NeNe Leakes opened up about her health case scare on an episode of "The Dr. Oz Show."
According to the United Press International, the " Real Housewives of Atlanta" star spoke to America's favorite doctor about the blood clots on her lungs she had back in 2013, which hospitalized the reality star last November with a pulmonary embolism.
"I'm thankful to be alive as the doctor advised me that most people don't recognize the symptoms of blood clots and don't go to the doctor and that's when the big problems start happening," Leakes said of her health. "Contrary to published reports I did not have a heart attack."
During her time in the hospital Leakes took to her blog to update fans on her condition.
"Late last week I wasn't feeling well and was feeling a little short of breath. I know my body and I know when I should be concerned so I went to the hospital to get checked out. After some routine tests, I was diagnosed with blood clots in my lung. I'm told this happened to me because of the constant traveling around the country that I do for my job. I'm thankful to be alive as the doctor advised me that most people don't recognize the symptoms of blood clots and don't go to the doctor and that's when the big problems start happening."
Leakes said she believes her clots are from the large amount of travel that she's been doing. The star is involved in, "Glee" and "The New Normal," both filmed in Hollywood. She's had to travel back-and-forth from her home in Atlanta to California, which she said can be taxing on the body. Leakes also dismissed previous reports that she suffered from a heart attack.
Leaks happily admitted to Dr. Oz that she was almost back to her old self and was thrilled to be feeling better. She admitted to ignoring the pain until the intensity level forced her to go the emergency room. The reality star stressed the importance of listening to to your body.
"I have good days and bad days," Leakes said of her health. "I just had this pain. ... It got worse and worse, it got really hard and I thought, 'I have to go to the emergency room.'"
Leakes said she hopes to do her part in making sure other women are able to spot similar symptoms and react properly. Following her appearance on the show, Leakes took to Twitter to share how thankful she was to have met "The Doctor" and that she "learned so much."
Leakes recently signed a new contract with Bravo for the coming season of "Real Housewives." Bravo also announced she would be getting a raise, making her the highest paid star on the show.
Love u @DrOz (aka Smartie-Pants)! Had so much fun on the show n learned so much, catch a clip here: https://t.co/R3EO020VLg
— NeNe Leakes (@NeNeLeakes) January 25, 2014
