Don Long, an IFBB pro bodybuilder, took to strength training because he desired to get a physique for his dancing tutorials. Years into lifting weights, he competed in his first event, the Mr. Pennsylvania Natural, in 1991. And within four years, Long became a pro bodybuilder. However, he skipped the 1996 Olympia with the thought of giving his best in upcoming events.

But in 1999, he ended up with dialysis sessions due to a hike in creatinine levels. Though he continued with his bodybuilding contests, he never won anyone of them. In his recent interview with Muscle and Fitness, Long opened up about how he was diagnosed with a kidney issue.

Don Long’s kidney issues led to dialysis in 1999

The latest version of The Menace Podcast with Dennis James has Don Long as the guest, where he discusses his bodybuilding career, health issues, and his meal prep business venture. “When did the issue start, so you had no indication of any issues until 99?” James asked the pro bodybuilder.

Taking his host and the audience back in time, Long narrated his health struggles during his prime. “By 99 is when I kind of noticed all of a sudden I had a cold for like two weeks, and I didn’t know why because I really didn’t catch colds at all,” he said. So he took a doctor’s appointment that led to a major revelation.

After checking his reports, the doctors said,” Look your creatinine is here, you’re gonna have to go to the emergency room now,” suggesting a high creatinine level with a lifted hand. However, not understanding the critical situation, Long denied dialysis till his sister pushed him to get it done after a couple of days.

The IFBB Pro underwent a kidney transplant later on

The problem became a concerning one, as Long, since his childhood, has had only one functional kidney. With age, the finely working kidney also started deteriorating due to high blood pressure. Though he got a kidney transplant in 2002, that procedure was unuseful, as he had to agin go on dialysis.

So, the dialysis saga of the bodybuilder continued for 11 years until he got his kidney transplant in 2010. During these strenuous years, Long still contested bodybuilding competitions.

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Don Long’s story is truly inspirational as it reflects how to find ways to follow passion despite obstacles. Now, the pro bodybuilder owns a meals prep business along with his wife, apart from being a coach. What are your thoughts on Long’s professional journey? Let us know in the comments

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