Ben Askren: Update After Lung Transplant – “Only Died Four Times
Ben Askren Reveals Harrowing Details of Double Lung Transplant, Near-Death Experience
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Retired UFC fighter and former bellator champion Ben Askren has publicly addressed his recent health crisis for the frist time, detailing a harrowing battle with pneumonia that ultimately required a double lung transplant. In a video posted to Instagram,Askren recounted a period of unconsciousness and a near-death experience,expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support he received.
A Brush with Death: Askren’s Pneumonia and the Need for a Transplant
Askren was initially hospitalized with severe pneumonia, a condition that rapidly deteriorated. His wife, Amy Askren, kept a journal during his ordeal, documenting a period from May 28th to July 2nd that Askren himself has no memory of.
“I just read through my wife’s journal becuase I don’t remember anything from may 28 to July 2,” Askren revealed. “No recollection. No idea. No idea what happened. I just read through my wife’s journals and it’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous.”
The situation became critical, with Askren’s heart stopping on multiple occasions as doctors fought to keep him alive. The severity of his condition necessitated a double lung transplant, a life-saving procedure that offered a path to recovery.
“I Only Died Four Times…” Askren Details His Ordeal
Askren’s account of his hospitalization is stark. He revealed the shocking detail that his heart stopped four times during the medical intervention.”I only died four times where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds,” Askren saeid. “That’s not ideal. But I got the double lung transplant. I made it out the other side of it. Gaining quite a bit of strength, learning to use everything again.”
The physical toll was immense. Askren reported a dramatic weight loss, dropping to 147 pounds – a weight he hadn’t seen sence he was 15 years old – losing 50 pounds in just 45 days. “That was a battle. I don’t remember most of it,” he admitted.
Recovery and the Power of Support
Askren’s recovery is ongoing, and the length of his hospital stay remains uncertain. While typical recovery from a lung transplant takes months, the initial post-operative period carries the highest risk of infection and organ rejection.
Beyond the physical challenges, Askren was deeply moved by the outpouring of support he received during his hospitalization. He described it as feeling like attending his own funeral, witnessing the impact he had on others.
“The thing that was most impactful to me was all the love I felt from everybody,” Askren said. “It was almost like I got to have my own funeral. I still remember 30 years ago, Dave schultz died, you would listen to all these older people recollect, and how much they enjoyed him, how much they loved him, and obviously he never got to hear that. The outpouring of love from the wrestling community is just amazing.It felt so good.”
He extended his gratitude to his fans, family, and close community, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation for everyone involved. “I love you guys. I appreciate you guys. It’s been tough, not only on me but my whole family and my close community. I appreciate everything.”
Askren’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community support in the face of adversity. His journey to recovery continues,and he remains grateful for the second chance he’s been given.