A moment that began like any other day at work quickly turned into something far more serious for Sandra Lee, who is now opening up about a life-altering health scare.
In an interview with People magazine, the former TLC star and dermatologist behind “Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out” revealed she suffered a stroke in November while filming, an experience that shifted how she views her health and her own sense of resilience.
Originally a breakout hit on TLC, “Dr. Pimple Popper” has since expanded with newer seasons and spinoffs, including recent episodes airing on Lifetime.
‘I Don’t Speak Exactly the Way I Used To’
Getty“It is very stressful to open yourself up,” she told People. “Especially as a surgeon, you always want to show yourself coming from an area of strength.”
Months later, speaking from her Los Angeles home, Lee said she continues is notice small but meaningful changes as she recovers.
“I notice it right now that I don’t speak exactly the way I used to,” she said. “You’re really embarrassed to speak because you notice it.”
The first signs came without warning during a routine day of filming at her California practice.
“It happened while I was filming the show,” she recalled. “I had what I thought was a hot flash. I got super sweaty and didn’t feel like myself.”
As the hours passed, the symptoms grew more concerning. She described feeling restless, experiencing sharp pain in her leg, and struggling with basic movement.
“I noticed that I had a tough time articulating and just enunciating. I thought, ‘Am I having a stroke?’ ”
A Frightening Diagnosis and the Road to Recovery
After seeking medical attention, Lee learned she had experienced an ischemic stroke, a moment she said felt almost impossible to process.
(According to the Cleveland Clinic, an ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. It is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening, and immediate care is critical. Faster treatment can significantly improve the chances of survival.)
“It was just a shock,” she said. “As a physician, I couldn’t deny that I had slurred speech, that I was having weakness on one side, but I was like, ‘Well, this is a dream, right?’ ”
“What essentially happened,” she added, “is I had a part of my brain that died.”
In the weeks that followed, Lee stepped away from filming and focused fully on her recovery, committing to physical and occupational therapy to rebuild her strength and coordination.
“I don’t like that I don’t have total control of my left hand, or the grip wasn’t as strong. If I feel like I’m not at my best—it’s very scary.”
Even so, her doctors say she has made encouraging progress, a sign of how far she has come since that frightening day.
Finding Perspective and Encouraging Others to Seek Help
GettyIn the months since, Lee said the experience has given her a new perspective on her health and the importance of slowing down.
“My blood pressure and my cholesterol were not under control, and I have a lot of stress in my life,” she told People. “I want to think about it as a blessing in disguise. Because it reminds you to take better care of yourself.”
Stepping back into her routine was not easy, and she admitted the memory of what happened still lingers.
“It was very scary for me,” she said. “There’s a lot of PTSD because it happened while I was filming the show.”
With time and the support of those around her, Lee said she has gradually rebuilt her confidence and found comfort in returning to the work she loves.
“Thankfully I’m pretty much back to normal. . . . It really makes you realize how precious life is.”
She added, “I want to get the word out that if you have symptoms as I had, make sure you see your doctor. Take care of yourself.”
As she continues her recovery at home, Lee hopes her story encourages others to pay attention to their health and seek help when something feels wrong.
For more on Sandra Lee’s experience and recovery, read her full interview with People here.
