Overview
- Frankel, 55, announced the diagnosis on TikTok and Instagram on Jan. 22 after a same-day visit with a kidney specialist.
- She said the doctor described it as stage 2 chronic kidney disease, an early stage that the Mayo Clinic characterizes as a mild loss of kidney function.
- Her physician advised significant daily water intake, warned that “water is your medicine,” and told her to avoid NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and Advil, turmeric, and even ice cream.
- Frankel relayed that the specialist floated possible causes including an autoimmune issue or kidney damage linked to her 2018 near-fatal allergic reaction, though no cause was confirmed.
- She framed the disclosure as a cautionary message, noting her history of long COVID, POTS, and a recent bacterial infection, and urging regular, thorough bloodwork with follow-ups.