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 numerous moments throughout his hospitalization, however his spouse Amy Askren mentioned that he was largely unconscious as medical doctors tried to save lots of his life. Finally, 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 way of my spouse’s journal as a result of I don’t keep in mind something from Could 28 to July 2,” Askren revealed in a video posted to Instagram. “No recollection. No thought. No thought what occurred. I simply learn by way of my spouse’s journals and it’s like a film. It’s ridiculous.”
Whereas his reminiscence is clearly foggy at greatest, Askren revealed that his coronary heart truly stopped a number of occasions as medical doctors battled to save lots of him.
He additionally misplaced an incredible quantity of weight whereas hospitalized earlier than finally getting the double lung transplant surgical procedure.
“I solely died 4 occasions the place the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds,” Askren mentioned. “That’s not ideally suited. However I obtained the double lung transplant. I made it out the opposite aspect of it. Gaining fairly a little bit of energy, studying to make use of the whole lot once more.
“I used to be truly on the dimensions 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 I haven’t been 147 kilos since I used to be 15 years outdated.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 keep 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 largest 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 mentioned. “It was nearly like I obtained to have my very own funeral. I nonetheless keep in mind 30 years in the past, Dave Schultz died, you’d take heed to all these older folks recollect, and the way a lot they loved him, how a lot they cherished him, and clearly he by no means obtained to listen to that. The outpouring of affection from the wrestling group is simply superb. It felt so good.
“I like you guys. I respect you guys. It’s been robust, not solely on me however my complete household and my shut group. I respect the whole lot.”
