Entertainment

Yolanda Foster Opens Up About Lyme Disease

by Marenah Dobin

If you watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, you know that Yolanda Foster is the ray of sunshine among a frequently catty group of ladies. She is the one who always seems to have it together and always keeps her cool. But her life took a turn for the worst when she was diagnosed with lyme disease three years ago. Lyme disease can have major effects on the heart and nervous system when it is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. The model has had more than her fair share of struggle since the diagnosis, and now Yolanda Foster is speaking out about lyme disease from a personal perspective and bringing awareness to the severity of the disease. Lyme Disease is a bigger struggle than most people realize and Foster is doing what she can to spread the word.

Sharing her story was no easy task for the reality star. She used to be an avid blogger on Bravo's website to support RHOBH in addition to using it as a space to explain her struggles. However, in a devastating turn of events, her ability to express herself began to dwindle. As Foster explained in a Jan. 15 post, "I would like to apologize for my lousy participation in the blogging department at the moment. Although writing is usually my favorite thing to do, I unfortunately have lost the ability to do so in an intelligent manner at this time." It is especially sad that Foster could not express herself at a time when she probably needed to the most.

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In addition to Foster lost the ability to do basic, yet essential, tasks that we all take for granted. The reality star revealed, "I have lost the ability to read, write, or even watch TV, because I can't process information or any stimulation for that matter." Wow. This sounds like a truly frightening journey.

As if the debilitating side effects weren't bad enough, there's actually no cure or vaccine for lyme disease in the United States. This means that Foster has exhausted the gamut of possible solutions from antibiotics to herbal treatments, and has traveled outside of the country to explore other options. She explained, "A lot of great medicines and ancient therapies are blocked by the FDA, so that's why I choose to travel and recognize the value of diverse points of view in medicine."

Even with all the struggles and obstacles in her way, Foster is determined to make the best out of her situation. She is fighting to stay vocal so she can raise awareness. She is searching for alternative treatments. She's maintaining a positive attitude. She's undeniably a great role model for anyone going through a medical struggle of this severity.

Images: Getty Images