Brandi Glanville, known for her role on *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills*, is actively seeking treatment for her ongoing health challenges, which have resulted in facial disfigurement. The 52-year-old reality star recently shared her journey with *Us Weekly*, revealing that she is now working with Dr. Michael Scoma, a New York City-based infectious disease specialist. Their collaboration aims to address the complexities of her condition, which Glanville describes as a long-standing battle.
Glanville’s health issues began after her return from Morocco in January 2023, where she contracted a parasite while filming *The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip* season 4. Since then, she has faced numerous health complications, including an infection that has spread beyond her face to her head, neck, shoulder, and left arm. “I spent two years being told there was really not anything wrong with me,” she explained.
New Treatment Approach
Dr. Scoma has initiated treatment with a regimen of intravenous (IV) antibiotics and antifungal medications, administered through a PICC line. Glanville expressed her struggles with the ongoing health issues, stating, “I’m a wreck,” but she remains optimistic about her recovery. She humorously likened her situation to a character from the video game *The Last of Us*, emphasizing the discomfort of her symptoms.
The treatment plan is comprehensive and proactive, designed to address Glanville’s deep tissue infections, which mimic parasitic behavior. “Once the infection is fully controlled and she’s stable, we can evaluate any next steps to support her recovery,” Dr. Scoma noted. He anticipates that meaningful progress could be seen within weeks.
Glanville’s condition has caused her significant distress, with symptoms including fluid leakage from her ear and a sunken appearance in her face. “It’s definitely calmed down since I was treated for the parasite, but now I’m left with an infection in my skin,” she shared. As part of her recovery, Dr. Scoma has also recommended a protein-rich diet, hydration, and stress management techniques to bolster her immune system.
Financial Strain and Support
In addition to her medical treatment, Glanville has teamed up with healthcare strategist Rachel Strauss, also known as the PBM Princess, to address her mounting medical bills, which exceed $130,000. Strauss aims to assist Glanville in navigating the complexities of her healthcare expenses, advocating for reduced costs where possible. “When you’re sick and those bills are piling up, that causes stress and it makes your medical issues worse,” Glanville explained.
Glanville has consulted with over 21 doctors in her quest for answers, leading to significant financial strain. Some have suggested that her facial disfigurement may be linked to previous cosmetic procedures. While she has ruled out immediate cosmetic treatments, she looks forward to potential future procedures once her infection is under control. “The doctor actually said my skin should regenerate quite a bit,” she stated, indicating a hopeful outlook.
Dr. Scoma emphasized the importance of focusing on Glanville’s health before considering any cosmetic interventions. “Right now, our focus is on treating Brandi’s long-standing infection and its secondary effects,” he reiterated.
As Glanville continues her journey toward recovery, she remains committed to following her treatment protocols closely and maintaining a positive mindset amidst the challenges.
