Briana Culberson has come a long way since her lupus diagnosis. The Real Housewives of Orange County daughter publicly revealed her condition in 2016 after years of medical tests, surgeries, and unanswered questions. Briana admitted the diagnosis took a toll on her mental state, as she was plagued by uncertainty and doubts about her self-worth.
![Vicki Gunvalson's Daughter Briana Culberson Pregnant With Baby No. 4 | Us Weekly]()
Briana reflected on her health battle in a May 23 Instagram post that was equal parts heartwarming and inspirational. The Reel chronicled the various stages of her medical issues and how she was able to regain hope throughout the journey.
“Too many years of hating myself. Too many years of identifying with my illness,” she captioned the montage. “Too many years of feeling hopeless. Too many years of not wanting to wake up in the morning. Too many years of not being able to look myself in the mirror. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance and a new life filled with hope, and there’s no going backwards now!”
Briana Culberson shares a message to her younger self
The first half of the Reel included shots of Briana’s post-surgery bandages and scars, as well as a few photos of her lying in hospital beds. The second portion showed a much more lively Briana enjoying life with her husband, Ryan Culberson, and their four children, Troy, Owen, Hank, and Cora. The contrast further underscored Briana's resilience, inner strength, and overall evolution, something she wished her younger self could see.
“What I wish I could tell her… You’re gonna be ok,” she wrote in the video. “You are worthy. You ARE NOT broken. Your illness does not define you. Stop hating yourself. Stop hiding. You can heal. You can be happy. There is so much hope.”
Vicki Gunvalson praises Briana Culberson: "So proud of you!"
Briana’s mom, RHOC alum Vicki Gunvalson, took to the comments with supportive words.
“So proud of you ! And what an inspiration you are to SO many people – you are paying it forward,” Vicki wrote. “I love you so much and so proud of you.”
Briana shared the update nearly two months after celebrating her 38th birthday. Vicki marked the occasion with a lengthy Instagram tribute in which she applauded the former ER nurse for all that she does for others.
“You have continued to awe me and inspire so many others on your everything you do,” Vicki wrote in the April 7 post. “From being an incredible wife, mother. Entrepreneur, health coach, nurse, daughter, sister and friend to so many… you continue to make me SO happy for you as you are living your best life. I miss you daily and can’t wait to see you next week. You are loved!”
