“Your Kidneys Are Kind of Weak”: Addicted to Painkillers, Shaquille O’Neal Was Warned of Possible Death by a Doctor

Shaquille O’Neal was not known for being the healthiest in his playing days. He had his share of fun and even during his playing days, never took much care of his fitness. It became an object of frustration for his coaches and fellow teammates like Kobe Bryant. Still, he turned up when the team needed him the most.

Now, he is healthy but does have his share of bad habits. He hadn’t been to the doctor for 11 years after his playing career got over. It led to some startling revelations for the ex-Lakers frontman. The doctor told that there is a possibility that he could die.

Shaq revealed that he had sleep apnea. The doctor warned him that it could lead to hypertension and stroke. Hence, he had to use a CPAC machine to help him sleep. The doctor also told him to avoid painkillers.

The doctor told him, “All those painkillers you were taking, bro? Your kidneys are kind of weak. No more painkillers.” Shaq said that he wasn’t addicted to it but popped one or two occasionally. That trip changed him a lot. The words “DIE” made him change his habits.

Shaquille O’Neal went through a weight crisis in 2020

This is not his first rodeo with his doctor. In 2020, when his sister Ayesha and his former teammate and friend Kobe Bryant passed away, it led to him having a very familiar coping mechanism; food. He had cookies, cakes, and late-night sandwich runs. It ballooned him up and his doctors had to warn him to eat healthier.

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The former Center decided to do just that. He got his habits in check and his diet now consists mainly of fruits, eggs, chicken, and fish. He works out regularly but has cut out running. That has indeed made him wonder how he was an athlete.

But he is now in a healthier and better place. He has his charity sneaker lines. Shaq is also involved with the Boys and Girls club and does great work with them. He has recently opened a new court in his hometown of Brooklyn.

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Shaquille O’Neal has not stopped dominating. But unlike his days on the court, today he is dominating people’s hearts with his generous acts and wise words.

What do you think of Shaq’s once state? Discuss in the comments below.