Vicki Gunvalson is opening up about her lifelong health struggles and why she was upset after her brain scan results became a topic of conversation on The Real Housewives of Orange County.
During Bravo’s RHOC After Show, Vicki reacted to Tamra Judge discussing her health with Emily Simpson and Jenn Pedranti after Vicki had shared concerns about possibly having brain damage.
Vicki did not appreciate Tamra spreading that information.
She described Tamra as playing “Telephone,” jokingly calling it “TeleTamra.”
The issue came up after Tamra told Emily and Jenn about Vicki’s health concerns before Vicki had the chance to speak with them herself. When Vicki later brought it up on RHOC, Jenn told her that Tamra had already shared it with them the day before.
On the After Show, Vicki made it clear that she felt Tamra crossed a line.
“Tamra knows a lot about my history,” Vicki said. “It wasn’t Tamra’s place to talk about my health and it’s not my place to talk about her health.”
Vicki added, “So she misspoke. She likes gossip, and it was wrong.”
Tamra also addressed the situation on the After Show, saying, “That’s all you have to say to those two. They take it and run.”
Tamra later said Vicki is now fine, while Heather Dubrow pointed out that it made sense viewers never heard much more about it afterward.
But for Vicki, the situation was about more than just gossip.
Vicki explained that she has been through serious health issues for years and knows her body better than anyone.
“I have had eight brain surgeries, so I know my health,” Vicki said.
She then revealed more about the condition she has dealt with for much of her life.
“I have a situation called cholesteatoma that grows inside my ear,” Vicki explained. “I have my mastoid cavity taken out. I have a cochlear implant. I have a cadaver eardrum.”
Vicki said her ongoing treatment requires regular appointments.
“I go every three to four months and get the cholesteatoma sucked out of my cavity,” she shared.
The RHOC OG also opened up about just how many health scares and procedures she has endured over the years.
Vicki said she has “had it all,” including having all of her lymph nodes removed and more surgeries than she can count.
Because of that history, Vicki admitted she is naturally cautious when it comes to her health.
“So am I a worrier?” she said. “I just want to be healthy and happy.”