealed her facial disfigurement in a selfie shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, which drew significant attention.
Glanville mentioned that she set up a new Cameo account due to her health struggles, allowing her to connect with fans while navigating this challenging time.
“Let me share what I look like & why I had to take a pause… check the next post & f–king suck it haters,” she wrote in a post, before sharing the selfie mentioned above.
Alongside the picture, she wrote, “Sick it!” emphasizing her frustration with the ongoing situation.
Glanville elaborated in a follow-up post, stating, “What happened? I wish I knew I’ve been in & out of the hospital this past year, spending almost every dollar I have trying to figure it out.”
“Some doctors say I have a parasite that jumps around my face. Others suggest it’s stress-induced edema. Personally, I blame Bravo,” she added, revealing her feelings regarding the intense pressures of reality television.
Brandi Glanville’s Ongoing Health Struggles: A Closer Look
Glanville has been candid about her health issues, shedding light on her tumultuous journey.
In January 2024, she detailed what seems to be the onset of her health crisis, stating that the physical nightmare began in August 2023 when her lips and face swelled unexpectedly, leading to life-threatening anaphylactic shock episodes.
“I’ve faced numerous health challenges that have affected my ability to communicate and enjoy food. My face would swell as if I were experiencing anaphylactic shock repeatedly, and I consulted seven doctors, only to be told it was stress-induced angioedema,” Glanville shared with Entertainment Tonight in a January 2024 interview.
Glanville was ultimately diagnosed with stress-induced angioedema, a condition characterized by swelling beneath the skin, which has severely impacted her quality of life.
The catalyst for this health scare? She believes it stems from the accusations made by Caroline Manzo, alleging sexual misconduct during the filming of The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip in Morocco last year, which has undoubtedly added to her stress levels.
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While the incident was not captured on camera, it was “life-ruining” for Glanville, who was ultimately removed from the show, as Peacock, the streaming service airing the series, deemed her actions “unacceptable.”
Glanville has denied the allegations and claims she was advised to remain silent about the incident, which has stirred up significant controversy.
In a twist, Manzo also left filming early and vowed never to return to the franchise or RHUGT after her “traumatic” experience with Glanville. The Real Housewives of New Jersey alum filed a lawsuit claiming that Glanville not only assaulted her during the filming but that production encouraged such behavior.
During her interview with Entertainment Tonight, Glanville was asked why she believes Bravo and Peacock have withheld the release of RHUGT to the public. She responded with a pointed observation.
“That is a great question. I mean, I know why. It’s because of Caroline’s lawsuit,” she claimed, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the show’s release and the ongoing legal disputes.