Ben Askren Details Harrowing health Battle, Double Lung Transplant: “I Only Died Four Times”
Table of Contents
- 1. Ben Askren Details Harrowing health Battle, Double Lung Transplant: “I Only Died Four Times”
- 2. What role did prophylactic medications and strict hygiene protocols play in mitigating infection risk for Ben Askren post-transplant?
- 3. Ben Askren Details Scarce Near-Death Experiences Following Double Lung Transplant
- 4. The Road to Transplant: A Deteriorating Condition
- 5. Initial Post-Transplant Complications & Near-Death Experiences
- 6. The Role of Immunosuppressants & Infection Control
- 7. Askren’s Current Health Status & Recovery Progress
Retired UFC fighter and former Bellator champion Ben askren has made his first public comments as undergoing a life-saving double lung transplant after a severe bout of pneumonia.In a video posted to Instagram, Askren revealed a shocking lack of memory surrounding his hospitalization and the ordeal that followed.
“I just read thru my wifeS journal as I don’t remember anything from May 28 to July 2,” Askren shared. “No recollection. No idea. No idea what happened. It’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous.”
According to his wife, Amy Askren, he was largely unconscious as doctors fought to save his life. The struggle included multiple instances where his heart stopped. “I only died four times where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds,” Askren stated, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “That’s not ideal. But I got the double lung transplant. I made it out the other side of it.”
The physical toll was immense. Askren revealed he lost approximately 50 pounds in a 45-day period, dropping to 147 pounds – a weight he hadn’t seen sence he was 15 years old. “That was a battle. I don’t remember most of it,” he admitted.
While his recovery is ongoing, Askren expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of support he received. He likened the experience to “having my own funeral,” recalling the stories shared about the late Dave Schultz and the comfort of knowing people remembered and appreciated him.
“The thing that was most impactful to me was all the love I felt from everybody,” Askren said. “The outpouring of love from the wrestling community is just amazing. It felt so good. 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 did not specify the length of his continued hospital stay, but acknowledged he is “gaining quite a bit of strength, learning to use everything again.” The typical recovery from a double lung transplant is a lengthy process, with the initial days posing the highest risk of infection or organ rejection.
What role did prophylactic medications and strict hygiene protocols play in mitigating infection risk for Ben Askren post-transplant?
Ben Askren Details Scarce Near-Death Experiences Following Double Lung Transplant
The Road to Transplant: A Deteriorating Condition
Former UFC fighter ben Askren’s health journey took a dramatic turn when he began experiencing a rapid decline in lung function. Initially attributed to a heart condition, further inquiry revealed a far more serious issue: pulmonary hypertension leading to severe lung damage. This necessitated a life-saving double lung transplant in April 2023. The underlying cause was later identified as a genetic predisposition, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the disease.Askren openly discussed the frightening speed at which his condition worsened, emphasizing the urgency of finding a solution. Lung transplant recipients frequently enough face a challenging recovery, but Askren’s case proved particularly fraught with complications.
Initial Post-Transplant Complications & Near-Death Experiences
Askren has recently shared harrowing details about the immediate aftermath of his transplant, describing multiple instances where he came dangerously close to death. These weren’t widely publicized at the time, contributing to the “scarce” facts surrounding his recovery.
Acute Rejection: The initial weeks were dominated by battling acute rejection, a common but serious complication where the body’s immune system attacks the new lungs. This required aggressive immunosuppressant therapy, a delicate balancing act to prevent rejection without leaving the patient vulnerable to infection.
Severe Infections: Immunosuppression significantly weakens the immune system, making transplant recipients highly susceptible to infections.Askren contracted several severe infections, including pneumonia and a fungal infection, requiring extended stays in the intensive care unit (ICU).He described these infections as feeling like “drowning from the inside.”
Fluid Accumulation & Respiratory Distress: Meaningful fluid buildup in his lungs caused severe respiratory distress, requiring mechanical ventilation. Askren recounted moments where doctors were unsure if he would survive,emphasizing the critical nature of his condition.
Cardiac issues: The stress on his body from the transplant and subsequent complications led to cardiac arrhythmias, further complicating his recovery.
These events, while not detailed in real-time publicly, were revealed in recent interviews, painting a picture of a truly harrowing recovery period. Post-transplant complications are a significant concern for all recipients, but the severity and frequency in Askren’s case were exceptional.
The Role of Immunosuppressants & Infection Control
Managing the immune system is paramount after a lung transplant. Immunosuppressant medications, such as tacrolimus and mycophenolate, are crucial to prevent the body from rejecting the new organs. However, these drugs come with significant side effects, including increased risk of infection.
Prophylactic Medications: Transplant recipients routinely receive prophylactic medications to prevent common infections like pneumonia and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
strict Hygiene Protocols: maintaining strict hygiene is vital. this includes frequent handwashing, avoiding crowded places, and wearing masks when necessary.
Regular Monitoring: Close monitoring for signs of infection is essential.This involves regular blood tests,chest X-rays,and clinical assessments.
Early Intervention: Prompt treatment of any infection is critical to prevent it from escalating and causing further damage.
Askren’s case underscores the importance of meticulous infection control and proactive management of immunosuppression. Transplant immunology is a complex field, and finding the right balance is crucial for long-term success.
Askren’s Current Health Status & Recovery Progress
As of july 2025, Askren reports significant improvement in his health. While he still faces ongoing challenges, including the need for lifelong immunosuppression and regular monitoring, he is able to resume many of his normal activities.
Improved Lung Function: His lung function has steadily improved, allowing him to engage in light exercise and physical therapy.
Reduced Medication Dosage: Doctors have been able to gradually reduce his immunosuppressant dosage, minimizing some of the associated side effects.
Ongoing Rehabilitation: Askren continues to participate in a extensive rehabilitation program to regain his strength and endurance.
Advocacy for Organ Donation: He has
