NeNe Leakes Talks Blood Clot Scare: 'Pain got Worse and Worse'
"Real Housewives of Atlanta" star NeNe Leakes recently opened up about her health scare during an appearance on "The Dr. Oz" show.
The reality TV star, 45, suffered a blood clot scare in November and she is speaking out about her experience in a bid to help others in recognizing similar symptoms. Leakes began experiencing tremendous pain which prompted her to visit the emergency room, according to SheKnows.com.
"I just had this pain. It got worse and worse, and finally I said, 'I have to go to the emergency room,'" Leakes told d by Mehmet Oz – otherwise known as Dr. Oz.
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At the time of Leakes' health scare, reports claimed the "Glee" actress had suffered a heart attack however this is said to be false. Leakes confirmed that she actually suffered from multiple blood clots and a partially collapsed lung.
The former "New Normal" star took to social networking site Twitter after the show to thank Dr. Oz for his advice. He advised Leakes that she was lucky to be alive as she could have died from pulmonary embolism, which occurs when there is a blockage in the main artery of the lung.
"Love you @DrOz (AKA Smartie Pants)! Had so much fun on the show and learned so much," Leakes tweeted.
Leakes, born Linnethia Monique Johnson, had a busy year in 2013 as the Bravo TV star remarried her husband Gregg in between filming for at least three different shows. Her busy work load appears to be paying off as reports claim the veteran "housewife" is among the highest paid on the hit reality show.
"NeNe [Leakes], Kim [Zolciak] and Kandi [Burruss] make $800,000 a season but they can make more for doing certain special things, like Kim taking off her wig," a source previously told Us magazine in season five with reference to Leakes' costar Kandi Burruss and recurring housewife Kim Zolciak.
"Phaedra and Porsha make $50,000 per season," the source added.
Season five addition Kenya Moore reportedly earns $600,000 per season in addition to a reunion show bonus and other benefits. Cynthia Bailey, who was in Leakes' bridal party, is believed to earn the same salary as Parks and Stewart which ultimately makes the trio the show's lowest earners.
In July Leakes reportedly signed a $1 million contract ahead of season six, after producers agreed to give her a pay increase.
"NeNe is the one viewers watch. She knows that, Bravo knows that and that's why they gave her a raise," a source close to production told RadarOnline.com.
"She likes being on the show. NeNe is really happy with the New Normal and Glee, where she can be a real actress, but she knows her bread and butter comes from Bravo and that's why she's coming back, 'cause she can't turn the money down!" the source explained.
