Didn’t Think He Would “Live Past His 20s,” 57-YO Bodybuilding Legend Recounts Worst Hospital Experience After Battling Hundreds of Surgeries

Demonstrating the unwavering strength of the human spirit, bodybuilding icon Flex Wheeler has overcome incredible challenges and embarked on an extraordinary journey of survival. Confronting life-threatening health issues and making a motivational return, his story shines as a guiding light of hope and persistence for countless individuals worldwide.

In a recent Instagram video, the Sultan of Symmetry opened up about his nightmarish hospital experience, shedding light on his challenges during his numerous surgeries. The 57-year-old icon, known for his incredible physique and indomitable spirit, shared the harrowing details of his time in the hospital during a podcast interview.

Flex Wheeler’s harrowing experience in the hospital

During the podcast, the 4x Arnold Classic champ reflected on his perspective of life, stating, “I lived like I wasn’t here for long.” Wheeler’s sobering reflection on his life took center stage during the podcast. The bodybuilding icon shared, “When I turned 57, I didn’t think I would make it out of my 20s.” He spoke candidly about the financial toll his health battles had taken, confessing, “I spent money and burned through everything.”

As doctors acknowledged the retired bodybuilder’s extensive surgical history, they commended his strong heart, which had withstood the stress of countless procedures. Despite asserting that he never experienced heart issues, the former IFBB pro remarked, “They’ve always said Geez you know Flex You’ve been in hundreds of surgeries thank God your heart is so strong.”

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The uncrowned Mr. Olympia revealed that unfortunately, his heart had exhibited some concerning behavior during his hospitalization, with it acting up eight times consecutively. The doctors admitted that if his heart had faltered any further, Wheeler might not have been able to have the conversation they were having at that moment. “worse than that we wouldn’t be talking to you Flex.” In addition, the veteran mentioned, “It was horrible.”

A testament to human determination and inner strength

In 2003, Kenneth Flex Wheeler stepped away from professional bodybuilding due to chronic kidney disease and other associated complications. This news was a shock to his numerous fans and admirers around the globe.

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Furthermore, in 2019, Wheeler underwent urgent surgery to amputate a portion of his right leg as a result of a severe infection. This event was a crushing setback for the man who had once been a dominant figure on the bodybuilding stage. Doctors presented him with a bleak prognosis, leading many to question if he could ever bounce back from such a distressing situation.

Flex Wheeler’s survival journey demonstrates the strength of human determination, and undoubtedly, his story will keep inspiring people for generations to come.

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