In a startling revelation, a beloved figure from RuPaul’s Drag Race has opened up about a serious injury she sustained from an unexpected fall at home.
Tempest DuJour, whose real name is Patrick Holt, shared her harrowing experience on social media, describing it as a “gruesome” incident that unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The Fainting Incident
Around 3 a.m. on Sunday, Tempest got out of bed only to faint and collide with the corner of her dresser.
“I fainted, hitting the corner of my dresser,” she explained.
When she finally got to the hospital, she had to endure a five-hour ordeal to have her bottom lip reattached.
“Ugh,” she added, clearly still shaken by the experience.
The photos she posted show the aftermath, revealing a heavily bleeding cut and stitches on her lip.
Seeking Support
While Tempest didn’t disclose the exact cause of her fainting spell, she mentioned in her Instagram post that she likely stood up too quickly after a deep sleep.
“My husband heard the fall and found me pretty quickly,” she said, indicating that he was her immediate support.
She also updated Michelle Visage, a judge from the show, who reached out to check on her, sharing that she was experiencing “lots of pain and swelling.”
Tempest expressed her embarrassment about the situation and mentioned that she would be seeing a plastic surgeon soon.
Understanding Fainting
Fainting is more common than many realize, with over 200,000 people hospitalized each year due to sudden blackouts.
Often, it’s attributed to low blood pressure caused by standing up too quickly.
This can reduce blood flow and, consequently, the oxygen supply to the brain.
Other reasons for fainting can include low blood sugar from hunger or more serious underlying health issues, such as cardiac problems.
Conditions like arrhythmia, where the heart beats irregularly, can also lead to temporary loss of consciousness, known as syncope.
Additionally, orthostatic intolerance, which affects the autonomic nervous system, can disrupt normal blood flow when changing positions.
Health Tips for Fainting
Interestingly, this condition is four times more prevalent in women, particularly around menopause or during their menstrual cycle, possibly due to hormonal factors.
The NHS advises that if you feel faint, it’s best to lie down with your legs elevated.
If lying down isn’t possible, sitting with your head between your knees can help.
Staying hydrated and having a light snack, while taking deep breaths, may also be beneficial.
Tempest’s Journey on Drag Race
Tempest DuJour is no stranger to the spotlight, having competed in season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2015.
Although she was eliminated in the first episode, she made a comeback in seasons 10 and 14, continuing to engage and inspire her fans.
As she navigates her recovery, her followers are rallying behind her, eager to see her return to form.
What’s next for this drag legend? We’ll be keeping an eye on her journey!