“This Is Terrifying”: Bodybuilding World Devastated by 57-Year-Old Legend’s Emotional Confession of Traumatic Medical Experience

Flex Wheeler is a legend in the world of bodybuilding. A prolific competitor in the 90s, Wheeler earned the nickname ‘Sultan of Symmetry’ because his proportions and symmetry stood out in the crowd of mass monsters. The four-time Arnold Classic winner also became a three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up, once against Dorian Yates and twice against Ronnie Coleman. However, the bodybuilding legend has battled health problems since the late 90s. After retiring in the early 2000s, Wheeler has endured over 40 surgeries.

However, in his latest Instagram video, the 57-year-old bodybuilder made an emotional confession to his Instagram followers. Flex Wheeler revealed he has been battling the traumatic side effects of pain medicine for the last two months. Besides talking about the severe side effects of the medication, Wheeler also had a word of advice for his followers.

Flex Wheeler recounted the terrifying side effects of Amitriptyline

The bodybuilding legend began the video by saying he has to deal with constant phantom pains in his amputated leg. Wheeler revealed his doctors had been “diligently” searching for a drug that provides long-term relief with minimal side effects. About three months ago, his doctors prescribed “this new drug, and they started me on it. It’s called Amitriptyline,” said Wheeler.

However, instead of helping, the drug made the former Arnold Classic champion’s life a “living hell.” Wheeler said he began getting intense tremors in his extremities. He also started getting suicidal thoughts and had trouble with memory. Wheeler confessed he made the mistake of not asking the doctor about the side effects of the drug before he started taking it.

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After some research, the five-time Ironman Pro winner found his symptoms matched the side effects caused by Amitriptyline. Throughout the video, Wheeler was on the verge of tears. However, he didn’t forget to provide a detailed list of all the side effects of the drug. He also advised his followers to ask questions before hopping on medication.

The bodybuilding world showed love to Flex Wheeler

After hearing about the upsetting health update, everyone from professional bodybuilders like Keone Pearson to fans of the legend showed their love:

“Love you man.”

“Praying daily for you Flex!! You’re an inspiration to so many!! Be blessed brother.”

“Stay strong Flex! Praying for you champ.”

“You’re our hero, please keep fighting. I will keep praying for you. We got this.”

“Amitriptyline is not new, it was developed as an antidepressant (it’s sh** at that) now used as a nerve blocker (pain relief) it’s sh** at that too.”

“Da**, man! This pissed me off! Me and my wife was just speaking on this subject of doctors giving out medicine that cause more damage than the actual problem you’re having. Smh.”

“This is terrifying! Sorry, you have to deal with all of this.”

“You are so right. We MUST be our own best advocates!”

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While Flex Wheeler didn’t end the video on a positive note, he wrote in the comments section about never giving up.