There have been some new developments in Emily Simpson’s son Luke’s health journey, since viewers last saw her on The Real Housewives of Orange County. In a new preview from the RHOC Season 20 premiere (airing Thursday, July 9, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo and streaming next day on Peacock), Emily updates castmate Jennifer Pedranti on what’s been happening in her 10-year-old’s life.
How to Watch
The Real Housewives of Orange County premieres Thursday, July 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo. Episodes stream next day on Peacock.
After noting in the above clip that her son Keller is “doing great,” Emily admits that she and husband Shane Simpson “still deal with a lot” when it comes to Luke. She further shares that she recently took Luke to see a medical expert on PANDAS, which stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections.
“So he’s on medication right now,” Emily tells Jenn. “But it’s hard to get him to take the medication because he has an eating disorder.”
RELATED: Emily Simpson Gives a Shocking New Update on Luke’s Health: “I Would’ve Never Known”
In a confessional, Emily elaborates to a producer, “We did try a laser treatment on Luke’s brain. It’s supposed to reduce the swelling. I don’t think it was all that helpful. But the thing that I noticed that changed his behavior the most was putting him into a different school. Because that was a big stressor, was him not being able to function within a classroom.”
Back at her dinner with Jenn, who details her own recent issue involving her 16-year-old son, Greyson, Emily adds, “I remember thinking, like when the kids were little, how difficult it was, because it’s like, they’re crying. And that was easy.”
What was Emily Simpson’s son Luke diagnosed with?
Emily previously shared during RHOC Season 19 that Luke was diagnosed with ARFID, which stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, amid other “evolving” diagnoses, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia. At the reunion, Emily said that Luke had also received an additional PANDAS syndrome diagnosis, which she described as being “associated with strep throat” and occurs when remaining bacteria from the infection causes the brain to swell.
How Emily Simpson’s children inspired her health journey
Earlier in the above clip from RHOC‘s milestone 20th season, Emily orders only “a bowl of chicken,” prompting Jenn to ask, “Is this what’s happening with you now? Is this how you look like you look?” Emily goes on to say that she does “need a margarita” as well, however.
“When I was dealing with everything that was going on with Luke, I wasn’t taking care of myself,” Emily, who’s also mom to 13-year-old Annabelle, explains to a producer. “And I can’t be the best mom and wife that I need to be when I’m not feeling good and healthy.”
She continues, “So, I lost a lot of weight. I’ve been in the gym like seven days a week, because I use the gym as therapy.”
RELATED: Meet the RHOC Season 20 Cast (Official Bios and Photos)
What to expect from Emily Simpson on RHOC Season 20
All of the above will factor into Emily’s storylines throughout RHOC Season 20. As her official bio teased, “After an emotional year with her family, Emily Simpson is focusing on her health as she turns 50. Treating self-care as a priority has led her to be a better friend, mother, and wife, but it’s not always easy. As Emily and Shane continue to navigate the complexities of raising their family, Shane makes career and parental sacrifices that strain their marriage. Emily has a revelation about her friendship with Heather [Dubrow] but finds a midwestern kinship with new girl Carmella [Garcia].”
As you await the premiere, find out everything to know about how to watch RHOC Season 20.
