Ben Askren, the former UFC and Olympic wrestling standout known for his grounded, no-nonsense approach, is currently facing perhaps his most significant challenge yet: recovering from a double lung transplant. While navigating the complex medical aftermath of such a procedure, Askren maintains a characteristic refusal to succumb to self-pity, focusing instead on the pragmatic path forward.
The journey to this point began several weeks ago when a severe case of pneumonia led to a critical health state. Hospitalized and sedated, Askren`s condition required constant monitoring. As his lungs struggled to effectively oxygenate his blood, doctors began the evaluation that ultimately determined a double lung transplant was the necessary course of action for survival and future health.
Undergoing the significant surgery, Askren is now in the recovery phase, reflecting on the rapid and serious turn his health took. He recently shared an update, noting progress such as the removal of medical tubes, signifying steps toward discharge. “Everything is going pretty well,” he commented, observing the distance traveled since the critical period just a month prior when transplant evaluation was initiated.
Despite the life-altering nature of replacing both lungs, Askren`s dominant public sentiment remains one of resilience. He openly admits to a brief, singular moment of self-pity—a natural human reaction perhaps—but quickly dismissed it with stark technical logic. He recounted questioning why this happened to him, a non-smoker, contrasting it with hypothetical scenarios involving habitual smokers. This observation, while perhaps carrying a faint undertone of biological unfairness, was immediately processed and discarded based on a simple, practical assessment: dwelling on the `why` or being bitter doesn`t change the current state or assist in recovery.
“I thought man, I never smoked one cigarette… Why did my lungs get stolen from me?” Askren reflected on that fleeting thought. But the pragmatic conclusion quickly followed: “Then I realized, it happened. It`s over. It`s done with… That’s not going to help anybody.” This mindset, stripped of emotional excess and focused solely on the effective path forward, is quintessentially Askren.
The road to full recovery following a double lung transplant is substantial. Patients typically remain hospitalized for two to three weeks post-surgery to monitor for complications like infection or organ rejection. A return to most normal daily activities is generally expected within three to six months, assuming a smooth recovery process.
Ben Askren`s current situation is a stark reminder of how unforeseen health crises can impact anyone, regardless of lifestyle or physical condition. Yet, his public posture offers a lesson in mental fortitude: even when faced with a dramatic physical setback, maintaining a forward-looking, practical mindset focused on the process of healing is paramount. As he works towards leaving the hospital, Askren`s resolve remains unwavering: “I will not feel sorry for myself. I’m going to get out of here pretty soon.”
