In a new Instagram post, the Below Deck Mediterranean star confirmed he was recently hospitalized in New York City, where he received an unexpected diagnosis.
“After starting a new medication, I begin to feel generally unwell,” Viljoen wrote on Instagram Sunday. “Little did I know the battle I was going to face was the most painful and traumatic bodily experience of my life.”
What started as throat pain later spread to his mouth, lips, hands and feet. And while he was initially diagnosed with hand-foot-mouth disease, Viljoen believed there was something more going on.
After going to the emergency room, his fears were confirmed.
“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),” he said. “They told me I had something called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.”
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‘Below Deck Med’ star Kyle Viljoen shares a photo from his hospital room. Kyle Viljoen/Instagram
According to the Mayo Clinic , SJS is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. It’s usually a reaction to medication that starts with flu-like symptoms.
Thanks to his medical staff and supportive family, Viljoen says he is “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 wrote. “Advocate for your health and treat your body seriously. If something doesn’t feel right, seek treatment.”
After sharing his story online, Viljoen received supportive messages from his extended Bravo family.
“Kyle babe! Here if you need me,” Summer House star Danielle Olivera wrote in the comment section. Below Deck ‘s Culver Bradbury added, “Someone get my man some coconut milk !!! Hope you feeling better bud, sending good vibes your way.”
