“Late Sunday night was the start to a scary ride for [his partner] Zachary and I,” captioned the Bravo star. “After starting a new medication I begin to feel generally unwell. Little did I know the battle I was going to face was the most painful and traumatic bodily experience of my life.”<\/p>\n
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.<\/p>\n
Instagram Media Unavailable<\/strong><\/p>\n “Monday started with throat pain like none other. Spread to my mouth, lips, hands, and feet. Having gone to the walk-in clinic & diagnosed with hand-foot-mouth disease they sent me on my way. Wednesday-Thursday I suffered from worsening blisters, inability to tolerate swallowing, tongue swelling, and change in vision. Friday there was still no sign of relief. Zachary rushed me to NYU ER. \ud83c\udfe5,” he continued.<\/p>\n “Bypassing others in the ED waiting room, the medical staff rushed me into be examined from head to toe by almost every service from ophthalmology to dermatology (over 20 doctors) and told me I had something called SJS.”<\/p>\n “Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. Treated as a medical emergency requiring hospitalization. Usually a reaction to certain medications that starts with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful rash that spreads with bursting and oozing blisters. Then the top layer of affected skin dies & sheds. Treated with intensive IVIG transfusions and medical treatment,” said Vilijoen.<\/p>\n The reality star also made sure to thank the hospital staff and partner, who supported him along this terrifying journey.<\/p>\n “With an impeccable medical staff, a loving fianc\u00e9, and support of friends and family I am working towards making a full recovery. 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 concluded, before adding one last note to his followers.<\/p>\n “A few things I’ve learned from this experience. One, advocate for your health and treat your body seriously. If something doesn\u2019t feel right seek treatment. Two, family and a support system is EVERYTHING. Without them, I\u2019m not sure where I’d be. And three, try to always get through rough times with lots of love and even more laughs (even when they hurt). \u2764\ufe0f”<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/images.toofab.com\/image\/cb\/5by4\/2023\/08\/10\/cbf222b1c2524368b10f82284fcd6dd8_xs.jpg\")
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