Kim Zolciak to Undergo Another "Procedure" After Mini Stroke, DWTS' Tony Dovolani Calls Her a "Fighter"

The Don't Be Tardy star and Dancing With the Stars contestant was hospitalized this week for a Transient Ischemic Attack

By Corinne Heller Sep 25, 2015 4:26 PMTags
Kim Zolciak, HospitalInstagram

Kim Zolciak is not out of the woods yet after her mini stroke.

The 37-year-old Don't Be Tardy star and mother of six, who is currently competing on Dancing With the Stars, had revealed on Thursday she had suffered a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) hours after a flight and shared an Instagram pic of herself lying in a hospital bed. On Friday, she posted a similar pic.

"Going in for one more procedure, things are looking up!" she wrote. "Don't let the oxygen scare you its just protocol."

"I wanted THANK all of you for the love!" she added. " I feel so overwhelmed with all the texts, comments etc. I'm so grateful to have all of you! #TheyDontCallMeToughieForNothing."

It is unclear how Zolciak's health scare will affect her run on Dancing With the Stars, which recently began its 21st season. The ABC network has not commented.

Her dance partner, Tony Dovolani, issued a statement on Friday.

"After spending only a few weeks with Kim, it is evident of how much of a fighter she is," he said. "Her humor and positivity are still shining through, and it's amazing to see the love and support of her family. We are hoping for a speedy recovery."

Zolciak had on Thursday posted a photo of the pro dancer on Instagram, along with a sweet message.

"This guy @tonydovolani has been by my side for 2 days!" Zolciak wrote. "He even brings me my favorite coffee. Although he is always dancing around the room lol he keeps me smiling! So blessed to be surrounded by such great people. Want to go home so bad! Hopefully tomorrow! #GoingStirCrazy #BlessingInDisguse."

Her husband, Atlanta Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann, 30, was shown comforting Zolciak by her hospital bedside in another Instagram photo she posted on Thursday.

It is unclear if he will play in his team's game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

All that matters... FAMILY ?? pic taken last night by @briellebiermann

A photo posted by Kim Zolciak-Biermann (@kimzolciakbiermann) on

A TIA, or mini stroke, lasts several minutes and occurs after the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted briefly. One third of victims are likely to suffer a stroke in the future, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Treatment for TIAs is aimed at preventing this and may include taking medication, such as aspirin, or having surgery to reopen narrow arteries.

Zolciak had said that when he had a TIA, she felt numb on one side of her body and lost the ability to speak. Other symptoms of a mini stroke include numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, trouble seeing in one or both eyes and difficulty with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.

—Reporting by Beth Sobol

Watch: Bindi Irwin Sends Well Wishes to Kim Zolciak-Biermann