Season 19 of The Real Housewives of Orange County centered on Emily Simpson’s struggles at home. She was battling to get a diagnosis for her son, Luke, and his complex host of symptoms. Plus, tension increased in her marriage to Shane Simpson as they navigated Luke’s issues.
While RHOC was filming, Luke was diagnosed with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, which is also known as ARFID. “Now we know that he has safe foods, and we always have those in the house,” Emily previously explained. However, during part one of the Season 19 reunion, Emily shared that Luke has a new diagnosis.
Emily and Shane Simpson’s 10-year-old son Luke was diagnosed with PANDAS
During the reunion, Emily revealed that Luke was diagnosed with PANDAS. According to the Cleveland Clinic, PANDAS, or “pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections,” includes a host of symptoms linked to kids who have had strep infections. These symptoms include “obsessive-compulsive behavior” and other “mental and neurological symptoms.”
The RHOC mom of three shared that Luke had a severe case of strep throat in January. “The bacteria remains, and then it affects the brain. And the brain swells,” Emily explained. “So all of these symptoms are associated with strep throat. And there’s higher risk in kids that are on the spectrum.”
She continued, “Yeah, so he is going to have a laser treatment on his brain to reduce the swelling. He asked if the laser would hurt, and I said, ‘No, it won’t hurt.’” She added, “So he has to go five days in a row for like three hours, and it’s supposed to reduce the swelling.”
The RHOC star said, “I would’ve never known to have my child tested for PANDAS if it wasn’t for these moms that watch and reached out to me and told me.” However, Emily has also been targeted regarding her son’s ARFID diagnosis.
Reality Tea sends its best wishes to Luke during his health journey.
The Real Housewives of Orange County reunion continues on Thursdays at 8/7c on Bravo.
TELL US – ARE YOU SURPRISED BY LUKE’S DIAGNOSIS? ARE YOU GLAD THAT EMILY HAS SOME ANSWERS?
