Kyle Viljoen revealed he is now in recovery after going through a health scare and being hospitalized last week.
On Sunday, the Below Deck Mediterranean star, 31, opened up about the ‘painful and traumatic bodily experience’ and his subsequent diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
He posted a series of photos of himself in the hospital with his fiancé, Zachary Riley, at his side as he suffered from flu-like symptoms and rashes all over his body that were so painful he had to go to the ER.
In the lengthy post, the reality TV personality — who was a controversial returning cast member for the ongoing eighth season of the franchise series — detailed the week-long incident caused by a new, unnamed medication.
‘Late Sunday night was the start to a scary ride for Zachary and I,’ he explained that he started feeling symptoms on Sunday, which would become one of the ‘most painful’ experiences of his life.
On the mend: Kyle Viljoen revealed he is now in recovery after going through a health scare and being hospitalized last week
‘After starting a new medication, I begin to feel generally unwell,’ he recalled. ‘Little did I know the battle I was going to face was the most painful and traumatic bodily experience of my life.’
He said on Monday, he started feeling ‘throat pain like none other’ which ‘spread to my mouth, lips, hands, and feet.’
He said he had gone to a walk-in clinic and was diagnosed with hand-foot-mouth disease — ‘a mild, contagious viral infection’, according to the Mayo Clinic.
He realized that was a misdiagnosis, however, when he started suffering from ‘worsening blisters, inability to tolerate swallowing, tongue swelling, and a change in vision’ on Wednesday and Thursday.
By Friday, he said ‘there was still no sign of relief’ and his fiancé took him to the New York University Hospital Emergency Room.
‘Bypassing others in the ED waiting room, the medical staff rushed me in to [sic] be examined from head to toe by almost every service from ophthalmology to dermatology and told me I had something called SJS,’ he said, recalling that it took over 20 doctors total to get his proper diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Stevens-Johnson syndrome is ‘a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes’.
He explained that the very rare but serious skin reaction is ‘treated like a medical emergency requiring hospitalization’ and is ‘usually a reaction to certain medications that starts with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful rash that spreads with bursting and oozing blisters’.
Week-long health scare: On Sunday, the Below Deck Mediterranean star, 31, opened up about the ‘painful and traumatic bodily experience’ and his subsequent diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Hospitalized for a week: He posted a series of photos of himself in the hospital with his fiancé, Zachary Riley, at his side as he suffered from flu-like symptoms and rashes all over his body that were so painful he had to go to the ER
Opening up about his experience: In the lengthy post, the reality TV personality detailed the week-long incident
Final diagnosis: He said he was misdiagnosed at a walk-in clinic initially. He was rushed to the ER and after seeing over 20 doctors, he was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome
‘Then the top layer of affected skin dies and sheds,’ he said, detailing the syndrome and treatment thoroughly. ‘Treated with intensive IVIG transfusions and medical treatment.’
Fortunately, he said he is now on the mend and expressed his gratitude for a circle of supporters around him during this journey.
‘With an impeccable medical staff, a loving fiancé, and support of friends and family I am working towards making a full recovery,’ he wrote.
‘Having eaten my first meal in 7 days and finding that coconut milk helps with mouth blisters, I am over the moon with optimism and hope,’ he added.
He then shared a positive message and three important takeaways with his 99.6 thousand followers and thanked his loved ones for being there for him.
‘A few things I’ve learned from this experience. One, advocate for your health and treat your body seriously,’ he said. ‘If something doesn’t feel right, seek treatment.’
He continued: ‘Two, family and a support system is EVERYTHING. Without them, I’m not sure where I’d be.’
Finally, he wrote, ‘And three, try to always get through rough times with lots of love and even more laughs (even when they hurt).’
Painful symptoms: In his post, he showed the painful mouth blisters that left him unable to eat anything for seven days
Scary rash: He also got a painful rash all over his body due to the syndrome — which he explained is ‘usually a reaction to certain medications that starts with flu-like symptoms’
Lots of love: He then shared a positive message and three important takeaways with his 99.6 thousand followers and thanked his loved ones, especially his ‘loving fiancé’ for being there for him
Update: He wrote a lengthy message in his caption to recall his past week and explain to his fans how he is currently doing
Many of his fans as well as fellow Bravo stars took to his comments section to wish him a well recovery.
Below Deck Down Under star Culver Bradbury wrote: ‘Someone get my man some coconut milk!!! Hope you’re [sic] feeling better bud, sending good vibes your way.’
Natasha Webb — who appeared on season 7 of Below Deck Mediterranean with Viljoen — also wished him well with a sweet comment.
‘My heart is so broken seeing you like this my love,’ the reality TV personality wrote. ‘Sending you all mine, Max, Paddington & Rupert’s love, cuddles, kisses and strength. We love you so dearly xxxx.’
Their costar, Dave White, also left a comment wishing Viljoen a ‘speedy recovery’.
The chef wrote: ‘Ahhh man.. so much love pal! I wish you a speedy recovery, let me know if I can help in any way!’
