Ben Askren underwent a double lung transplant after suddenly developing severe pneumonia that nearly cost him his life multiple times. The former UFC fighter revealed shocking details about his health crisis from his hospital bed in a video that has since gone viral.
"I've been through the worst... I don't remember anything from May 28 to July 2, I have no memories or any idea of anything that happened... I practically died four times, my heart stopped for like 20 seconds, but I already had my double lung transplant," Askren explained.
The 39-year-old has lost a staggering 23 kilograms during his ordeal, bringing his weight down to just 66 kg – something he hasn't experienced since he was 15 years old. Askren described the physical toll as particularly challenging.
"What has impacted me the most is my body and that I can't even eat by myself... it has been terrible, but now I feel incredible, I feel good, I want to go back to what I was before," he added.
Interestingly, Askren initially struggled with feelings of injustice about his situation, especially given his athletic lifestyle. He emphasized that he "never smoked a cigarette" and "never smoked marijuana" throughout his life.
"I never did anything. Why did they steal my lungs? Why doesn't this happen to someone who smokes? Then I realized... it happened," he stated with remarkable self-awareness.
Despite the trauma, the fighter now refuses to wallow in self-pity. "I can be bitter and angry, I could complain and cry, but that's not going to help anyone," he shared in his latest update.
The road to recovery will undoubtedly be long and challenging. Can Askren, known for his toughness in the octagon, fight his way back to full health after literally coming back "from the beyond"?
