Theo Wargo/Getty ImagesWe're happy to report that Nene Leakes' health is steadily improving.
"I'm not 100 percent, but I'm trying to get there," The Real Housewives of Atlanta star tells me. "It's been tough, but I've been pretty strong. I'm coming back."
Leakes was hospitalized last month when doctors found she had blood clots in her lungs. "It takes about six weeks to really get back to feeling yourself, but I'm on blood thinners now," she said. "I would have to say I'm about 80 percent. I'm doing a lot better."
I caught up with Leakes at her Atlanta home while she was promoting the E! Entertainment Special: Nene Leakes, her in-depth interview with Giuliana Rancic airing tonight on E! at 10 p.m.
Leakes is getting ready for the holidays. She'll spend Christmas at home, but then she'll be in Las Vegas for New Year's with family and friends.
Leakes isn't worried about what Santa Claus is bringing her. "I'd like to find my dream home, but I'm sure it won't come by Christmas," she said with a laugh. "It's the only gift on my list. I'm going to have my dream home in Atlanta and then I will always have a condo in Los Angeles because I'm always there. I'm always working."
The Glee actress revealed on her blog that she found out about the blood clots when she went to the hospital because she "wasn't feeling well and was feeling a little short of breath."
"I'm thankful to be alive as the doctor advised me that most people don't recognize the symptoms of blood clots and don't go to the doctor and that's when the big problems start happening," she wrote, clarifying, "Contrary to published reports I did not have a heart attack."
She told me that husband Gregg Leakes has been "the best nurse."