Dr. Sandra Lee, widely known as Dr. Pimple Popper, has candidly shared her experience of suffering a stroke in the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges she faced during this difficult time. The 55-year-old dermatologist spoke about how the stroke occurred shortly after she and her husband, Dr. Jeffrey Rebish, embraced their new lives as empty nesters.
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Reflecting on the timing of the medical emergency, Lee remarked, “Maybe it’s actually good that it happened then.” This sentiment came as she was transitioning into a phase where her children had left for college, prompting her to re-evaluate her priorities and focus on self-care and family.
Lee’s stroke happened on November 20 while filming for her show. She described the incident as a wake-up call, saying, “It helped remind me like, ‘Look, I’ve got to take better care of myself and I really have to enjoy the time with my family and my friends’.” The experience has led her to appreciate the value of life even more deeply.
The couple, who have recently moved into a new home in Los Angeles, encountered a series of upheavals, including the fear of wildfires. “It was night time and they said ‘get out,’” she recounted, illustrating the harrowing experience when flames came perilously close to their home. This sense of uncertainty was compounded a few months later with her health crisis.
Following the stroke, Lee underwent extensive physical and occupational therapy, which has contributed to her recovery. She described how the incident initially left her feeling more vulnerable and concerned about her long-term future, particularly regarding her children. “It’s the first time in my life that I’ve thought, ‘You have kids, are you going to be here for them? Are you going to live to see your grandkids?’”
Despite these challenges, Lee has approached her recovery with optimism, choosing to engage in new activities that promote her rehabilitation, such as pickleball and golf. She has even returned to playing classical guitar, a hobby she hopes will aid her physical recovery. “The whole stroke has sort of weakened my body… but I’m learning to adapt,” she explained.
The stroke experience has also had an impact on Dr. Rebish and their marriage. Lee noted that coping with the changes in their lives and their new home has strengthened their bond. “Being in a new house by ourselves, it’s brought us together and made us rely on each other more,” she said. This transition, she noted, has sparked reflections on the various dynamics of couples and their relationships.
As they adjust to this new phase of their lives, Lee expressed a mix of excitement and uncertainty about their evolving relationship. “It’s just interesting to see how you get into this transition now where you look at each other and you’re like, ‘Okay, well, now let’s see if we get along and we can hang out.’”
In summary, Dr. Sandra Lee’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of health and the importance of cherishing time with loved ones. Through her personal narrative, she encourages others to reflect on their well-being and relationships, especially in times of change.
For further insights into Dr. Lee’s health journey and her reflections on life after her stroke, readers can check out the latest issue of PEOPLE, which is currently available.