Bethenny Frankel Says She 'Almost Died' Before Stage 2 Kidney Disease — How Is She Now?

American entrepreneur and TV personality Bethenny Frankel has revealed she has been diagnosed with stage 2 chronic kidney disease, opening up about a serious health condition that she says may be linked to a near-fatal allergic reaction she suffered years ago.

The former Real Housewives of New York City star shared the update on social media, explaining that routine blood tests raised concerns about her kidney function and ultimately led to the diagnosis. Frankel said the discovery came as a shock and prompted her to reflect on earlier health scares that may have played a role.

Routine Blood Tests Raised Early Red Flags

As reported by TMZ, Frankel said her condition was detected after standard blood work showed abnormal kidney markers. She was then referred to a specialist, where further testing confirmed stage 2 chronic kidney disease.

At this stage, kidney damage is considered mild but measurable, with doctors typically focusing on monitoring function, identifying possible causes and preventing further decline. Frankel stressed that she had not been experiencing obvious symptoms prior to the tests, highlighting the importance of early screening.

'I Almost Died': A Past Health Crisis Under Scrutiny

In discussing what may have contributed to the diagnosis, Frankel pointed to a traumatic allergic reaction she experienced years ago, during which she said she 'almost died'. According to Frankel, doctors have told her the kidney damage could be autoimmune in nature or linked to that earlier medical emergency.

She explained that severe allergic reactions can place extreme stress on the body, potentially affecting organs such as the kidneys. While the exact cause of her condition remains unclear, Frankel said medical professionals are continuing to assess her history as part of ongoing care.

How Bethenny Frankel Says Her Health Is Now

Frankel has not shared specific details about her current health status following the diagnosis. Instead, she has focused on the steps she says she needs to take after learning she has stage 2 chronic kidney disease.

She said she has been advised to drink more water and remain better hydrated, something she acknowledged she had not always prioritised. Frankel also said she has been told to make dietary changes, including cutting back on certain foods she enjoys. She noted that adjusting her habits would not be easy but described the changes as necessary in light of the diagnosis.

A Difficult Start to 2026 Health-Wise

The kidney diagnosis follows what Frankel described as a challenging start to 2026. Earlier this year, she revealed in a TikTok video that she developed a bacterial infection while on holiday in St Barts, which she attributed to hotel towels.

The infection added to growing health concerns and came shortly before doctors identified issues with her kidney function. While the two events have not been officially linked, Frankel has described the period as physically draining.

Why She Decided to Speak Publicly

Frankel said she chose to share her diagnosis to encourage others to take their health seriously, particularly when it comes to routine blood work. She urged people not to ignore abnormal test results or delay follow-up appointments.

Her message focused on prevention and awareness, rather than alarm, stressing that early detection can make a significant difference in managing chronic conditions such as kidney disease.

What Comes Next for Frankel

Frankel is expected to continue seeing specialists to monitor her kidney function and assess any progression of the disease. She has not indicated that her condition has advanced beyond stage 2.

For now, she says her focus is on staying hydrated, following medical advice and adjusting her lifestyle to support her health, as she navigates living with a chronic kidney condition.