by Thinus Ferreira
Below Deck Mediterranean's Kyle Viljoen is recovering after a serious health scare and sharing that he just went through the "most painful and traumatic bodily experience" ever.
On Sunday on Instagram, the South African reality star - one of several South Africans who feature as interior and deck crew across various seasons in the Bravo series franchise seen on E! (DStv 124) - said that after he was initially misdiagnosed, he was eventually diagnosed with the rare Stevens-Johnson syndrome and ended up in hospital.
"Monday started with throat pain like none other," he says, which "spread to my mouth, lips, hands and feet. Having gone to the walk-in clinic and diagnosed with hand-foot-mouth disease they sent me on my way. Wednesday to Thursday I suffered from worsening blisters, inability to tolerate swallowing, tongue swelling and a change in vision."
"Friday there was still no relief." He says his fiance Zachary rushed him to New York University hospital's emergency room.
"Bypassing others in the ED waiting room, the medical staff rushed me in to 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. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes."
Kyle says he has finally "eaten my first meal in seven days", saying people should advocate for their own health "and treat your body seriously. If something doesn't feel right, seek treatment".
Kyle Viljoen first appeared in the 7th season of Below Deck Mediterranean and is back in season 8 which just started in the United States.
Tumi Mhlongo from South Africa who appeared in Below Deck Down Under's first season is also back for her second season in Below Deck Med's 8th season, working with Kyle.
