Shaquille O’Neal Warned of Possible Death by Doctor for a Grave Disorder

Shaquille O’Neal is over 50 years old now. 7’1′ giant was particularly lauded for his fitness, despite his size and weight. Although his weight was not extreme because of his humongous height, still, for a guy of that size, Shaq was very fit.

However, after avoiding any major injuries and setbacks in his career, Shaq was diagnosed with a serious disease many years after he had retired. He was diagnosed with sleep apnea. 

Like everything else, Shaq has been very vocal about his disease as well. He makes sure to create awareness about sleep apnea too. Because, as it turns out, it can be a serious condition for many of its patients. Shaq once revealed how he got to know about the disorder and how stunned he was to know that it can be fatal.

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Why does Shaquille O’Neal have to sleep with a sleep machine?

Shaq, in conversation with Joe Holder of GQ, revealed that he had not gone to the doctor in about 11 years after he had retired. His doctor visits were regular in his playing days, but after retirement, he never felt the need to go to the doctor. However, it was good that he did because he got to know about his sleep apnea.

“So when I went back to the doctor, there was some stuff I never even knew. They give you those certain words: “Hey man, you got sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause hypertension or strokes, you could die.” I said, “What?” “You could die.” So now I’ve got to sleep with a sleep machine.” Shaq said in the interview.

Read more: The doctors’ scary advice that changed Shaq’s outlook at life.

“All those painkillers you were taking, bro? Your kidneys are kind of weak. No more painkillers. [Doctor said to him] I was dependent upon painkillers—not addicted. Certain days when I couldn’t move, I just popped one or two, just to get me going. But I’m off that now.”

“I had to really get checked out. When they hit you with that three-letter word that starts with D and ends with E, it changes stuff up.”

It really brings things into perspective when a person hears something so serious about one’s health. Shaq, who has always taken good care of himself, knew that this was something he had to be very serious about. He understands that he has to do whatever the doctors told. We all wish for good health and long life for the big man.