Former UFC welterweight and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren is currently navigating the demanding path of recovery after undergoing a double lung transplant. The life-saving procedure became necessary following a severe bout of pneumonia that left his lungs critically damaged.
Askren`s health took a drastic turn several weeks prior, leading to his hospitalization. Doctors placed him under sedation as they monitored his rapidly deteriorating condition. Despite medical efforts, his lungs were unable to properly oxygenate his blood, prompting physicians to evaluate him for a transplant as the only viable long-term solution for survival.
The complex surgery was successfully performed, and Askren is now focused squarely on the recovery process. He recently shared an update, indicating positive progress with the removal of some medical tubes and expressing hope for an eventual discharge from the hospital.
Reflecting on the past month, Askren noted the significant distance he has traveled since the initial discussions about a transplant evaluation began. His journey has been physically arduous, but his mental fortitude appears equally challenged and tested.
Amidst the intense physical recovery, Askren confronted a common, yet ultimately unproductive, internal struggle: self-pity. He admitted to a brief moment where he questioned the fairness of his situation – a lifelong non-smoker requiring a double lung transplant. It`s perhaps one of life`s less humorous ironies, delivering a severe pulmonary blow to someone who seemingly did everything right from a lung health perspective, while others who abuse their lungs might escape such a fate.
However, Askren quickly dismissed this line of thinking. Recognizing that dwelling on “why me?” or feeling bitter serves no positive purpose, he made a conscious decision to reject self-pity entirely. His focus remains firmly on the present and the challenging road ahead, emphasizing that anger or whining will not improve his condition or accelerate his healing.
His public stance is clear: “I will not feel sorry for myself.” This determination underscores his approach to recovery – facing the reality of his new circumstances head-on and dedicating his energy to getting better.
The typical recovery timeline for a double lung transplant patient involves an extended hospital stay, often two to three weeks post-surgery, for close monitoring to prevent infection or rejection of the new organs. Following discharge, patients gradually work towards resuming normal daily activities, a process that can take anywhere from three to six months. Askren is currently in the initial phase of this lengthy and critical recovery period.
As Askren continues his fight, his message of resilience resonates, offering a glimpse into the mindset required to overcome such a profound medical challenge. His focus remains on progress and emerging from this ordeal, embodying the spirit of perseverance familiar from his competitive career.
