Vicki Gunvalson walked into the RHOC Season 20 reunion with a lot more going on than nerves. The Real Housewives of Orange County star revealed that she had emergency knee surgery two days before taping. She shared the story on the October 6 episode of her podcast, My Friend, My Soulmate, My Podcast.
What Happened
Vicki had a knee replacement on September 11. Instead of getting better, she felt major pain. After an X-ray, her doctor called and told her to come back so he could replace the knee again, according to E! News. She said it was not her doctor’s mistake. In her account, her body may have been rejecting the knee, or there may have been infection around it.
Her boyfriend, Michael Smith, drove her six hours after work. They reached the hospital around 11 p.m. The second surgery took about four hours the next morning. “Major surgery again. It was emergency,” she said, according to Reality Blurb. She had very little time to rest before the reunion.
Filming the Reunion
Vicki said she was mentally ready but not physically ready. Production changed things to help her. She said the crew built a ramp to her makeup trailer, moved her around set in a wheelchair, and gave her slippers between takes. She also hired a surgical nurse to manage her medications. “Bravo was incredible,” she said. She added that she was glad to be there and that it should be a great reunion.
She also said Bravo asked her, with a joke, to space out her surgeries more. She laughed and said she does not usually have frequent surgeries.
What It Means for Season 21
Vicki also addressed the rumor that she will not return next season. She said there has been no conversation about next season right after the reunion. She said those decisions happen much later. That matches what she posted on Instagram earlier this month.
A Different Look at Season 20
Season 20 viewers criticized Vicki for seeming tired and disconnected. She has said before that she was exhausted from her schedule. This update adds a physical explanation for at least part of the reunion. It does not erase the criticism, and it is her own account. Still, it is a reminder that what looks like attitude on camera can be pain off camera.
Patricia covers the Kardashians, Real Housewives, The Traitors, and Below Deck. She specializes in breaking news and celebrity updates, from business ventures to on-screen drama. Patricia has covered reality TV and entertainment for three years.
