Ben Askren made his first public feedback on Wednesday following double lung transplant surgical procedure after he was initially hospitalized with extreme pneumonia.
The retired UFC fighter and former Bellator champion was awake at varied moments throughout his hospitalization, however his spouse Amy Askren stated that he was largely unconscious as docs tried to avoid wasting his life. In the end, Askren acquired the double lung transplant he wanted and now he’s awake and responsive once more and addressing his well being publicly for the primary time.
“I simply learn by means of my spouse’s journal as a result of I don’t bear in mind something from Might 28 to July 2,” Askren revealed in a video posted to Instagram. “No recollection. No thought. No thought what occurred. I simply learn by means of my spouse’s journals and it’s like a film. It’s ridiculous.”
Whereas his reminiscence is clearly foggy at finest, Askren revealed that his coronary heart truly stopped a number of instances as docs battled to avoid wasting him.
He additionally misplaced an amazing quantity of weight whereas hospitalized earlier than ultimately getting the double lung transplant surgical procedure.
“I solely died 4 instances the place the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds,” Askren stated. “That’s not preferrred. However I obtained the double lung transplant. I made it out the opposite aspect of it. Gaining fairly a little bit of power, studying to make use of all the things once more.
“I used to be truly on the size yesterday — 147 kilos. I haven’t been 147 kilos since I used to be 15 years outdated. In order that’s like 50 kilos [lost] in a 45-day interval. That was a battle. I don’t bear in mind most of it.”
Askren’s restoration continues to be underway and he didn’t reveal how lengthy he must stay within the hospital following his lung transplant surgical procedure. Typical restoration takes months however the greatest hazard comes within the first few days after surgical procedure the place sufferers are on the threat of an infection or rejection.
The veteran fighter and 2008 Olympic wrestler additionally addressed the quite a few messages and outpouring of assist he acquired whereas hospitalized.
“The factor that was most impactful to me was all of the love I felt from everyone,” Askren stated. “It was virtually like I obtained to have my very own funeral. I nonetheless bear in mind 30 years in the past, Dave Schultz died, you’d hearken to all these older individuals recollect, and the way a lot they loved him, how a lot they beloved him, and clearly he by no means obtained to listen to that. The outpouring of affection from the wrestling neighborhood is simply wonderful. It felt so good.
“I really like you guys. I recognize you guys. It’s been robust, not solely on me however my complete household and my shut neighborhood. I recognize all the things.”
